Ingredients:

  • 3 large Granny Smith apples
  • 0.5 cup lemon juice
  • 1 cup salted butter
  • 2 cups packed light brown sugar
  • 0.5 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 0.25 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 0.5 cup crushed walnuts
  • 2 oz melted dark chocolate
  • 15-24 lollipop sticks

Instructions:

  1. Cut apples into uniform wedges (about 8 per apple), removing the core.
  2. Soak apple slices in lemon juice for 5 minutes to prevent browning.
  3. Pat each apple slice completely dry with paper towels to ensure the caramel adheres.
  4. Gently push a lollipop stick into the skin side of each wedge.
  5. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and stir in the brown sugar and salt.
  6. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly.
  7. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture reaches a velvety consistency (approximately 235°F / 113°C).
  8. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Let the caramel sit for 2 minutes to thicken.
  9. Dip the apple slice into the caramel, rotating to cover the fruit, leaving a small gap at the top.
  10. Immediately press the wet caramel into crushed nuts or drizzle with melted chocolate.
  11. Place the pops on parchment paper and let them set for 30 minutes at room temperature.