Are you craving a sweet treat that's both simple to make and utterly delightful? Look no further! This sliced caramel apple recipe is the perfect answer for satisfying your dessert cravings without spending hours in the kitchen. It's a fantastic homemade cooking project, ideal for a quick dessert or a charming addition to your next gathering. This easy recipe delivers a delicious dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Ingredients:
- 2 large, crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: Chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts), sprinkles, cinnamon
Instructions:
Preparing the Apples:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Core the apples, leaving them whole. Cut each apple into about 1/8 inch thick slices. You can leave the apple skin on for added texture and nutrients.
Making the Caramel Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar and water. Do not stir.
- Let the mixture simmer until the sugar dissolves and turns into a light amber caramel. This takes patience – don’t rush it!
- Carefully remove the pan from the heat. Add the butter and stir gently until melted and combined with the caramel.
- Slowly whisk in the heavy cream. It will bubble up – be cautious!
- Stir in the vanilla extract and salt.
Assembling the Caramel Apples:
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over the apple slices, ensuring each slice is coated.
- If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts or cinnamon.
Serving and Storage:
Serve immediately for the warmest, gooiest caramel experience. These are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Cooking Tips for Perfect Caramel Apples:
- Use a good quality apple: Crisp apples hold their shape better during cooking and provide a nice contrast to the soft caramel.
- Don't stir the sugar while it's melting: Stirring can cause crystallization and prevent smooth caramel formation.
- Work quickly when adding the cream: The caramel is extremely hot, so be careful to avoid splattering.
- Adjust sweetness to your liking: If you prefer a less sweet caramel, reduce the sugar slightly.
Variations:
- Spicy Caramel Apples: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of cinnamon to the caramel for a warm kick.
- Chocolate Caramel Apples: Drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel-coated apples for an extra decadent treat.
- Salted Caramel Apples: Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the finished caramel apples for a delightful salty-sweet combination.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on apple size and the amount of caramel used. However, a general estimate per serving of 2-3 apple slices and a proportionate amount of caramel would be approximately:
- Calories: 250-300
- Fat: 15-20g
- Sugar: 25-35g
- Protein: 2-3g
This easy recipe is perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth with a delicious and relatively healthy dessert. Whether you’re looking for quick dinner ideas or an impressive dessert, these sliced caramel apples are sure to impress. Enjoy!