This Caramel Apple Recipe Is So Good It's Scary

This Caramel Apple Recipe Is So Good It's Scary

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Halloween marks the beginning of the holiday season and the refined, sugar-filled sweets that come with it. Eating a clean, whole foods diet doesn’t mean we can’t participate in some indulgences! We’ve created this caramel apple recipe that both kids and adults will enjoy. It’s also 21-Day Clean Program compliant, for when those cravings strike! The caramel apple recipe makes bite-sized portions, making them perfect for a small treat or to serve to a crowd.

A caramel apple a day keeps the Doctor away

The old saying still holds true – apples are full of benefits to keep us healthy and vibrant. They are rich in antioxidants that help lower our risk for type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Specifically, apples contain a type of antioxidant called quercetin, which has been shown to improve brain function, reduce allergies, and reduce our risk of conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Eat with the seasons

Eating with the seasons is less expensive, healthier, and better for the environment. When we purchase fruits and vegetables that are out of season they are often from far away and have been picked before they are ready to be eaten. This means they must be refrigerated during travel and finish ripening off the vine (often under artificial heat). These conditions result in fewer nutrients, a change in texture, and inferior flavor.

Our bodies often crave seasonal crops – like root vegetables in the winter and hydrating fruit in the summer. In autumn apples are in their peak season, making them the perfect fruit for fall cooking. This caramel apple recipe works well with any crispy variety, but keep in mind that the caramel will sweeten the apples so we can choose a sour variety like Granny Smith for a more balanced taste.

Add fiber for better digestion

The holidays often mean a higher consumption of sugar and carbohydrates, which can lead to dramatic spikes and drops in our blood sugar. Irregular blood sugar can leave us moody, stressed, and starving; not to mention it can put us at risk for diabetes in the long run. Adding fiber and choosing unrefined forms of sugar is a great way to combat these symptoms and ensure that we enjoy the holidays without unhealthy weight gain. The fiber in apples will slow the absorption of sugar into our bloodstream. It will also improve our digestion and keep us regular.

Caramel apple recipe

Ingredients

1/4 cup pistachios, shelled

1/4 cup shredded coconut

3 large apples

1 can coconut milk (full-fat)

1.5 cups coconut palm sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Also needed:

Candy thermometer

White candy sticks

To make the caramel, add coconut milk, sugar, and salt to a pot. Hook a candy thermometer to the inside of the pot, so that it is submerged in the mixture without touching the bottom. Heat over medium, stirring regularly until liquid reaches a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low. Continue to cook, for 20-25 minutes until caramel is thickened and has reached 240 degrees Fahrenheit.

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While caramel cooks, finely chop pistachios. Place chopped pistachios and coconut into two piles on a flat surface (like a chopping board). Set aside.

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While caramel continues to cook, prepare apples. Peel apples, then use a melon baller to scoop small balls out of apples, avoiding the core and seeds.

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Pierce each apple ball with a cake pop stick and set aside.

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Once caramel is finished cooking, remove from heat. Lay out a sheet of parchment paper and lightly grease with coconut oil. Let the caramel cool to 180 degrees then stir in vanilla. Once vanilla is combined, start dipping apple pops into caramel.

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Swirl each apple a few times to let excess caramel drip off and ensure an even coating. Dip caramel covered apples into pistachios and/or coconut if using.

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Refrigerate apples for at least an hour before serving.

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Recipe and photography by Kaitlyn Noble