The caramel apple is popular for about one month during the calendar year. October 31st just happens to be National Caramel Apple Day. Did you know it was invented by Dan Walker in the 1950s? It gets better. He was an employee at Kraft at the time. Yes Kraft, the same people that brought you the macaroni and powdered cheese!
Dan basically is the genius that came up with the caramel apple. He is the reason why there is an alternative to the traditional red candy apple. That’s what I call working overtime for a good cause. But did they pay him for the idea? I wonder.
Caramel Apples vs. Candy Apples
During this time of year, the debate over pumpkin and sweet potato pie is not the only one worth having. I can almost hear you thinking, “What debate?” For me, the caramel apple is hands down better. There are some die hard traditionalists that swear by the classic candy apple versus the caramel apple.
I am absolutely a fan of the caramel apple. I’ve never had an injury eating one. When I was in third grade, our Halloween party featured candied apples. I bit down hard on mine. As a result, I lost a tooth from biting into one of those rock hard cherry red apples.
Despite the toothache, that didn’t stop me at all. It didn’t matter that the sticky, gooey pieces pierced through my gums. What mattered was that it was all mine and I was determined to enjoy it.
Make it Vegan for the Win!
Once I got to middle school, I discovered caramel apples. I never again got excited about a candied apple. I’m a sucker for caramel. It is still, the one sugar fix that will get me every time. As I have been leaning away from dairy these days, I was happy to find sweetened condensed oat milk. A great substitute for traditional condensed milk.
In the past few years I have changed the way I eat. I absolutely love adding more plants to my plate. It’s also fun to help other people get to know more fruits, grains and veggies. I know that too much sugar can be no bueno.
But it’s fall and kids are running around in Halloween costumes. My 13 year old has me feeling nostalgic. So caramel apple pops is on the menu. Why pops? I am still traumatized by my elementary school experience. Hoping to help her not lose a tooth! LOL
LA Dunn is a plant-based advocate who is looking forward to surprising her daughter with caramel apple pops. Fun fact: LA has developed a slight allergy to apples so she won’t be eating any of them! Here are some ways to connect with LA:
- Follow on Instagram @blackgirlseat
- Subscribe to the newsletter, Recipes & Random-Ish
- Shop with LA at the Black Girls Eat Shop on Amazon
- Take the easy five day email class, Introduction to Plant-Based Nutrition
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Easy Vegan Caramel Apple Pops
Ingredients
- 14-ounce can sweeten condensed oat milk
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons plant-based butter
- 1 tbs cornstarch
- 4-6 Apples
- Apple Sticks
Instructions
- Add condensed milk and brown sugar to a sauce pan, stir constantly and bring to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat and let it simmer on low for 5 minutes. Continue to stir. Remove from heat. When the sauce cools down, stir in one tablespoon of cornstarch and 2 tbs of your butter. Continue to stir until completely dissolved.
- Slice your apples in circles or in wedges. Pierce them with the apple sticks. Swirl your apples in the caramel sauce and lay them out on a cookie sheet prepped with parchment paper. Garnish with sprinkles, pretzels, coconut flakes, chocolate flakes, etc.
- Remove from the fridge and enjoy!