10/21/2026
Happy National Apple Day from Storm Master Exteriors!
Nothing says fall quite like crisp apples covered in buttery caramel! Gather the family and create a caramel apple bar where everyone can choose their favorite toppings.
HOMEMADE CARAMEL APPLES
• 8 medium Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
• 8 sturdy treat sticks
• 1 cup unsalted butter
• 2 cups packed light brown sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon salt
Wash apples and remove waxy coating. Dry completely, remove stems, and insert the sticks. Refrigerate while preparing the caramel.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly butter it.
In a large, heavy saucepan, combine butter, brown sugar, corn syrup, condensed milk, and salt. Cook over medium-low heat, stirring constantly, until a candy thermometer reaches 245°F. Keep the thermometer tip from touching the bottom of the pan.
Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla. Let the caramel cool for about 5 minutes, until thick enough to coat an apple.
Adults should dip and turn each apple in the hot caramel. Lift, let the excess drip off, and allow it to cool briefly before adding toppings.
Place on the prepared sheet and refrigerate until set. Store covered in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 days.
BUILD YOUR TOPPING BAR
Try one favorite or mix a few together!
• Chopped peanuts, pecans, walnuts, or almonds
• Crushed pretzels
• Mini chocolate chips
• Mini candy-coated chocolates
• Crushed chocolate sandwich cookies
• Graham cracker crumbs
• Toffee bits
• Chopped peanut butter cups
• Toasted coconut
• Cinnamon sugar
• Colorful sprinkles
• Crushed freeze-dried strawberries
• A light sprinkle of flaky sea salt
Once the caramel has set, finish with a drizzle of melted milk, dark, or white chocolate!
Try these combinations:
• crushed chocolate sandwich cookies and white chocolate
• pretzels, toffee bits, and milk chocolate
• chopped peanut butter cups and peanuts
Keep the hot caramel with the grown-ups, and let the kids choose their toppings. Set nuts aside separately for anyone with allergies.
What would you put on YOUR caramel apple? Share your favorite combination below!