The fourth Halloween recipe we're introducing is caramel apples!
Up until now, we've been featuring dishes made with pumpkin, but here we introduce our first recipe using something else.
A simple dish made by skewering apples and coating them in caramel.
At first glance, it looks just like the apple candy you often see at food stalls!
Caramel apples are beloved primarily in the United States and are especially popular as a classic autumn and Halloween treat.
This time, I'll introduce a snack perfect for Halloween!♪
Please watch until the very end!
What is a Caramel Apple?
Caramel Apple is a sweet treat made by coating the surface of an apple with caramel.
The method is simple: just wash and dry the apples, insert wooden sticks, coat them with melted caramel, and chill until set.
It's delicious as is, but it's also common to top it with nuts, chocolate, candy chips, and other toppings.
It is said to have originated in the United States and appears at various events, including Halloween.
It has also become a staple in Canada and the United Kingdom.
Compared to American versions, this one features a crisp, candy-like coating.
As for the flavor that makes it so appealing, it's the charm of the apple's tartness combined with the sweet, rich, and savory aroma of caramel.
This treat offers a delightful contrast: the crisp, satisfying bite of apple paired with the rich, velvety texture of caramel.
The History of Caramel Apple
The origins of caramel apples trace back even further to “candy apples” and “toffee apples.”
In late 19th-century Britain, “toffee apples”—apples coated in hard candy made by boiling down sugar—gained popularity.
Additionally, in the United States, “candy apples”—apples coated in red cinnamon candy—will also go on sale.
These candied apples gained popularity at street stalls and festivals, becoming a staple.
After such “candy-coated apples” became widely established, variations using caramel emerged.
There are several theories about the origin of this caramel apple.
One theory is that a store called “Hunter's Candy” in Idaho, USA, was the first to sell it.
The other was by the American food manufacturer Kraft Foods.
There is a theory that it began with using leftover caramel for coating.
This story is very well known, but unfortunately it has not been confirmed as a verifiable historical fact.
And in 1960, a machine was invented to automatically produce caramel apples.
Vito Ramondini of Chicago patented it, which spurred mass production and widespread adoption.
And so caramel apples became easy to make at home, spreading across the United States as a staple of festivals and Halloween.
Today, it is enjoyed as an autumn delicacy primarily in the United States, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, and other countries.
How to Make Caramel Apple
Ingredients (for 4 apples)
- Apples...4 (preferably small ones)
- Granulated sugar...200g
- Whipping cream...100ml
- Unsalted butter...30g
- Water... 2 tablespoons
- Salt... a pinch (to enhance the flavor)
- Wooden sticks... 4 pieces (disposable chopsticks are also acceptable)
How to make them
- Preparing the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly to remove surface wax.
Dry them completely, then insert a stick near the core.
(Chilling them in the refrigerator helps the caramel set more easily.) - Making Caramel
Place granulated sugar and water in a saucepan and heat over medium heat.
Once the sugar has dissolved and turned a deep amber color, remove from heat. - Add heavy cream and butter
Gradually add the heavy cream (be careful as it may splatter!), then add the butter and salt and mix well.
Once smooth, let it cool slightly to thicken. - Coating the apple with caramel
Hold the stick and_ swirl the apple in the caramel to coat it completely.
Place it on a tray lined with parchment paper and_ chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to 1 hour to set.
Arrangement Tips
- After coating with caramel, sprinkle crushed nuts or chocolate chips on top for a luxurious look.
- Instead of making your own caramel, you can simply melt store-bought soft caramel for an easy alternative.
- For Halloween and other occasions, tying ribbons to sticks for decoration is also recommended.
Popular toppings
Caramel apples can offer a variety of flavors and textures depending on the toppings.
Here, we'll introduce a few of the most commonly used ones!
Standard Toppings
- Chopped nuts
Almonds, peanuts, walnuts, pecans, etc.
They add a toasty aroma and crunchy texture, pairing perfectly with the sweetness of caramel. - Chocolate Coating
We pour chocolate over the caramel or sprinkle chocolate chips on top.
Enjoy the variety of flavors, such as milk chocolate, white chocolate, and_ dark chocolate. - Sprinkles (Colorful Chips)
It's popular for children's events and Halloween season, and it's just right when you want to make things look festive. - Crushed candy and cookies
Sprinkling M&M's, Oreos, caramel candies, and the like creates a vibrant, distinctly American look.
Sweet-style arrangement
- White Chocolate + Cinnamon Sugar
It has a warm, sweet-and-sour taste reminiscent of apple pie.
It also pairs exceptionally well with caramel. - Marshmallows and Toffee Bits
A topping for those with a sweet tooth.
It adds a light, fluffy texture and a savory aroma. - Double-dipped caramel sauce
Applying caramel twice to build thickness creates a rich texture.
Fruit & Sweets-Style Arrangements
- Dried fruit (cranberries, raisins, etc.)
The addition of sweet and sour notes enhances the overall flavor balance. - Sea Salt (Rock Salt)
Rather than a topping, it's more of a “secret ingredient,” but it's a popular combination that enhances the sweetness of caramel. - Coconut flakes
Adds a tropical aroma. Pairs perfectly with chocolate.
Seasonal and Event Toppings
- Halloween-themed: Orange & black sprinkles, bat-shaped chocolates, pumpkin sugar
- Christmas-style: White chocolate + crushed candy canes (peppermint candy)
- Autumn Flavors Style: A combination of nuts, cinnamon, and_ caramel sauce
Summary
How was it?
This time, we introduced caramel apples!
It looks similar to candy apples, but the caramel isn't hardened, giving it a texture that's quite different from the apple.
I just can't shake the texture of apple candy from my mind—it's hard to imagine.
If that's the case, you should definitely try it at least once!
There don't seem to be many places in Japan where you can eat caramel apples.
However, it seems to be offered at caramel specialty shops, apple candy shops, and events!
If you're interested, be sure to look it up and visit the store!
Also, as usual, I've included the recipe, so you might want to give it a try using this as a reference.
It seems surprisingly easy to make, so be careful not to hurt yourself and give it your best shot!
Thank you for watching until the very end!
This site features recipes perfect for autumn and Halloween, including this pumpkin pie.
If you'd like, please check out our other articles too!
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