Are you craving a sweet and satisfying treat that's both healthy and totally plant-based? Look no further! This vegan caramel apple recipe is incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and time. Perfect for a cozy night in, a festive gathering, or a simple yet impressive dessert, this recipe delivers a delightful explosion of autumnal flavors. Get ready to indulge in the creamy, decadent goodness of homemade vegan caramel coating your crisp, juicy apple!
Ingredients:
-
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup unsweetened applesauce
- ¼ cup full-fat coconut milk (canned)
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
-
For the Apples:
- 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work well)
- Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for garnish
Instructions:
Making the Vegan Caramel:
- Prepare the Sauce: In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, combine the sugar and water. Do not stir. Let the sugar dissolve completely and turn into a light amber color. This takes patience; resist the urge to stir!
- Careful Addition: Carefully pour in the applesauce, coconut milk, and vegan butter. Stir constantly until the mixture is smooth and the butter is melted.
- Flavor Boost: Reduce the heat to low, and stir in the vanilla extract and salt. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly – about 2-3 minutes. The caramel will continue to thicken as it cools.
- Cool Down: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the caramel cool slightly before proceeding.
Assembling the Caramel Apples:
- Prep the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry your apples. Insert lollipop sticks or wooden skewers into the top of each apple.
- Caramel Dip: Dip each apple into the cooled caramel, coating it evenly. You can use a spoon to help distribute the caramel.
- Garnish & Set: If desired, immediately sprinkle chopped nuts onto the wet caramel. Place the caramel apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Chill (Optional): For a firmer caramel, refrigerate the apples for about 30 minutes before serving.
Tips for Success:
- Don't Stir the Sugar: Resist the urge to stir the sugar while it's melting. Stirring can cause it to crystallize.
- Careful with the Heat: Keep a close eye on the caramel as it cooks. It can burn quickly if the heat is too high.
- Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet caramel, reduce the amount of sugar by 1-2 tablespoons.
- Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of tartness and sweetness.
Variations:
- Chocolate Caramel Apples: Drizzle melted vegan dark chocolate over the caramel-coated apples for an extra decadent touch.
- Spiced Caramel: Add a pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or ginger to the caramel for a warm autumnal flavor.
- Sea Salt Caramel: Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt on top of the caramel for a delightful salty-sweet contrast.
Nutritional Information (per apple, approximate):
- Calories: Around 300-350 (depending on apple size and added nuts)
- Fat: Around 15-20g
- Sugar: Around 40-50g
This delicious vegan caramel apple recipe is a fun and easy way to enjoy a classic treat with a healthy twist. It's perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth while incorporating wholesome ingredients. Enjoy creating these delectable homemade goodies!