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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Remove and Color: Take the saucepan off the heat and quickly add the red food coloring, stirring gently to evenly distribute the color.
Dip the Apples: Holding each apple by its stick, carefully dip into the hot syrup, turning to coat it evenly with the candy mixture.
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