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Easy Candy Carnival Caramel Apples

Candy Carnival Caramel Apples

Create magical Candy Carnival Caramel Apples with this easy recipe featuring Granny Smith apples dipped in homemade caramel and colorful carnival sprinkles. Perfect festive treat!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 apples
Calories 380 kcal

Equipment

  • mixing bowl
  • knife
  • measuring spoons
  • wooden spoon
  • heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • candy thermometer
  • baking sheet
  • parchment paper
  • cutting board
  • measuring cups

Ingredients
  

Apples & Sticks

  • 6 medium Granny Smith apples
  • 6 wooden craft sticks

Caramel

  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp salt

Coating

  • 1 cup assorted carnival candy sprinkles

Instructions
 

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the apples, then insert one wooden craft stick firmly into the stem end of each apple until secure. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
  • Combine 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/2 cup light corn syrup, and 1/4 cup unsalted butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the butter melts and the mixture comes to a boil.
  • Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook without stirring until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which should take about 12-15 minutes. The caramel will turn a light golden color and bubble vigorously.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1/2 teaspoon salt using a long-handled spoon. The mixture will bubble vigorously when adding the cream.
  • Working quickly but carefully, tilt the saucepan and dip each apple into the hot caramel, rotating to coat completely. Allow excess caramel to drip back into the pan before transferring to the prepared baking sheet.
  • Immediately roll the caramel-coated apples in 1 cup assorted carnival candy sprinkles while the caramel is still warm and sticky. Let cool completely at room temperature for about 1 hour until the caramel hardens.

Notes

Let the caramel-coated apples cool completely at room temperature for the caramel to harden properly.
Keyword candy, caramel apples, festive treat