DIY – Perfect Caramel Apples

By: The Hale Groves Team | On: | Category: DIY

Ah, fall—the season of crisp air, cozy sweaters, and the sweet finale of the year. Let’s celebrate the bounty of the harvest and embrace the chillier days with a classic treat: Hale Orchard Fresh Caramel Apples.

These delights are the epitome of fall, combining the symbol of the season with a decadent caramel twist. Get ready for a caramel apple adventure that’s as easy as it is delicious!

Recipe for Caramel Perfection

Preparation Time: 1 hour
Ready in: 2 hours

Ingredients:

  • 8 Hale Orchard Fresh Apples (make sure they’re at room temperature, not chilling in the fridge)
  • 8 wooden craft sticks (your trusty handles)
  • 2 cups packed brown sugar
  • 1 cup butter
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 can sweetened condensed milk (14 ounces)
  • 2 teaspoons natural vanilla extract

Instructions:

  1. Prep the Apples: Using kitchen scissors, snip off any stubborn stems from the apples without harming their skin. Boil a pot of 6 to 8 cups of water. Dip each apple into the boiling water for a quick 2 to 3 seconds, ensuring all sides get a warm bath. Dry them on a clean towel. This step ensures the caramel sticks seamlessly by bidding farewell to any wax or oils on the apple skin.
  2. Stick It Right: Once the apples have cooled, insert a wooden craft stick into each. Go for the stem-side-down approach, pushing the stick about ¾ of the way through. Your apples are now ready for their caramel makeover.
  3. Line ‘Em Up: Place a wax paper-lined cookie sheet in preparation for the caramel magic. It’s showtime!
  4. Caramel Symphony: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, let the butter partially melt. Add in the brown sugar, condensed milk, and light corn syrup. Stir slowly but steadily. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Keep stirring for about 30 minutes until it hits a sweet temperature of 248 degrees F (120 degrees C). Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla for that extra flavor kick.
  5. Dip and Coat: Now comes the fun part! Dip each apple into the caramel mixture, ensuring a full, glorious coating. A trusty spoon can speed up this delightful process. Stand each coated apple upright on the wax paper-covered cookie sheet.
  6. Cool and Set: Let your caramel apples cool until the caramel achieves its set perfection—no more oozing or tackiness. Once set, pop them in the refrigerator until they’re firm to the touch. Loosely wrap each masterpiece in plastic wrap, and voila! Your caramel apples can be refrigerated for up to a week.

Fall Flavor Explosion

With Hale Orchard Fresh Caramel Apples, you’ve just elevated your fall festivities. Embrace the autumn vibes, share these delectable treats, and savor the flavors of the season in every bite. Happy caramel crafting!

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At Hale Groves, we believe the best gifts come from the land, not a factory. For generations, our fruit has been grown slowly under the Florida sun, picked at its peak, and delivered fresh to your door. From sweet Navel Oranges to rare Honeybells, every gift shares the simple joy of real flavor—perfect for holidays, milestones, or everyday moments worth celebrating.

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