Name: Sweet And Salty Healthier Caramel Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487382H2M15S
Total time: PT-487382H2M15S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 small apples; 1 cup pure maple syrup; ½ cup honey (or extra maple syrup for vegan option); ¾ cup heavy cream (or canned coconut cream for vegan); ½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder; Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling; Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish

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Short Description

Delightfully indulgent yet better-for-you caramel apples—made with maple syrup, honey, and cream (or coconut cream for a vegan option), finished with optional chocolate drizzle and sea salt.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Uses natural sweeteners (maple and honey) instead of refined sugar
Rich, creamy caramel with a healthier twist
Simple to make, visually impressive, and customizable
Offers a balance of sweet, creamy, and optionally salty or chocolatey flavors

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll Find The Full List Of Ingredients And Measurements In The Recipe Card Below.)

6 small apples
1 cup pure maple syrup
½ cup honey (or extra maple syrup for a vegan option)
¾ cup heavy cream (or canned coconut cream to go vegan)
½ teaspoon vanilla bean powder
Optional: melted chocolate for drizzling
Optional: flaky sea salt for garnish

Directions

Prepare the Apples
Insert wooden skewers or sticks into the apples. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Make the Caramel
In a medium saucepan, combine maple syrup, honey (or extra maple for vegan), and cream (or coconut cream). Bring to a boil over high heat, then boil for 10–12 minutes until thickened enough to coat the back of a wooden spoon. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla bean powder and a pinch of sea salt.
Dip the Apples
Carefully transfer the hot caramel to a heatproof bowl. Working swiftly, swirl each apple in the caramel until evenly coated, then place on the prepared baking sheet. If the caramel becomes too stiff, briefly warm it in the microwave for 15–20 seconds to loosen.
Add Finishing Touches
Let the caramel set for 10–15 minutes. Then, if desired, drizzle each apple with melted chocolate and sprinkle with flaky sea salt. Allow chocolate (if used) to harden before serving.
Storage
Store the caramel apples in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6 caramel-coated apples
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes (for caramel)
Setting Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: About 30–35 minutes

Variations

Flavor Swap: Add a dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to the caramel for seasonal flair.
Nutty Crunch: Roll the caramel-coated apples in chopped nuts like almonds, pecans, or peanuts.
Citrus Twist: Stir in a teaspoon of orange zest for a refreshing citrus note.
Frozen Treat: Freeze the finished apples for a cool dessert variation.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Keep in the fridge to maintain freshness for up to one week.
Reheating: Microwave for 10–20 seconds if the caramel hardens too much before serving.

FAQs

Can I Use Vegan Substitutes?

Yes—use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and swap honey for additional maple syrup.

Will the Caramel Be Too Runny?

No—as it cools, the caramel will thicken. Boiling long enough and using the spoon test ensures proper consistency.

Can I Make This Ahead?

Yes—prepare apples in advance. Caramelize and assemble shortly before serving to keep them fresh.

Why Is My Caramel Too Thick or Too Thin?

Overboiling can make it too thick; if it’s too thin, boil 1–2 minutes longer and recheck consistency.

Is It Safe to Microwave the Caramel?

Yes—as long as it’s in a microwave-safe dish and heated in short intervals, this is safe for rearranging the consistency.

Conclusion

These Sweet And Salty Healthier Caramel Apples combine creamy homemade caramel with fresh crunch—perfect for parties, gifting, or a comforting treat any time. The simple swap to healthier ingredients keeps indulgence satisfying and guilt-free.