National Caramel Apple Day
National Caramel Apple Day celebrates the ultimate harbinger of fall: a crispy apple smothered in smooth, creamy caramel. It’s that time of the year when persons of every age can revel in the magic of sweet and sour tastes amidst all the fall action.
Be it at a fair, amongst those in your family, or homemade, caramel apples taste like a wave of nostalgia from the season. From classic caramel coatings to gourmet versions with nuts and chocolate drizzles, there’s a caramel apple style to suit every palate.
Celebrate National Caramel Apple Day with delicious recipes, fun caramel apple facts, and book recommendations that add flavor to your event. It is that perfect mix of foodies and lovers of fall. This day in October is indeed sweet, reminding one of all things autumn.
Have you ever craved a sweet treat but found yourself short on time? You’re not alone, and the good news is you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for speed!
DELICIOUS Caramel Apple Treats in 10 Minutes!
Classic Caramel Apple Recipe
Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith for tartness or Honey Crisp for sweetness)
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, or crushed cookies
- Wooden sticks
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Apples
Clean the apples thoroughly in warm water to remove any wax. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple and set aside.
2. Melt the Caramel
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk, stirring constantly until the mixture reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer (about 12 to 15 minutes). This is the “firm ball” stage, ideal for a chewy caramel coating.
3. Add Vanilla
Once the caramel reaches 245°F, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow the caramel to cool slightly to thicken.
4. Dip the Apples
Using the wooden stick, dip each apple into the caramel, swirling to coat. Let excess caramel drizzle off before setting the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. For an extra-thick coating, allow the first layer to cool slightly, then re-dip each apple.
5. Add Toppings (Optional)
While the caramel is still warm, sprinkle your desired toppings over each apple, pressing gently to ensure they stick.
6. Cool and Serve
Let the caramel apples set at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Serve immediately, or wrap each apple individually in wax paper for a festive treat later.
The sweet, creamy caramel with a crunchy apple bite makes for a perfect autumn delight!
Top 5 Books for National Caramel Apple Day:
1. The Apple Lover’s Cookbook by Amy Traverso
2. An Apple Harvest: Recipes and Orchard Lore by Frank Browning and Sharon Silva
3. The Flavor Bible by Karen Page and Andrew Dornenburg
5. Apples of Uncommon Character by Rowan Jacobsen
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