Description
Healthier caramel apples made with maple syrup, honey (or extra maple for vegan), and cream or coconut cream. These naturally sweetened treats are rich, creamy, and perfectly finished with optional chocolate drizzle and sea salt.
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
Instructions
- Insert sticks into apples and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a saucepan, combine maple syrup, honey, and cream. Bring to a boil over high heat and boil for 10–12 minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla and a pinch of sea salt.
- Transfer caramel to a heatproof bowl. Swirl each apple in the caramel and place on the prepared sheet. Reheat caramel briefly if it stiffens.
- Let set for 10–15 minutes. Drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with sea salt if desired.
- Store in refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice to caramel for a fall twist.
- Roll in chopped nuts for crunch and flavor.
- Orange zest adds a citrusy note.
- Microwave caramel gently if it becomes too thick to coat.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Boiled
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 270
- Sugar: 36g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
