Indulge in the nostalgic charm of homemade Taffy Apples, a timeless treat that combines crisp, tart Granny Smith apples with a luscious, buttery caramel coating. Perfect for fall gatherings or festive occasions, this recipe boasts a silky caramel made from scratch with granulated sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and a hint of vanilla for depth. Each apple is dipped to perfection and can be customized with an array of irresistible toppings like chopped nuts, colorful sprinkles, or a drizzle of chocolate. With just 15 minutes of prep and easy-to-follow steps, this crowd-pleaser delivers the ultimate balance of sweet and tangy flavors while showcasing a gorgeously glossy finish. Whether you're reliving the joy of a carnival classic or creating a new family tradition, these homemade caramel apples are sure to delight!
Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden craft stick firmly into the top of each apple.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and set it aside.
In a medium-sized heavy saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, unsalted butter, sweetened condensed milk, and salt.
Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly, until the sugar has dissolved completely.
Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue cooking the mixture, stirring frequently, until it reaches 245°F (soft-ball stage). This will take approximately 10-15 minutes.
Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract.
Let the taffy cool slightly for 1-2 minutes, then carefully dip each apple into the hot taffy, tilting the pan as needed to coat the apple fully. Allow the excess taffy to drip off before placing the apple on the prepared baking sheet.
If desired, immediately roll or sprinkle the coated apples with optional toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles while the taffy is still sticky.
Let the taffy apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating sets, about 30 minutes.
Serve and enjoy! Store any leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Serving size | 2516 grams (2516.0g) |
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Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
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Calories | 5446 |
Total Fat 178.50g | 229% |
Saturated Fat 46.80g | 234% |
Polyunsaturated Fat 1.00g | |
Cholesterol 165mg | 55% |
Sodium 1616mg | 70% |
Total Carbohydrate 958.80g | 349% |
Dietary Fiber 44.60g | 159% |
Total Sugars 890.80g | |
Protein 74.60g | 149% |
Vitamin D 24IU | 122% |
Calcium 1093mg | 84% |
Iron 10mg | 54% |
Potassium 3209mg | 68% |
Source of Calories