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September 3, 2012 by Joy Kincaid 13 Comments

Healthier Caramel Apples

September is the month when I think of apples, and caramel apples are a favorite with children.  We try to avoid unnatural ingredients as much as possible, so I adapted the following recipe, which allows us to enjoy the tradition of caramel apples without all the unhealthy ingredients.  I’ve included the original ingredients as well, in case someone would like to have those, too.
Ingredients:
  • 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

Directions:
  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
Note:  If you use organic whole cane sugar instead of packed light brown sugar (as the original recipe calls for), you won’t end up with caramel exactly.  If you really want traditional caramel apples, just use the light brown sugar and vegetable shortening in place of the organic whole cane sugar and coconut oil.  Even though it wasn’t exactly caramel, my children still loved these!  Have fun making this delicious fall treat with your children!
The original recipe came from the lovely cookbook, Farm Fresh Southern Cooking, by Tammy Algood.  The coconut oil links are my referral links.  If you place an order through one of these links, and you’ve never ordered from Tropical Traditions before, you will receive a free book on coconut oil, and we will receive a discount coupon for referring you.

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Comments

  1. Pam says

    October 20, 2021 at 3:03 pm

    These look so delicious, and I love the option of having healthier ingredients. I’m featuring this post at Thursday Favorite Things tomorrow. Congrats!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      November 10, 2021 at 10:30 pm

      Thank you, Pam!

      Reply
  2. Laurie says

    October 12, 2021 at 7:45 pm

    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

    Reply
  3. Rebecca Mclellan says

    September 21, 2015 at 4:24 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 22, 2015 at 1:33 am

      My children love these–I need to make them again! If you make them I hope you like them! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  4. Mrs.Rabe says

    September 4, 2012 at 2:13 pm

    Thanks for post this recipe! I use organic sugar and coconut oil so I will give them a try this way!

    Fun!

    Deanna

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:52 pm

      Hope you like them! They are fun and messy to eat. ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  5. Canadagirl says

    September 4, 2012 at 2:06 pm

    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

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 4, 2012 at 6:52 pm

      I hope you like them, Mary! I think a lot of apple orchards here were hurt because of the severe drought.

      Blessings to you!

      Reply
  6. Jennifer says

    September 4, 2012 at 12:41 pm

    Thanks for sharing a 'definitely' more healthy recipe ๐Ÿ˜‰
    We LOVE carmel apples~

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 4, 2012 at 1:48 pm

      If you get a chance to try them, I hope you like them! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply
  7. Michelle Murray says

    September 3, 2012 at 6:19 pm

    Oh! You beat me to this post! I was just about to post a caramel apple blog. I guess if you snooze, you lose ๐Ÿ˜‰ 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 ๐Ÿ˜‰ Happy Labor Day!

    Reply
    • Joy Kincaid says

      September 3, 2012 at 6:56 pm

      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)! ๐Ÿ™‚

      Reply

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Hi, I'm Joy. I'm so glad you're here! I believe creating a beautiful and nurturing home is an art worth cultivating. Read more here...

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