Description
This Vegan Caramel Apple recipe is a delightful twist on a classic treat, featuring crisp Granny Smith apples dipped in a homemade vegan caramel sauce made with brown sugar, vegan butter, and full-fat coconut milk. Perfectly sweet and sticky, these caramel apples are ideal for snacking, holidays, or gifting. Optional chopped peanuts or other toppings add an extra layer of texture and flavor.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 8 Granny Smith apples
- 8 popsicle sticks or cake pop sticks
Vegan Caramel Sauce
- 2 cups (420 g) brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup (½ stick) vegan butter
- 1 can (13.5 oz) full-fat coconut milk
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
Optional Toppings
- 1½ cups chopped peanuts or topping of your choice
Instructions
- Prep the apples: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash the apples thoroughly in hot water to remove wax and dirt, then dry them well with a clean towel. Insert a popsicle or cake pop stick into the core of each apple. Place the prepared apples on the baking sheet and refrigerate until ready to dip.
- Make the caramel sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, light corn syrup, vegan butter, and full-fat coconut milk. Stir continuously with a silicone or wooden spatula until the vegan butter is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Once smooth, stop stirring and let the caramel begin to bubble.
- Cook the caramel: Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Allow the caramel mixture to cook until it reaches 240°F (115°C), which usually takes about 15 minutes. This temperature is the firm ball stage, ensuring proper thickening for dipping.
- Finish the caramel: Remove the saucepan from heat immediately upon reaching temperature. Stir in the vanilla extract and salt thoroughly.
- Cool the caramel: Let the caramel cool and thicken for 8 to 15 minutes until it reaches a consistency thick enough to coat the apples.
- Dip the apples: Remove the apples from the fridge. Holding each by the stick, dip them one by one into the caramel sauce, making sure they are evenly coated. If using toppings, allow excess caramel to drip off, then roll the apple in chopped peanuts or your choice of topping. Place the dipped apples on the prepared parchment paper.
- Set the caramel: Allow the caramel apples to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the caramel is fully set. If not serving immediately, store in the refrigerator. For storage, wrap in parchment paper or keep in a parchment-lined container to prevent sticking.
Notes
- Thoroughly scrub the apples to remove the wax coating that prevents caramel from sticking. Using hot water is effective but avoid excessive soaking to prevent discoloration.
- Use a candy thermometer to achieve the correct caramel temperature (240°F) for proper thickening and sticking ability. Under or overcooking will affect the texture and adherence of the caramel.
- If discoloration occurs from washing, fully dipping apples in caramel will conceal imperfections.
- Store caramel apples in parchment paper to prevent sticking, especially if refrigerating them.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 48g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 54g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg