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Apple Pie Caramel Apples with Cinnamon Streusel Crunch

A close-up of one delicious apple pie caramel apples coated in a thick layer of golden crumbs, resting on a white plate.
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Create a gourmet caramel apple that tastes like a slice of apple pie. This recipe combines tart apples dipped in rich caramel with a spiced cinnamon streusel topping for a bakery-style fall dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium Granny Smith apples, firm and blemish-free
  • 6 wooden or sturdy lollipop sticks
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert the sticks firmly into the core. Set aside.
  2. Make the streusel topping: In a small bowl, combine the flour, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Cut in the cold butter using your fingers or a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Spread the crumbs on a small baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 8 to 10 minutes until lightly golden. Let cool completely.
  3. Make the caramel: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, heavy cream, 1/4 cup butter, vanilla extract, salt, and nutmeg. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  4. Cook the caramel: Stop stirring once it boils. Cook the mixture to 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Remove from heat immediately.
  5. Cool the caramel slightly: Let the caramel sit for 5 minutes to cool slightly before dipping. If the caramel is too hot, it will slide off the apples.
  6. Dip the apples: Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple, rotating to coat evenly. Lift the apple out and let excess caramel drip back into the pan.
  7. Apply the topping: Immediately roll or press the sticky caramel surface into the cooled cinnamon streusel crunch.
  8. Set the apples: Place the finished apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let them set completely at room temperature for at least 1 hour, or chill briefly if needed for faster setting.

Notes

  • Wipe the apples with a paper towel dipped in white vinegar before starting; this removes any wax residue and helps the caramel stick better.
  • If the caramel becomes too stiff while dipping, return the pan to low heat for a minute to soften it.
  • For a smoother finish, you can drizzle melted milk chocolate over the finished caramel apples after the streusel has set.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://blissbatter.com/apple-pie-caramel-apples-recipe/