If you're looking for a simple recipe to create delicious candy apples, this is the right place for you!
I don't know about you, but candy apples taste amazing to me. I love everything about them. Their look, their crunch and the sweetness of sugar and natural sugar...perfection.
Many people tend to shy away from making homemade candy apples, but shouldn't! They are seriously so simple to do that you'll be bummed out that you waited so long to make it happen!
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💖 Why This Recipe Works
- Sweet & Crunchy: Candy Apples are the perfect combination of crisp apples coated in a sweet, glossy sugar shell.
- Fun to Make: A hands-on treat where you can get creative with colors, toppings, or even sprinkles for extra flair.
- Great for Fall: These classic treats are a must-have at autumn festivals, Halloween parties, or any fall gathering.
Making Candy Apples at Home
It's the time and season for candy apples and today I am sharing this fantastic recipe for making your very own candy apples. It's a simple and easy recipe to follow and something that will go down a treat. Who doesn't love the combination of apples and sugar?
🥚Ingredients for Your Apple Candy Treats
- 6-8 red or green apples, any variety
- 6-8 lollipop or popsicle sticks (these are your candy apple sticks)
- 3 cups white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon red and black food colouring
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon oil or flavouring
For the complete list of ingredients with measurements and instructions, please see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
🌈 Substitutions and Variations
- Color Pop: Add a few drops of your favorite food coloring to the candy mixture for vibrant apples.
- Flavor Flair: Mix in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon for a tasty twist.
- Nutty Buddy: Roll the dipped apples in chopped nuts like peanuts, hazelnuts, or cashews before they harden.
- Chocolate Drizzle: Once set, drizzle melted dark or white chocolate over the apples for extra indulgence.
🔪How to Make Candy Apples
Wash and dry the apples and place sticks into them and set aside.
Prepare the cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. Spray with oil lightly.
Using a medium saucepan place the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon at medium heat.
Bring to a rolling boil until crack stage is reached at 300 degrees. ( I always let mine go 10 degrees higher it helps the candy have a crisp snap) if you don't have a candy thermometer use a cup or small glass filled halfway with water.
Once candy cooks for approx. 10 min use a spoon. Dip into the mixture and let some drop into the water. If the candy hardens immediately it is at crack stage.
When candy is ready separate half into another saucepan.
This is when you add the food colouring.
Dip each apple into candy and swirl.
Set onto a cookie sheet and allow to cool
Decorate any way you want.
Enjoy! You won't find a candy apple recipe any more simple than this!
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👩🍳 Expert Tips
- Use medium-sized apples like Fuji or Gala for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
- Aim for the "crack stage" (300°F) when making your candy coating, and use a thermometer to be sure.
- Add different food colors and flavors to the candy coating for a fun, custom touch!
💭 FAQs
Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to maintain their quality.
It's best to prepare the candy coating fresh. If needed, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a day; reheat gently before dipping the apples.
Ensure the apples are at room temperature before dipping. Dip them promptly and allow excess coating to drip off before placing them on parchment paper to cool.
Absolutely! Before the coating hardens, you can roll the apples in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or drizzle with melted chocolate for extra flavor.
💖 Serving Suggestions
These are my favorite treats to serve with homemade candy apples:
- Chopped Nuts: Roll the candy-coated apples in crushed almonds, pecans, or walnuts for an added crunch and nutty flavor.
- Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles can make the apples more festive, especially for holidays or special occasions.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Pressing mini chocolate chips into the candy coating adds a sweet and slightly bitter contrast.
🍜 Related Recipes
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Candy Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 6-8 red or green apples any variety
- 6-8 lollipop or popsicle sticks (these are your candy apple sticks
- 3 cups white sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon red and black food colouring
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon oil or flavouring
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples and place sticks into them and set aside.
- Prepare the cookie sheet with parchment or wax paper. Spray with oil lightly.
- Using a medium saucepan place the sugar, corn syrup, water, and cinnamon at medium heat.
- Bring to a rolling boil until crack stage is reached. 300 degrees. ( I always let mine go 10 degrees higher it helps the candy have a crisp snap) if you don’t have a candy thermometer use a cup or small glass filled halfway with water.
- Once candy cooks for approx. 10 min use a spoon.
- Dip into the mixture and let some drop into the water. If the candy hardens immediately it is at crack stage.
- When candy is ready separate half into another saucepan.
- This is when you add the food colouring.
- Dip each apple into candy and swirl.
- Set onto a cookie sheet and allow to cool.
- Decorate any way you want.
- Enjoy! You won't find a candy apple recipe any more simple than this!
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