As the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, my thoughts drift back to childhood autumns spent at the local fair. The tantalizing aroma of caramel wafted through the air, inviting me to indulge in a warm toffee apple. This recipe takes that cherished memory and gives it a modern spin, introducing a hint of sea salt and a sprinkle of crushed pistachios for a delightful crunch. Gather your loved ones and create new memories with these irresistible gourmet toffee apples!

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized, crisp apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 cup crushed pistachios (or your favorite nuts)
  • Wooden sticks or skewers
  • Parchment paper for cooling

Instructions

Prepare your apples by rinsing them under cold water to remove any wax. Dry them thoroughly with a clean towel. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, ensuring it goes in about halfway. This will be your handle!

In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, corn syrup, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil. Allow it to boil without stirring for about 4-5 minutes, or until it reaches the hard crack stage (300°F or 149°C). If you have a candy thermometer, this will help you achieve the perfect consistency.

Once the toffee reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Be cautious, as the mixture will be extremely hot!

Quickly dip each apple into the hot toffee, ensuring it’s completely coated. Allow any excess to drip off before placing the apples onto a sheet of parchment paper. While the toffee is still warm, sprinkle the crushed pistachios over the apples, pressing gently to help them adhere.

Let the toffee apples cool at room temperature until the toffee hardens. This usually takes about 30 minutes.

Serve these gourmet toffee apples at your next gathering or enjoy them as a sweet treat while reminiscing about the joy of autumn fairs. Each bite is a perfect combination of sweet, salty, and crunchy, evoking laughter and warmth among family and friends. Enjoy!