Best Mini Chocolate Dipped Caramel Apples With Vanilla Swirls Recipes

MINI CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray.
• Wash the apples well, then dry them thoroughly. Insert candy apple sticks into the stem end of the apples.
• Combine the caramels, cream and salt in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until thoroughly melted and smooth, 7 to 8 minutes. Dip an apple into the caramel, tilting the pan if necessary to ensure the apple is well-coated. Roll the apples in the garnishes if using. Repeat with the remaining apples and caramel. Cool completely on the parchment paper, 20 to 25 minutes. Remove from the paper and serve.

CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• Add the sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup water to a small saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir a few times before the sugar begins to boil to combine the ingredients. Attach a candy thermometer to the inside of the pan and bring the syrup to a boil. Cook until the syrup begins to turn an amber color, then swirl the syrup to even out the color. Continue to cook until the syrup is a deep amber and the thermometer reads between 375 and 380 degrees F, then remove from the heat. Carefully pour in the cream and gently whisk to combine. Stir in the butter, vanilla and a pinch of salt until smooth. Keep off the heat but keep the thermometer attached to the pan.
• Pierce the apples through the stem ends about halfway through with candy apple sticks. Line a baking sheet with parchment and lightly spray with nonstick cooking spray.
• When the temperature of the caramel reads around 190 degrees F, dip an apple, using the stick as a handle and swirling to coat completely. Allow excess caramel to drip off the bottom and use a spatula to help remove any large amount of caramel, as it will pool around the apple when you set it down to cool on the lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples, gently heating the caramel on the stovetop over low heat, stirring, if it gets too thick for dipping. Allow the caramel to set and cool completely before serving or wrapping apples, about 1 hour. (See Cook's Note.)

CHOCOLATE CARAMEL APPLES

Steps:

• In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramels and water. Microwave, uncovered, on high for 45 seconds; stir. Microwave 20-40 seconds longer or until the caramels are melted; stir until smooth. , Insert wooden sticks into apples; dip apples into the caramel mixture, turning to coat. Coat with nuts; set on waxed paper to cool. , Meanwhile, melt chocolate chips and shortening; stir until smooth. Drizzle over apples. Sprinkle with toffee bits. Place on waxed paper to cool. Cut into wedges to serve.

MERINGUE SWIRLS

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper. Beat the egg whites and salt in a large bowl with a mixer on medium speed until frothy (use the whisk attachment if using a stand mixer). Add the cream of tartar; increase the speed to medium high and add the superfine sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the meringue (or add the extract) and continue beating until the sugar is dissolved and the meringue is thick, glossy and forms stiff peaks, about 6 minutes.
• Fit a piping bag with a large star tip. Fill the bag with the meringue and pipe spirals on the prepared baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with the coarse sugar.
• Bake 1 hour, then turn off the oven and let the meringues stand in the oven until dry, about 2 hours. Store in an airtight container up to 1 week.

CHOCOLATE-DIPPED APPLE RINGS

Steps:

• Finely chop 8 ounces semisweet chocolate. Microwave three-quarters of the chocolate and 1 teaspoon shortening in 30-second intervals, stirring, until melted, then stir in the remaining chocolate until smooth. Dip dried apple rings in the chocolate; transfer to a parchment-lined baking sheet coated with cooking spray and chill until set.