1. Insert a 5-inch-long nontoxic twig or wooden dowel into the top of each apple. Prepare an ice-water bath. Coat a rimmed baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine sugar and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until dark golden (about 12 minutes after mixture comes to a boil). Slowly pour in heavy cream in a steady stream, stirring vigorously to combine. Remove from heat. Stir in chocolate until completely melted.

3. Briefly plunge saucepan into the ice-water bath to stop the cooking. Dip one apple at a time into the caramel, and use a spoon to coat the top and sides. Transfer to prepared baking sheet until set.