Sometimes I know exactly what recipes I want to make, and when I want to share them. Other times I’m totally winging it and testing (and re-testing) recipes just a few days before I share them with you guys. I much prefer to know exactly what I want to share and to be a little more planned out with my content. But the bottom line is that sometimes it’s not possible. You just have wing it and go with what’s inspiring you on that given day. It makes things slightly chaotic, but that’s kind of life these days. That said, there are certain times, that I know exactly what recipe I want to share. And I save it for just the right time. Enter these caramel apples. I’ve known since early September that I wanted to share a new caramel apple recipe this October. It’s been forever since I made caramel apples, and this year needed to be the year that I made more. Not only are caramel apples cute and fun, but they’re some of the most delicious autumn goodies you can mix up. Caramel apples are definitely one of the sweets I grew up eating. My mom used to buy caramel apple “wraps” (these are the exact ones she bought), which are basically just sheets of caramel that you wrap around apples. Pretty sure they were one of the most processed things we ate growing up, but we’d only get them in the fall and it was always such a treat. Although, I remember that caramel getting stuck to my braces and then swearing off caramel for years and years… Once I made homemade caramel, I realized that homemade is the only way to go. Because it’s better. Obviously. Anyway, point is that caramel apples are one of those desserts that will always make me feel like a kid again, and I love that. They’re fun to make, super sweet, and so delicious. I’ve only made caramel apples a couple of times before, but was dying to try out an apple cider caramel. It sounded so good with its hints of cinnamon. Here’s the deal. I had a lot of trouble with this recipe, almost burnt off my hair (not exaggerating), and spent an entire day testing out caramel apples. I was so close to giving up, but finally at the very end of the day, I got the recipe right. Thank God. These might have taken a while for me to perfect, but I’m so glad I stuck with them. And just to be sure the recipe was perfect. I re-tested them again yesterday for like the sixth time. Verdict? These are simply the best and you’re going to love them. To start off, you’ll need a good candy thermometer. I know some of you might not have one, but if you’d like perfect caramel apples, I highly recommend investing. The thermometer really just takes the guess-work out making caramel. Before you begin making the caramel, prep your apples. I used twigs from outside to stick into my apples. Twigs are really fun, but you can really use any kind of stick. Just something that’s 4-6 inches longs. These would great too. Once you’ve got the sticks in place, it’s time to make the caramel. Take some good apple cider, cream, sugar, and honey, add to a large pot, and bring to a boil. You’re going to cook this until it turns a nice golden caramel color. Then add some butter, bourbon, and vanilla, and continue cooking until the caramel is thick, creamy and delicious. Really simple, but just follow the directions. Nothing scary about it…just don’t put your head too close to the pot when smelling the delicious caramel. Trust me, not a smart move. From here, you have to work kind of quickly, and start dipping the apples through the caramel. As the caramel cools, it will start to thicken, and become hard to dip the apples. If the caramel cools too much, just warm in the microwave for a few seconds. Now let the caramel harden, and then drizzle each apple generously with chocolate. Finish with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt and you’ll have the perfect sweet and salty caramel apple. I love that the cider adds a spiced flavor to the caramel with hints of cinnamon and cloves throughout. It makes the apples feel really fall like and gives them an extra sweet touch that’s lacking from other caramels. And that chocolate drizzle and flaky sea salt? Well the combo of those two ingredients just makes the apples over the top GOOD. These are a really fun recipe to make with kids, or even for a girl’s night in. You can set up an assembly line of caramel, chocolate, and salt. Then make the apples together while chatting or watching your favorite Halloween movie. You could even add some yummy add-ins like toasted nuts or chopped candies. I’m all about the salt, but use what you love! Can’t wait to make these apple for both Halloween and Thanksgiving this year, as I know they’ll be quickly devoured by family and friends. If you make these caramel apples please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! Above all, I love to hear from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make this recipe, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!
