Hey there, fellow food enthusiasts! 🍏 If there’s one thing my family looks forward to, it’s those cozy afternoons spent in the kitchen, crafting delicious treats that bring us warmth and joy. One such delight is our beloved Fried Apple Wedges with Caramel Cream Dipping Sauce. It started on a particularly chilly autumn day a few years ago when my kids and I decided to put those freshly picked apples to good use.
As the leaves turned crimson and gold outside, we transformed simple apples into a dish that’s become a staple at our family gatherings. Imagine a crisp apple slice, cloaked in a golden, crunchy coating that gives way to a tender, juicy interior with every bite. It’s a little slice of heaven, I promise. Add to that the decadent caramel cream dip, which has been known to disappear by the spoonful before the apples are even finished frying!
Now, I know what you’re thinking – can something this indulgent really be that easy to make? The answer is a resounding yes! With just a bit of prep and some pantry staples, you, too, can conjure up this mouthwatering treat. The secret lies in the blend of warm cinnamon and sugar, which coats each apple slice, offering a sweet-spicy contrast to the tangy apples. And that caramel whipped dip? It’s the perfect partner, creamy yet light, with just the right touch of sweetness.
So, if you’re ready to create a new family favorite or simply want to treat yourself to a delightful dessert, grab your favorite apples and let’s get frying! You’ll be surprised at how quickly these apple wedges become a tradition of your own, sparking joy with every delicious bite. Try it out, and don’t forget to let me know how it goes. Who knows? It might just become your go-to comfort food, as it has for us.
How to Make Fried Apple Wedges
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Ingredients:
- 4 large, firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady work best)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 4 tbsp sugar (divided)
- 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon (divided)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
- 8 oz whipped cream
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Directions:
- Peel the apples, removing the cores, and slice them into thick wedges about ½ to ¾ inch wide. Submerge them in a bowl with milk to coat lightly, and set aside.
- Mix the flour, cornstarch, 1 tbsp of sugar, and 1 tsp of cinnamon in a shallow dish. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining sugar with ½ tsp of cinnamon and set aside.
- Take a few apple slices from the milk, let the excess drip off, then roll them in the flour mixture until fully covered. Repeat with all slices and place them on a tray.
- Heat ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Line a plate with paper towels. When the oil is hot, fry the apple slices in batches, 6 to 8 at a time, for 1-2 minutes each side until golden brown.
- Once fried, place the apple slices on the towel-lined plate. Quickly sprinkle them with the reserved cinnamon-sugar mix while they’re still warm.
- In a bowl, gently mix the caramel sauce into the whipped cream until smooth and well combined.
- Serve the crispy apple wedges on a platter with the caramel cream dip on the side. Enjoy them while warm for the best experience!
Creative Substitutions to Suit Your Taste
If you don’t have whole milk on hand, try using almond milk or another non-dairy option for a slightly different flavor profile. You can also replace the cornstarch with arrowroot powder for a gluten-free alternative. For a vegan twist, use coconut cream instead of whipped cream in your dip.
The Best Way to Store Fried Apple Wedges Leftover
To keep your leftovers fresh, place the fried apple wedges in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil. Refrigerate them for up to two days. When you’re ready to enjoy, reheat them in the oven at 350°F until warmed through. Store the caramel cream dip separately in the fridge and stir well before serving again.
Perfect Pairings for Fried Apple Wedges
These apple wedges are delicious on their own but pair beautifully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra indulgent treat. If you’re serving them as a dessert, a glass of chilled sparkling cider or a hot cup of tea makes for a delightful pairing. For a brunch setting, serve alongside a savory quiche or a cheese platter.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Fried Apple Wedges & Dip
To achieve an extra crispy coating, double-dip your apple slices: after the first coat, dip them back into the milk and then the flour mixture again. Be sure to maintain medium heat while frying to ensure even cooking without burning. For a smoother dip, heat the caramel sauce slightly before mixing it with whipped cream.
Seasonal Twists for Fried Apple Wedges
Adjust this delightful recipe to fit the season by swapping in fresh, local apples available at your local farmers’ market. In the fall, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the coating for a cozy spice profile. During summer, try serving with a berry compote alongside the caramel cream dip for a fresh, vibrant contrast.
FAQs:
What type of apples are best for frying?
Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady are great choices due to their firm texture. These varieties hold up well during frying and provide a nice balance of tartness and sweetness that complements the cinnamon-sugar coating and caramel dip.
Can I prepare the apples in advance?
Yes, you can slice and store the apples in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Keep them in the refrigerator for up to a day in advance. However, for the best texture, coat and fry them fresh just before serving.
How do I make the caramel dip more flavorful?
To enhance the caramel flavor, consider adding a pinch of sea salt or a splash of vanilla extract to the cream and caramel mixture. These additions can deepen the caramel notes and provide a slight contrast that elevates the dip.
Is there a way to make this dish healthier?
For a healthier version, bake the coated apple slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 400°F until golden brown, rather than frying them. Use Greek yogurt instead of whipped cream for a lighter, protein-rich dip.
Can I use a different type of flour?
Absolutely! Feel free to substitute all-purpose flour with whole wheat or a gluten-free blend if needed. Keep in mind that the texture might change slightly, but the wedges will still be delicious.
What can I do with leftover caramel dip?
The caramel cream dip is versatile! Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or even as a filling for crepes. It also pairs wonderfully with sliced bananas or drizzled over brownies for an extra sweet treat.
Fried Apple Wedges & Caramel Cream Dipping Sauce
Equipment
- Skillet
- shallow dish
- bowl
- tray
- paper towels
Ingredients
For the Apple Wedges:
- 4 large firm apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady recommended)
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons sugar (divided)
- 1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon (divided)
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Caramel Whipped Dip:
- 8 ounces whipped cream
- ½ cup caramel sauce
Instructions
For Apple Wedges:
- Start by peeling the apples, discarding the cores, and cutting them into thick matchstick slices (approximately ½ to ¾ inch wide). Place them in a bowl and lightly coat them with milk. Set aside.
- In a shallow dish, mix together the flour, cornstarch, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon until combined. In a separate small bowl, blend the remaining 3 tablespoons of sugar with ½ teaspoon cinnamon and set this aside as well.
- Take a few apple sticks out of the milk at a time, allowing excess milk to drip off. Coat them thoroughly in the flour mixture. Lay them on a tray and repeat the process for the remaining apple slices.
- Heat ¼ cup of oil in your skillet over medium heat. Prepare a plate lined with paper towels to soak up excess oil. When the oil is hot enough, fry the coated apple slices in small batches (about 6-8 at a time), cooking each side for 1-2 minutes or until they turn a golden brown.
- Once fried, place the apple sticks on the prepared plate and sprinkle the reserved cinnamon-sugar mixture on top while they’re still warm for maximum flavor.
For the Dip:
- In a mixing bowl, gently combine the caramel sauce with the whipped cream until fully integrated.
- Arrange your crispy apple sticks on a serving platter and offer the creamy caramel dip alongside. They are best enjoyed while still warm.
