Description
These festive Halloween treats combine crisp apples, buttery caramel, and a fun jack-o’-lantern twist. Perfect for parties or trick-or-treat night!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 6 wooden sticks
- 1 ½ cups (300 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- ¼ cup (60 g) unsalted butter
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- ½ cup (60 g) chopped peanuts or pecans (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple. Using a small sharp knife, carve fun jack-o’-lantern faces into the apple skin (optional but super festive!).
- Make the Caramel: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and heavy cream. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once boiling, stop stirring and cook until the caramel reaches 245°F (118°C) on a candy thermometer (soft-ball stage). Remove from heat and stir in butter, vanilla, and salt until smooth and glossy.
- Dip and Decorate: Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot caramel, turning to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off, then roll the top edge in chopped nuts if desired. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet to set (about 20 minutes at room temperature).
- Serve: Once the caramel has firmed up, your Jack-O’-Lantern Apples are ready to scare and delight!
Notes
- Ensure the apples are completely dry before dipping to help the caramel adhere better.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate caramel consistency.
- Feel free to get creative with the jack-o’-lantern designs!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg