WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

Today started with a great debate: homemade hand sanitizer or caramel apples. A decision had to be made. Sugar or germs?

So maybe the choice wasn’t that difficult after all. First, apples. Then, germs. Sound fair? I think so.

Before we proceed, I need to warn you. This recipe is a bit out the ordinary for Live Simply due to its high sugar content. The fact is, you simply can’t make a good homemade caramel without pure sugar. In fact, the very essence of caramel is sugar. So, here’s your warning: if you’re afraid of sugar, this recipe is not for you. If you’re looking for a real food version of homemade caramel that doesn’t require store-bought candies, this recipe is exactly what you’re looking for. Let’s proceed.

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

Homemade caramel apples are a simple treat that must be made at least once each fall, a treat that’s just as much about the process and memories as the sweet indulgence that follows.

First, comes the caramel. Butter, sucanat, honey, and cream are melted together and stirred, turning into a rich golden caramel that tantalizes the senses. Patience and frequent stirring are required, but I promise the entire fifteen minutes spent making homemade caramel is well worth the labor.

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

Then, it’s time for crisp, sour apples. I prefer a few Granny Smiths, but the actual kind of apple is up to you and your apple preference.

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

With apples and caramel, memories can be made. Apples are dunked. Caramel droppings are stolen. Sticky little hands are licked. Apples are shared. Slice a caramel apple and enjoy a sliver at a time or enjoy a whole treat on a stick.

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)Homemade caramel apples represent everything fall is about: family, memories, traditions, and homemade treats that only come around once a year. So indulge in a little sugary goodness, maybe just a small slice, and embrace the memories and sticky fingers. Homemade hand soap awaits around the corner, now is the time for memories and a bit of sugar!

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

homemade real food caramel apples
5 from 2 votes

Homemade Caramel Apples

Homemade caramel apples are a simple treat that must be made at least once each fall, a treat that’s just as much about the process and memories as the sweet indulgence that follows.
Kristin Marr
Prep Time35 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Candied Apples
Calories 631 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup sucanat
  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut cream, skim from the top of a can of coconut milk
  • 4 TB butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 6 apples I prefer sour apples
  • 6 lollipop sticks

Toppings of choice:

Instructions

  • In a large saucepan, over medium-high heat, bring the sucanat, honey, cream, and butter to a boil, stirring frequently. Continue to stir the caramel as it cooks (it will produce large bubbles) for 15 minutes. Don't reduce the cooking time, this is the trick to creating a sticky caramel.
  • Turn off the heat and add the vanilla extract. The caramel will bubble as the alcohol reduces. This is a normal reaction. Allow the caramel to cool for 5 minutes before using, stirring a couple of times as it sits.
  • While the caramel cools, poke a hole in the top of each apple (I use a chopstick) and insert the sticks. Set aside.
  • Pour the caramel into a tall bowl (I use this measuring cup). Dunk each apple in the caramel and roll in chopped nuts or shredded coconut, if desired. Place the apples on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Enjoy!
  • Keep the caramel apples wrapped for several days on the counter if you don't plan to eat all the apples or give them away.
  • Extra caramel sauce can be used for ice cream or can be poured on a silicone baking mat and pulled apart with your hands and rolled into small caramel candies.

Nutrition

Calories: 631kcalCarbohydrates: 89gProtein: 6gFat: 31gSaturated Fat: 15gCholesterol: 47mgSodium: 85mgPotassium: 437mgFiber: 7gSugar: 76gVitamin A: 625IUVitamin C: 8.5mgCalcium: 51mgIron: 1.9mg
Tried this recipe?Let me know how it was!

Caramel Tip: To test the caramel, place a 1/4 of an apple in the caramel. If the caramel runs off the apple it hasn’t fully “developed”. Simply repeat the heating process for 10 more minutes, stirring frequently as it boils. Caramel should stick to the apple and harden.

WOW!! My kids love these and they are the perfect fall gift. Homemade Caramel Apples (real food style)

 More Fall Recipes You May Like:

Homemade Pumpkin Spice Latte (Real Food Version)

Pumpkin Spice Latte

Cinnamon Baked Apples

Cinnamon Baked Apples

Apple and Sweet Potato Bake

Apple and Sweet Potato Bake

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