Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples

Name: Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients: 6 medium-sized tart apples (like Granny Smith); 2 cups granulated sugar; 1/2 cup unsalted butter; 1 cup heavy cream; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling); 6 wooden sticks (like popsicle sticks)

Highlighted under: Baking & Desserts

I love creating sweet treats, and these Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples are a delightful fusion of flavors that truly impresses. The combination of rich caramel and a sprinkle of sea salt elevates the traditional candy apple, making them perfect for gatherings or just a sweet indulgence. Each bite is a perfect balance of sweetness and salty goodness, and I find that they are quite easy to make once you get the hang of the caramel process. Plus, they're a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-01-27T09:33:27.778Z

When I first tried making these Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples, I was amazed by how simple yet impactful the combination of flavors was. The key to achieving the perfect caramel texture is to watch the temperature closely; it should reach about 240°F for the ideal consistency. Adding a sprinkle of sea salt right before the caramel sets adds a wonderful contrast, making these treats irresistible.

After experimenting with different varieties of apples, I discovered that tart apples like Granny Smith work best, as their acidity balances the sweetness of the caramel. I also learned that dipping them in ice water helps set the caramel quickly, giving them that glossy finish. This fun treat has become a favorite in my kitchen!

Why You'll Love These Candy Apples
Delicious combination of sweet caramel and savory sea salt
Simple to make yet impressive as a dessert
Perfect for parties, holidays, or family gatherings

Mastering Caramel Consistency

Getting the right consistency for your caramel is crucial for achieving the perfect candy apple. When cooking the caramel, keep the heat at medium level to avoid burning. Stir constantly until the mixture becomes smooth and bubbly; it should look glossy. Once it reaches a boil, monitor the temperature closely. To achieve a soft, but firm caramel, aim for 240°F, which corresponds to the soft ball stage in candy-making. If it's too runny, your dipped apples may not hold their coating well.

If you find that your caramel becomes too thick after cooling, you can gently reheat it on low heat, adding a splash of cream to help restore its fluidity. Remember to keep stirring to prevent scorching. This technique can save your caramel and ensure that it smoothly coats each apple.

Choosing the Right Apples

Selecting medium-sized tart apples is essential for balancing the sweetness of the caramel. Granny Smith apples are a fantastic choice, as their tartness contrasts beautifully with the rich caramel. However, you can experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji, which mix sweetness with a hint of tartness. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose Gala or Red Delicious apples, but be mindful that they may not provide as much balance with the caramel.

Also, make sure your apples are firm and fresh. Any bruises or soft spots can lead to uneven caramel coverage. To enhance the caramel's adherence, wash your apples thoroughly to remove any wax and fade flavors from their surface. For a stronger grip on the caramel, you can soak them in warm water for a couple of minutes before drying them completely.

Storage and Serving Suggestions

Once your Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples are ready, they are best enjoyed on the day of preparation. However, if you need to store them, place them in an airtight container lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. They can be stored at room temperature for up to 3 days, but refrigeration can change the texture of the caramel, making it less enjoyable. If kept out, maintain a cool environment—especially during hot weather—to keep the caramel from becoming too gooey.

Serving these candy apples is an excellent opportunity for creativity. Besides being a delightful party treat, consider arranging them on a platter sprinkled with nuts or chocolate drizzle for added flair. You can also provide dipping sauces like melted chocolate or caramel for a fun touch. Personalizing them with colored sprinkles, chopped candy bars, or even a drizzle of flavored syrup can appeal to a wide range of tastes and elevate their presentation.

Ingredients

Here's what you'll need to create these delectable treats:

Ingredients for Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples

6 medium-sized tart apples (like Granny Smith)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter
1 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon sea salt (plus extra for sprinkling)
6 wooden sticks (like popsicle sticks)

Make sure to wash the apples well and dry them completely before dipping in caramel!

Instructions

Follow these steps to create your Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples:

Prepare the Apples

Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple. You can also dip the apples in boiling water for a few seconds to remove any wax.

Make the Caramel

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture reaches a smooth boil. Clip a candy thermometer to the pan and continue cooking until it reaches 240°F.

Add Flavor

Remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract and sea salt. Allow the caramel to cool slightly for a couple of minutes.

Dip the Apples

Carefully dip each apple into the caramel, swirling to coat evenly. Allow excess caramel to drip off.

Set the Caramel

Place the dipped apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with extra sea salt while the caramel is still warm.

Cool and Serve

Let the apples cool completely at room temperature before serving. Enjoy your Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples!

Enjoy your delicious candy apples as a fun treat for any occasion!

Pro Tips

For an added twist, try rolling the finished candy apples in chopped nuts or chocolate chips before the caramel sets for extra flavor and texture.

Common Troubleshooting Tips

It’s not uncommon to face issues when making caramel. If your caramel isn’t turning out right, ensure your sugar is fully dissolved before it starts boiling. If you notice crystallization happening, using a teaspoon of light corn syrup in your initial mixture can help stabilize the sugar and prevent this. Stir gently, as vigorous mixing can also introduce air that leads to crystals forming.

If the caramel begins to seize (become hard or grainy), it may be a result of overheating or cooking too long. To fix this, carefully add a small amount of water or cream to the pan over low heat and stir until the texture smooths out again. This can salvage your caramel and keep it pourable for those candy apples.

Delicious Variations

While the classic Caramel Sea Salt Candy Apples are delightful, consider adding a twist to your treats by infusing the caramel with flavors like cinnamon or bourbon for an adult version. Simply add a quarter teaspoon of ground cinnamon or a tablespoon of bourbon after removing the caramel from heat. This will provide a unique taste that can be a nice surprise for your guests.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can create themed candy apples for different occasions. For Halloween, coat them in dark chocolate and roll them in crushed crackers to mimic a spiderweb. For the holidays, drizzle them with white chocolate and sprinkle some festive crushed peppermint or colorful sprinkles to make them treat-worthy at any celebration.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! While tart apples work best, you can try sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor profile.

→ How can I store leftover candy apples?

Store leftover candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration, as the cold can cause the caramel to get sticky.

→ What do I do if my caramel is too hard?

If the caramel sets too hard, you can reheat it gently in a saucepan with a splash of cream to soften it up.

→ Can I use store-bought caramel?

Yes! You can use store-bought caramel for a quicker option. Just melt it according to package instructions and dip your apples.