Halloween Candied Apples Recipe

If you want to wow your Halloween guests with a fun and sweet treat, this Halloween Candied Apples Recipe is absolutely the way to go. I’ve made these bright, spooky apples a bunch of times, and every single time, they’re a hit that disappears fast. The best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make, and you don’t need a candy thermometer or complicated tools. Stick with me, and I’ll share all my favorite tips to get those glossy, colorful apples looking like Halloween came to your kitchen!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here come together beautifully — the crispness of the apples pairs perfectly with smooth, colorful candy melts that give you that classic shiny coating. When shopping, pick apples that feel firm and polished, and choose candy melts in fun Halloween colors to make those eyeballs pop.

• Wilton Candy Eyeballs: These add that fun Halloween twist; you can choose sizes to mix things up.
• Wilton Candy Melts: Opt for festive colors like lavender, green, and orange to keep things spooky and bright.
• Wood Treat Sticks: Make sure they’re sturdy enough to hold the apples without bending.
• Medium Apples (like McIntosh or Granny Smith): Firm apples with a tart bite work best because their texture stands up to the candy coating.

Variations

I love playing around with this Halloween Candied Apples Recipe to surprise my family and guests. You can easily swap colors or add adventurous toppings to make it your own—there’s no limit to spooky creativity here!

• Color Variation: I once did a black and neon green combo using candy melts and it was a showstopper at a Halloween party.
• Chocolate Drizzle: Drizzle dark or white chocolate on top after the candy coating sets for an extra layer of flavor and visual interest.
• Nutty Crunch: Sprinkle chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or candy sprinkles onto the candy before it hardens to add texture.
• Dietary Mods: You can find vegan-friendly candy melts if you want to keep things plant-based without sacrificing flavor or fun.

How to Make Halloween Candied Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Sticks

Start by washing and drying your apples really well — moisture is the enemy of candied coating sticking properly. I like to polish them with a clean towel until they’re smooth and shiny. Next, push the wood sticks firmly into the stem end of each apple. This step might seem small, but a stubborn stick can throw off your whole dipping process!

Step 2: Melt the Candy Melts

Place your chosen Halloween-colored candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until completely smooth. I learned that stirring well after each burst really saves you from burned or lumpy chocolate. Your coating should be silky and pourable but not too runny.

Step 3: Dip and Decorate

Hold each apple by the stick and dip it into the melted candy, swirling to coat evenly. Lift it out and let the excess drip off before setting it on a parchment-lined tray. Before your coating hardens, place some candy eyeballs onto the apples — I like to gently press them in to make sure they stay put without damaging the candy shell.

Step 4: Let Them Set

Leave the apples out at room temperature until the candy sets — usually about 20 to 30 minutes. If your house is warm, you can pop them in the fridge for a few minutes to speed things up, but don’t leave them too long or the candy can sweat and lose its glossy shine.

How to Serve Halloween Candied Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping mine with a few extra candy sprinkles or a tiny drizzle of contrasting colored candy melts to add dimension. The candy eyeballs steal the show, but a little extra sparkle keeps things festive and fun — plus, kids adore adding their own touch right before serving.

Side Dishes

If you’re hosting a Halloween party, these apples pair wonderfully with simple popcorn balls or a platter of roasted pumpkin seeds. I usually keep sides light because the apples are satisfyingly sweet and filling all on their own!

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I arranged the apples standing upright in a foam block decorated like a haunted graveyard—talk about a conversation starter! You can also bundle them in cellophane with themed ribbons or place them on a platter with candy corn scattered around to up the spooky factor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftover candied apples at room temperature in a single layer to avoid condensation, covering loosely with wax paper. Refrigeration tends to make the candy coating sticky and dull. They stay delicious for up to 2 days this way, but honestly, they rarely last that long in my house!

Freezing

Freezing candied apples isn’t something I recommend because the texture of the apples changes once thawed, becoming mushy. If you want to make ahead, it’s better to prep the apples and sticks, then coat and decorate fresh on the day of your event.

Reheating

If the candy coating loses its shine, gently warming the apples in a low oven (around 170°F) for a few minutes can help restore gloss—but don’t overheat or the candy will melt. I usually skip reheating and just serve them fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Halloween Candied Apples Recipe brings a little bit of magic and whimsy to my holiday celebrations. It’s one of those treats that’s simple but still impresses, and I always enjoy making it with my kids—there’s just something about sticking candy eyeballs on an apple that gets everyone giggling! Give this a try, and I have no doubt it’ll become a Halloween tradition in your household, too.

Print