Caramel Apples {Homemade Caramel}

Ingredients

• 1 cup white granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 3/4 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1/2 cup dark corn syrup
• 1 tablespoon dark molasses
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/2 teaspoon salt (omit if using salted butter)
• 6 medium apples (rinsed and patted dry, room temperature)
• Assorted decorations (such as chopped nuts, chopped raisins, mini M&M's and candy sprinkles)