Candy Apple Recipe

Introduction

Candy apples are a nostalgic treat that combine crisp apples with a shiny, crunchy candy coating. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a sweet snack, these glossy, red apples bring back childhood memories with every bite.

Ingredients

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1½ cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 8 drops red food coloring
• 15 medium apples, washed and dried
• 15 craft sticks
• cooking spray

Instructions

1. Step 1: Lightly grease your cookie sheets with cooking spray and insert craft sticks into the stems of the apples.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium-high heat.
3. Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, then carefully insert a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
4. Step 4: Continue boiling without stirring until the temperature reaches between 300 and 310°F (149 to 154°C).
5. Step 5: Test the syrup by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads at this stage.
6. Step 6: Remove the saucepan from heat and gently stir in the red food coloring.
7. Step 7: Holding each apple by its stick, dip it into the hot syrup, turning to coat evenly.
8. Step 8: Place the coated apples on the prepared cookie sheets and let them harden completely before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balance of sweet and tangy flavors.
• For easier removal, lightly oil your hands before dipping the apples to avoid sticking.
• Try adding a few drops of cinnamon or vanilla extract to the syrup for a unique twist.
• If you don’t have a candy thermometer, test the syrup by dropping it into cold water; it should harden immediately.

Storage

Store candy apples in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigerating to prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky. They keep best for up to 2 days. To refresh the crunch, allow them to come to room temperature before eating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different colors besides red?

Yes, you can use any food coloring you like to create different colored candy coatings. Just add the coloring after removing the syrup from heat.

What if my candy coating is sticky after it cools?

Sticky coating usually means the sugar didn’t reach the hard crack stage. Make sure the syrup reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C) and avoid stirring while boiling. Also, store apples in a cool environment away from humidity.

Candy Apple Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 88 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 15 candy apples 1x

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Description

This Candy Apple recipe transforms crisp, fresh apples into a delightful treat by coating them in a glossy, hard candy shell made from sugar, corn syrup, and vibrant red food coloring. The candy coating hardens to a perfect crunch, offering a sweet contrast to the tart apple beneath, making it a fun and festive snack for holidays, fairs, or any special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 15 medium apples, washed and dried
• 15 craft sticks

Candy Coating

• 1 cup light corn syrup
• 1½ cups water
• 2 cups white sugar
• 8 drops red food coloring

Other

• Cooking spray (for greasing cookie sheets)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Lightly grease your cookie sheets with cooking spray to prevent sticking and firmly insert craft sticks into the stem ends of the washed and dried apples.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the white sugar, water, and light corn syrup over medium-high heat, stirring gently until the sugar dissolves.
3. Boil the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a vigorous boil, then clip in a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely as you continue to boil without stirring.
4. Reach Hard Crack Stage: Boil the syrup until it reaches 300 to 310°F (149 to 154°C), the hard crack stage, tested by dropping a bit of syrup into cold water where it should form hard, brittle threads.
5. Remove and Color: Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly add the red food coloring, stirring gently to evenly distribute the color.
6. Dip the Apples: Holding each apple by its stick, carefully dip into the hot syrup, turning to coat it evenly with the candy mixture.
7. Set the Candy Coating: Place the coated apples onto the greased cookie sheets and allow the candy shell to cool and harden completely before serving.

Notes

• Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy adhere properly.
• Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control to achieve the perfect hard crack stage.
• Work quickly when adding food coloring and dipping apples as the syrup hardens fast once off heat.
• Store finished candy apples at cool room temperature for up to 2 days to maintain crispness.
• Be cautious while working with hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Candy Apple, Halloween food, Fall dessert, Hard candy coating, Festive treat