Growing up, autumn was a magical time filled with the sweet scent of caramel and the crispness of freshly picked apples. Every year, my family would visit the local orchard, where the air was filled with laughter and the promise of a delicious harvest. Among the many treats we enjoyed, the toffee apple stood out as a favorite. This recipe takes that classic comfort food and adds a delightful twist with a crunchy topping and a hint of spice, creating a modern dessert that pays homage to those cherished memories.
Ingredients
- 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 cup crushed graham crackers
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)
- Wooden sticks or skewers for dipping
Instructions
Start by preparing your apples. Wash them thoroughly to remove any waxy coating, then dry them with a towel. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, ensuring it’s stable for dipping.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the granulated sugar, unsalted butter, and heavy cream. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches a golden caramel color. Be careful not to let it burn!
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly, which will help it thicken a bit for dipping.
While the caramel is cooling, prepare your crunchy topping. In a medium bowl, mix together the crushed graham crackers and chopped nuts. This combination will add a delightful texture to your toffee apples.
Once the caramel has cooled but is still pourable, dip each apple into the caramel, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Allow any excess caramel to drip off before rolling the caramel-coated apple in the graham cracker and nut mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks.
Place the finished apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat this process with the remaining apples. If you have leftover caramel, drizzle it over the tops for an extra touch of sweetness.
Refrigerate the apples for about 30 minutes to set the caramel before serving. These delightful Caramel Apple Delights are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a couple of days.
Gather your family around and share these scrumptious treats, letting each bite transport you back to those nostalgic autumn days at the orchard. Enjoy the sweet crunch and the warm memories that come with every delicious mouthful!