Gather 1 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 cup water, 1/2 cup heavy cream, 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, and a pinch of salt
Insert sticks into washed and fully dried apples
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it
Combine sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat
Stir only until the sugar dissolves
Stop stirring and let the mixture boil until it turns amber
Remove from heat
Carefully whisk in the heavy cream
Add the butter and salt
Stir until smooth
Let the caramel cool slightly until thick enough to coat apples
Dip each apple into the caramel and rotate to coat evenly
Let excess caramel drip off
Place coated apples on the prepared baking sheet
Chill until set