Copycat Dr Pepper Caramel Apple Recipe

Whether preparing snacks for a festive gathering or looking for a creative family activity, Dr Pepper Caramel Apples are sure to delight anyone who tries them.

What Is Dr Pepper Caramel Apple?

A Dr Pepper Caramel Apple is a dessert made by coating a fresh apple in caramel that has been infused with the flavor of Dr Pepper soda.

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji are recommended)
• 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Wooden sticks (for apples)

Instructions:

1. Preparation: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax by dipping the apples in boiling water for a few seconds, then drying them. Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple. Set aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Reducing the Dr Pepper: Pour the Dr Pepper into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce by about half to concentrate the flavor (10–15 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

Making The Caramel:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. When the mixture starts to boil, add the reduced Dr Pepper.
2. Continue stirring and cooking until the caramel reaches 240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Dipping the Apples: Hold an apple by its stem and dip it into the caramel, swirling to coat evenly. Let excess caramel drip off, then place the apple back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples.
2. Setting: Allow the caramel apples to cool and set completely at room temperature. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor.

Tips For Dr Pepper Caramel Apple:

• Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the caramel stick.
• Use a candy thermometer for best results and to avoid overcooking or burning the caramel.
• Rotate the apples as you dip them for an even coating.
• If the caramel starts to harden, gently reheat it over low heat.
• Customize your apples with toppings like sprinkles, nuts, or crushed cookies.

What To Serve With

Beverage Pairings:

• Hot Apple Cider: The warm, spiced notes of apple cider make a comforting companion and enhance the autumnal vibe.
• Vanilla Milkshakes: The creaminess of a milkshake softens the intensity of the caramel, creating a balanced treat.
• Dr Pepper Floats: Play up the main flavor by serving Dr Pepper over vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent drink.
• Black Tea or Coffee: The slight bitterness of tea or coffee helps cut through the sweetness, providing a refreshing contrast.

Snack And Dessert Pairings:

• Spiced Nuts: Offer bowls of cinnamon sugar pecans or spiced almonds. Their crunch adds variety, and their subtle warmth mirrors the caramel flavors.
• Cheese Board: Mild cheeses like brie or Gouda pair beautifully with caramel apples, offering a creamy and savory touch to balance the sweetness.
• Gingersnap Cookies: The spicy notes of ginger complement the caramel and add another layer of flavor.
• Popcorn: Either classic buttered popcorn or caramel corn makes for a fun, casual side and is easy for guests to enjoy.

Fruit Pairings:

• Fresh Grapes or Sliced Pears: These fruits lighten up your spread and add juicy freshness.
• Berries: Strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries bring color and a tangy pop beside the caramel apples.
• Dried Fruit: Apricots or dried apples can enhance your serving platter with a chewy texture and concentrated flavor.

Extra Touches:

• Mini Cupcakes or Brownie Bites: Smaller baked goods offer variety and satisfy other sweet cravings.
• Yogurt Dip: A vanilla or honey yogurt dip provides a cool, creamy counterpoint for anyone who wants to take bites of apple with a little extra flavor.

Ingredient Substitutes:

Apples:

• Honeycrisp: Offers sweetness and crunch.
• Pink Lady: Provides a tart note and a firm texture.
• Gala: Yields a milder, sweet flavor.

Dr Pepper:

• Cherry Cola or Root Beer: These sodas impart a unique flavor but still provide the deep caramel-like notes.
• Generic Cola or Cream Soda: Works in a pinch and maintains the caramel apple base.
• Diet Dr Pepper: Reduces sugar content without changing flavor drastically.
• Dr Pepper Cherry or Dr Pepper Vanilla: Adds a subtle twist to the taste profile.

Sugar:

• Light Brown Sugar: Delivers richer caramel notes.
• Raw Cane Sugar: Offers a natural sweetness and mild molasses undertone.
• Coconut Sugar: A lower glycemic option that brings a subtle caramel flavor.

Corn Syrup:

• Golden Syrup: A British favorite, with a buttery flavor.
• Honey: Adds floral sweetness but can change texture slightly.
• Maple Syrup: Gives a deeper, more complex sweetness.
• Agave Syrup: Works for a lighter taste and is vegan-friendly.

Sweetened Condensed Milk:

• Evaporated Milk plus Sugar: Combine 1 cup evaporated milk with 1¼ cups sugar.
• Coconut Condensed Milk: Dairy-free and brings coconut undertones.
• Homemade Condensed Milk: Simmer milk and sugar until thickened.

Butter:

• Salted Butter: Reduces need for added salt; slightly different flavor.
• Margarine: Works for a dairy-free version.
• Coconut Oil: Vegan alternative with a hint of coconut flavor.

Salt:

• Sea Salt: Adds a refined touch and crunch if sprinkled on top.
• Kosher Salt: Preferred for cooking; easier to control amounts.

Vanilla Extract:

• Vanilla Bean Paste: Intense flavor and specks of real vanilla.
• Almond Extract: Delivers a subtle nutty twist.
• Maple Extract: Offers woodsy sweetness if desired.

Wooden Sticks:

• Bamboo Skewers: Great for sturdy support.
• Lollipop Sticks: Colorful option for parties.
• Reusable Metal Skewers: Eco-friendly, perfect for regular use.

Final Thoughts

Dr Pepper caramel apples are more than just your typical fall dessert, they’re a creative fusion of classic nostalgia and bold, unexpected flavor.

More Cocktail Recipes:

• Spiced Apple Paloma Cocktail Recipe
• Copycat VMC Tequila Cocktail Recipe
• Copycat Sprite Winter Spiced Cranberry Recipe
• Cutwater Tiki Rum Punch Cocktail Recipe

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Dr Pepper Caramel Apple

Rating: 5.0/5

( 1 voted )

Serves: 3 Prep Time: 10 Minutes Cooking Time: 0 Minute 0 Minute Nutrition facts: 150 calories 0 gram fat

Ingredients

• 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji are recommended)
• 1 can (12 oz) Dr Pepper
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1 can (14 oz) sweetened condensed milk
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (plus extra for greasing)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Wooden sticks (for apples)

Instructions

1. Preparation: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax by dipping the apples in boiling water for a few seconds, then drying them. Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple. Set aside on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
2. Reducing the Dr Pepper: Pour the Dr Pepper into a saucepan and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Let it reduce by about half to concentrate the flavor (10–15 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.

Making The Caramel:

1. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, butter, and salt. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon or heatproof spatula. When the mixture starts to boil, add the reduced Dr Pepper.
2. Continue stirring and cooking until the caramel reaches 240°F (soft ball stage) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.

1. Dipping the Apples: Hold an apple by its stem and dip it into the caramel, swirling to coat evenly. Let excess caramel drip off, then place the apple back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples.
2. Setting: Allow the caramel apples to cool and set completely at room temperature. If desired, drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkle with crushed nuts for extra texture and flavor.