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Healthier Caramel Apples: Just Do It!

October 10, 2012   8 Comments

You don’t need to be a rocket scientist to get why these caramel apples are healthier.

Lighter Caramel Apple Recipe

Yep, there is just less caramel than the regular kind (and I didn’t add the nuts). You save quite a few calories by doing this as a regular caramel apple can run as high as 390 calories. Ouch!

This is really fun to do with kids. If you are having a party and want to serve a treat these are great to make ahead.

They also take about 10 minutes from start to finish. When I tried this recipe, I thought I wouldn’t be apple to handle the “candy making” aspect, but it is really simple.

Just be sure to keep stirring for two minutes after the mixture gets to a boil and you will have yummy homemade caramel for your apple. If you don’t stir, you will have a burnt mess that will destroy your pan (trust me).

Agave syrup is perfect for this concoction because it gives liquid to the caramel (and so you don’t have to add cream).

I like to use a more sour apple to contrast with the caramel to get a better flavor. Store these in the fridge for a week for a fun healthier treat.

Have you ever made caramel apples? Please share.

Healthy Caramel Apples Recipe

1.9 from 26 reviews

(makes 9)
⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
¼ cup agave nectar
2 tablespoons butter
pinch salt
9 medium apples
popsicle sticks or barbecue skewers

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Wash apples and place on baking sheet.

Combine sugar, nectar, butter, and salt in a small saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the syrup starts to bubble stir constantly for 2 minutes until the mixture darkens.\

Using a tablespoon measure, work quickly and drizzle caramel over the apple. After you finish all 9, stick in a skewer or popsicle stick into the top. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and enjoy!

For one apple = 171 calories, 2.9 g fat, 39.4 g carbohydrates, 32.7 g sugar, 0.5 g protein, 4.8 g fiber, 36 mg sodium, 5 Freestyle SmartPts

Points values are calculated by Snack Girl and are provided for information only. See all Snack Girl Recipes

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8 Comments:

I have made caramel apples before..the kind where you melt the caramels, years ago with my children. This recipe looks like a perfect Fall treat. Great for all these tasty apples that are around!

Oh dear sweet Snack Girl...you've done it once again! You take an unhealthy treat, wave your magic wand, sing a little song and poof!! You've created a healthy treat! I can not wait to try this. Thank you!!

Not sure how well this recipe (below) will cover apples, but it could be a further "healthification" of Lisa's modification...

http://www.thespunkycoconut.com/2011/10/thanks-paleo-parent…

Caramel Sauce
Ingredients
1/2 cup honey
1/2 cup maple syrup
1/2 tsp baking soda

- Warm a large sauce pan over medium heat, add honey and maple syrup to hot pan

- Once bubbles begin to form, turn heat to medium low, and stir (to prevent burning) for 10 minutes

- Mixture will bubble and potentially expand over edge of pot, if that happens, remove from heat and stir, return to heat once bubbles subside

- Once sauce has thickened and the color darkened (about 10 minutes), remove from heat to add baking soda

- Whisk in baking soda thoroughly and return to medium heat for 2-3 minutes, whisk constantly until sauce has become a thick, rich bubbly sauce that does not deflate when moved off of heat

- Remove from heat and let cool, stirring occasionally – sauce will reincorporate to a thick caramel consistency

- Store in an airtight container for several months, serve and use warm (microwave or stove top)

(Honestly, I've been afraid to make this caramel recipe because I am pretty confident that I'll devour it in one sitting. :(

Can you use something else if agave nectar isn't readily available?

For a quick, no-cook, any-time caramel/apple treat for kids and adults alike, cut up an apple and put it in a bowl or baggie and add a packet of "Caramel Delicioso" and toss until coated and enjoy! It's one of the flavors of stevia (www.stevia-intl.com) that has become a favorite of mine. It's great on apples and in my pumpkin hot tea (also a new fave of mine from Celestial Seasonings). It comes in a tall shaker and in packets.

Also, on pinterest recently, instead of putting an entire apple on a stick (which is so hard to eat for little ones), i saw the idea to slice apples into flat, round, lollipop shaped pieces, and put those on sticks. Drizzle those with the caramel and you're good to go!

And, when cutting up apples, toss them in ice water for about 10 min and then pat dry, and they won't turn brown. No fruit fresh needed! ;)

Never knew that Stevia comes in flavors! Thanks for the tip.

G-friend-you are a rockstar. Love the recipe!

Yum! I'm gonna have to try this...


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