- 6 small or medium apples (Granny Smith or other tart apples work best)
- 6 wooden popsicle sticks or sticks from the yard (we washed ours off a bit)
- 2 cups organic whole cane sugar (or packed light brown sugar)
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup coconut oil (or other vegetable shortening)
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (click the link to find out how to make your own!)
- chopped nuts (we used walnuts), optional
- Line a baking sheet with waxed paper and set aside. Remove the stems of the apples and discard. Insert the sticks into the stem end of each apple and set aside.
- In a saucepan, combine the sugar, milk, coconut oil, and salt over medium-high heat. Mix well and bring to a boil. Boil 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Use the whisk attachment on an electric mixer to beat the caramel at medium speed until the mixture thickens and loses its gloss, about 7 minutes.
- Dip the apples in the caramel, covering the entire surface. Allow the excess to drip back into the pan. Place on the prepared baking sheet to harden at least 1 hour before serving.
- If any caramel is left over, drizzle over the apples. You can also add chopped nuts to the tops of the apples immediately after dipping in the caramel. You can also drizzle the tops with melted chocolate.
Pam says
These look so delicious, and I love the option of having healthier ingredients. I’m featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things tomorrow. Congrats!
Joy Kincaid says
Thank you, Pam!
Laurie says
They sound good, and I love having a healthier alternative.
I love caramel apples. I only indulge every so often.
Thanks for your recipe!
Laurie
Ridge Haven Homestead
Rebecca Mclellan says
Wow, these look great. Caramel Apples are a sure sign of fall !!! And I love the fact that they are better for us. Looking at the apples in the pantry with new eyes. Thanks for sharing.
Joy Kincaid says
My children love these–I need to make them again! If you make them I hope you like them! 🙂
Mrs.Rabe says
Thanks for post this recipe! I use organic sugar and coconut oil so I will give them a try this way!
Fun!
Deanna
Joy Kincaid says
Hope you like them! They are fun and messy to eat. 🙂
Canadagirl says
Thank you so much for your recipes! I will have to buy some apples this year to make them. It is because our apple orchard doesn't have much apples this year. This month must make a lot of good memories with your kiddo's. [o=
Blessings and ((HUGS)) my SSiC
-Mary
Joy Kincaid says
I hope you like them, Mary! I think a lot of apple orchards here were hurt because of the severe drought.
Blessings to you!
Jennifer says
Thanks for sharing a 'definitely' more healthy recipe 😉
We LOVE carmel apples~
Joy Kincaid says
If you get a chance to try them, I hope you like them! 🙂
Michelle Murray says
Oh! You beat me to this post! I was just about to post a caramel apple blog. I guess if you snooze, you lose 😉 Your apples look great! I love the idea of using real sticks, instead of the popsicle sticks that I used. I'm pinning this on Pinterest 😉 Happy Labor Day!
Joy Kincaid says
That's funny, Michelle! I've had that same thing happen to me so many times…I guess there are so many bloggers that we tend to have the same ideas. Go ahead and post yours! I hope you're having a nice Labor Day (it's business as usual, for us)! 🙂