Ingredients with Measurements:
- 6 medium-sized apples
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 6 slices of bacon, cooked and crumbled
- 6 wooden skewers
Special equipment needed:
- Candy thermometer
- Parchment paper
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Wash and dry the apples. Insert a wooden skewer into the top of each apple and set aside.
2. In a medium-sized saucepan, heat the sugar over medium heat until it melts and turns a golden brown color. Do not stir the sugar, but swirl the pan occasionally to ensure even melting.
3. Once the sugar has melted, add the butter and stir until it has melted and combined with the sugar.
4. Slowly pour in the heavy cream while stirring constantly. The mixture will bubble up, so be careful.
5. Add the sea salt and stir until combined.
6. Remove the caramel from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
7. Dip each apple into the caramel, using a spoon to coat it evenly. Allow any excess caramel to drip off before placing the apple onto a sheet of parchment paper.
8. Sprinkle the crumbled bacon onto the caramel-coated apples.
9. Let the caramel set for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium heat
Serving size:
6 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 380
Fat: 19g
Carbohydrates: 52g
Protein: 3g
Sodium: 260mg
Sugar: 45g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar for a slightly different flavor.
- If you don't have heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk instead.
- Instead of sea salt, you can use regular table salt.
Variations:
- You can add chopped nuts or sprinkles to the caramel-coated apples for extra texture and flavor.
- Instead of bacon, you can use chopped pretzels or toffee bits.
Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping them into the caramel.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure that the caramel reaches the correct temperature.
- If the caramel becomes too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out.
Storage instructions:
Store the bacon caramel apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat the bacon caramel apples, place them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds or until the caramel is slightly melted.
Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bacon caramel apples on a platter and serve them with a drizzle of chocolate sauce or whipped cream.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle additional crumbled bacon or chopped nuts on top of the caramel-coated apples.
Pairings:
Serve the bacon caramel apples with a glass of cold milk or a hot cup of coffee.
Suggested side dishes:
These apples make a great dessert on their own, but you could also serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a slice of apple pie.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the caramel becomes too hard, you can reheat it in the microwave for a few seconds to soften it.
- If the caramel separates, it may be because the butter was too cold. Make sure the butter is at room temperature before adding it to the sugar.
Food safety advice:
- Be careful when working with hot caramel, as it can cause burns.
- Make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping them into the caramel to prevent the caramel from sliding off.
Food history:
Caramel apples have been a popular treat in the United States since the early 1900s. They were originally sold at fairs and carnivals, but have since become a popular fall treat.
Flavor profiles:
The sweet caramel pairs well with the tartness of the apples and the salty crunch of the bacon.
Serving suggestions:
Serve these bacon caramel apples as a fun and unique dessert at your next party or gathering.
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