Apple’s notch recipe gone: what’s the missing ingredient?

Are you craving a sweet and festive treat that is both delicious and visually appealing? Look no further than the classic notch apple! This iconic fall dessert is a perfect blend of crisp apples, caramel, and candy melts, creating a treat that is both visually stunning and incredibly tasty. While the traditional notch apple recipe calls for a specific type of apple, we’ve removed that restriction, allowing you to use your favorite apple variety. So, grab your favorite apples and let’s embark on a culinary adventure to create a notch apple that will tantalize your taste buds!

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples of your choice
• 12 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, divided
• 1 cup packed light brown sugar
• 1/2 cup corn syrup
• 1/4 cup evaporated milk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 12 ounces candy melts (any color)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

• Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
• Insert a lollipop stick into the stem end of each apple.

Step 2: Create the Caramel Sauce

• In a medium saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
• Add the brown sugar, corn syrup, evaporated milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
• Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes, or until the caramel has thickened.

Step 3: Dip the Apples

• Dip each apple into the hot caramel sauce, rotating to coat evenly.
• Allow the excess caramel to drip off.

Step 4: Chill the Apples

• Place the caramel-coated apples on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.
• Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until the caramel has set.

Step 5: Melt the Candy Melts

• Melt the candy melts according to the package directions.
• Divide the melted candy melts into separate bowls, if desired, for different colors.

Step 6: Dip the Apples (Again)

• Dip the chilled apples into the melted candy melts, rotating to coat evenly.
• Tap the apples gently to remove any excess candy.

Step 7: Decorate the Apples

• Decorate the candy-coated apples with sprinkles, chopped nuts, or other desired toppings.
• Allow the apples to set completely before enjoying.

Variations

• Caramel Apple Bites: Cut the apples into bite-sized pieces before dipping them in caramel and candy melts.
• Chocolate-Dipped Apples: Dip the caramel-coated apples in melted chocolate instead of candy melts.
• Candy Cane Apples: Use crushed candy canes as a topping instead of sprinkles.
• Salted Caramel Apples: Add a pinch of salt to the caramel sauce before dipping the apples.
• Peanut Butter Apples: Dip the caramel-coated apples in melted peanut butter instead of candy melts.

Tips

• Use a variety of apples for different flavors and textures.
• Make sure the caramel sauce is hot when you dip the apples to ensure even coating.
• Chill the apples thoroughly before dipping them in candy melts to prevent the candy from melting.
• If the candy melts become too thick, add a teaspoon of vegetable oil and stir until smooth.
• Store the notch apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Healthier Options

• Use sugar-free candy melts or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar.
• Choose apples that are naturally sweet, such as Honeycrisp or Fuji.
• Dip the apples in melted dark chocolate instead of candy melts for a healthier treat.

For the Love of Apples

Apples are not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. They are a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and potassium. Eating apples has been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and cancer. So, while you’re enjoying your notch apple, know that you’re also doing something good for your health!

What You Need to Know

Q: Can I use other types of fruit besides apples?
A: Yes, you can use pears, bananas, or even strawberries. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Q: How can I make the caramel sauce thinner?
A: Add a little bit of water or milk to the caramel sauce while it’s still hot.
Q: Can I freeze notch apples?
A: Yes, you can freeze notch apples for up to 2 months. Just make sure to wrap them individually in plastic wrap before freezing.