Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare your workspace by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and washing the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert sticks into the core of each apple to make handling easier.
- Combine the sugar and butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, placing it over medium heat. Stir constantly with a spatula or wooden spoon until the mixture begins to melt and turns smooth, fragrant, and golden amber in color.
- Once the sugar mixture reaches about 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, remove it from heat and quickly stir in vanilla extract — the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Hold each apple by the stick and dip it into the hot toffee, turning gently to coat the entire surface, then carefully lift out, letting excess drip back into the pan.
- Place the coated apple on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the remaining apples, working quickly before the toffee cools and hardens.
- Allow the toffee apples to cool completely at room temperature until the coating is firm and shiny, crackling when tapped lightly.
Notes
Ensure toffee reaches the hard crack stage for that shiny, brittle finish. Resist the temptation to touch the hot toffee. For an extra spooky touch, drizzle with dark chocolate or add edible glitter before cooling.
