Are you ready to indulge in a classic fall treat? Look no further than homemade caramel apples!
While making caramel from scratch can be a daunting task, using Hershey’s Caramel Syrup makes it a breeze. With just a few simple steps, you can create delicious and festive treats that are perfect for Halloween parties or cozy nights in.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the process of making caramel apples with Hershey’s Caramel Syrup, and provide tips and tricks for perfecting your technique.
So grab some apples and let’s get started!
How To Make Caramel Apples With Hershey’s Caramel Syrup?
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
First, rinse and dry your apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare Your Caramel
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine Hershey’s Caramel Syrup with a tablespoon of water. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process until the caramel is smooth and fully melted.
Step 3: Dip Your Apples
Holding the wooden stick, dip each apple into the caramel mixture, turning it to ensure that it is fully coated. Use a spoon to help cover any missed spots.
Step 4: Add Toppings (Optional)
If you want to add toppings to your caramel apples, now is the time to do so. Sprinkle chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies over the caramel while it is still warm.
Step 5: Let Your Caramel Apples Set
Place your caramel-coated apples on a sheet of wax paper and let them set for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will allow the caramel to harden and set properly.
Step 6: Enjoy Your Delicious Treats!
Once your caramel apples have set, they are ready to be enjoyed! Slice them up and serve them as a sweet treat for any occasion.
Gather Your Ingredients
To make caramel apples with Hershey’s Caramel Syrup, you will need the following ingredients:
– Apples (tart varieties such as Granny Smith work best)
– Hershey’s Caramel Syrup
– Water
– Wooden sticks for dipping
– Optional toppings (chopped nuts, sprinkles, crushed cookies)
Make sure to choose fresh apples and have all your ingredients on hand before starting the caramel apple making process.
Preparing Your Apples
To prepare your apples for caramel dipping, start by rinsing them under cold water and drying them thoroughly with a paper towel. Next, remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple. It’s important to use thoroughly dried apples to ensure that the caramel adheres properly.
Once your apples are ready, set them aside and move on to preparing the caramel mixture. If you’re using Hershey’s Caramel Syrup, combine it with a tablespoon of water in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
When your caramel is ready, hold each apple by the wooden stick and dip it into the caramel mixture, turning it to ensure that it is fully coated. Use a spoon to help cover any missed spots. If you want to add toppings to your caramel apples, now is the time to do so. Sprinkle chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies over the caramel while it is still warm.
After you’ve dipped and topped your apples, place them on a sheet of wax paper to set. Refrigerate them for at least 30 minutes to allow the caramel to harden and set properly. Once your caramel apples have set, they are ready to be sliced up and enjoyed as a delicious treat for any occasion!
Making The Caramel
Making the perfect caramel for your Hershey’s Caramel Apple is a crucial step in the process. Here are some tips to ensure that your caramel is smooth, creamy, and delicious.
Option 1: Homemade Caramel
If you want to make your own caramel from scratch, you will need the following ingredients:
– 1 cup of granulated sugar
– 1/2 cup of unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup of heavy cream
– 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
– A pinch of salt
To make the caramel, follow these steps:
1. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a deep amber color.
2. Add the butter and stir until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sugar.
3. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. Be careful, as the mixture will bubble and steam.
4. Continue stirring until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Add the vanilla extract and salt and stir to combine.
5. Remove from heat and let cool for a few minutes before using it to coat your apples.
Option 2: Store-Bought Caramels
If you don’t want to make your own caramel from scratch, you can use store-bought caramels instead. Here’s how:
1. Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a tablespoon of milk or cream.
2. Microwave on high for 30 seconds, then stir. Repeat this process until the caramels are fully melted and smooth.
3. Let the caramel cool for a few minutes before using it to coat your apples.
No matter which option you choose, be sure to let your caramel cool slightly before dipping your apples into it. If it’s too hot, it will slide right off the apple and make a mess. Once your caramel-coated apples have set, they will be ready to enjoy as a sweet and delicious treat!
Dipping The Apples
Dipping the apples in caramel is the most crucial step in making perfect caramel apples. It is important to wait until the caramel has cooled to about 190 degrees before dipping the apples. If the caramel is too hot, it will slide right off the apple. To test if the caramel is ready, try dipping one apple and see if the caramel sets up properly. If the caramel is still too hot and slides off soon after being dipped, let it cool longer.
To dip the apples, hold the wooden stick and quickly roll each apple in the caramel sauce until it is well coated. Use a spoon to cover any missed spots. If you want to add toppings to your caramel apples, sprinkle them over the caramel while it is still warm.
After dipping, place the caramel-coated apples on a sheet of wax paper and let them set for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator. This will allow the caramel to harden and set properly. Once your caramel apples have set, they are ready to be enjoyed! Slice them up and serve them as a sweet treat for any occasion.
Decorating Your Caramel Apples
If you want to take your caramel apples to the next level, consider decorating them with fun and tasty toppings. Here are some ideas to get you started:
1. Chocolate Drizzle: Melt some chocolate in the microwave or on a double boiler, and use a spoon to drizzle it over your caramel apples. You can use milk, dark, or white chocolate, depending on your preference.
2. Sprinkles: Sprinkle some colorful sprinkles over your caramel apples while the caramel is still warm. You can use rainbow sprinkles, chocolate sprinkles, or any other kind you like.
3. Crushed Cookies: Crush up some cookies, like Oreos or graham crackers, and sprinkle them over the caramel while it is still warm. The cookies will stick to the caramel and create a delicious crunch.
4. Chopped Nuts: Chop up some nuts, like peanuts or pecans, and sprinkle them over the caramel while it is still warm. The nuts will add a delicious nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch.
5. Cinnamon Sugar: Mix together some cinnamon and sugar, and sprinkle it over the caramel while it is still warm. The cinnamon sugar will add a warm and cozy flavor to your caramel apples.
6. Candy Pieces: Crush up some candy pieces, like M&Ms or Reese’s Pieces, and sprinkle them over the caramel while it is still warm. The candy pieces will add a fun pop of color and flavor to your caramel apples.
No matter how you choose to decorate your caramel apples, they are sure to be a hit at any gathering or event. Get creative and have fun with it!
Storing Your Caramel Apples
After making your delicious caramel apples, you’ll want to store them properly to keep them fresh and tasty. Ideally, caramel apples should be stored in the refrigerator to avoid any unwanted growths and to keep them fresh for longer. You can place them in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to keep them even fresher.
If you don’t have space in the fridge, you can store your caramel apples at room temperature, but only if you take the necessary precautions. Wrap your apples tightly in an airtight container or a ziplock bag to keep them fresh. Make sure to store them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight and any sources of heat.
It’s essential to keep your caramel apples away from any sources of heat or direct sunlight, as this can cause the caramel to melt and the apple to spoil. A pantry is an ideal location for storing caramel apples at room temperature.
