Description
Learn how to make the best classic candy apples with a shiny, sweet, and crunchy candy coating. This easy recipe uses simple ingredients like granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water to create a perfect candy shell. Ideal for family activities, festive occasions, or a nostalgic treat, these candy apples are fun to make and delicious to eat.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Preparation
- Up to 10 large apples (washed and allowed to fully dry)
- Up to 10 candy apple sticks (skewers, chopsticks, or similar)
Candy Coating
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- Several drops food coloring
- 1 Tbsp flavoring extract (or 1 tsp flavor oil)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cookie Sheet: Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper to prevent the candy apples from sticking. Set aside.
- Prep the Apples: Remove all stems and stickers from the apples. Insert candy apple sticks firmly into the center of each apple, pushing at least halfway through. Set aside to ensure they are ready for dipping.
- Make Candy Coating: In a heavy saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir well and bring to a boil over medium or medium-high heat. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan to monitor temperature.
- Heat to Hard Crack Stage: Boil the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 310°F (hard crack stage) on the candy thermometer. Remove from heat immediately once this temperature is reached.
- Add Color and Flavor: Quickly stir in several drops of food coloring and the chosen flavoring extract or flavor oil. Stir the mixture until it stops boiling and most of the bubbles disappear, which helps ensure a smooth candy coating texture.
- Dip the Apples: Carefully dip each apple one at a time into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat the apple completely and evenly. Let excess candy drip back into the pan. Be extremely cautious as the sugar syrup is extremely hot and can cause severe burns.
- Cool the Candy Apples: Place the dipped apples on the prepared cookie sheet and allow the candy coating to cool and harden completely at room temperature.
- Serve or Store: Once cooled, remove candy apples from the cookie sheet. Enjoy immediately or wrap in cellophane for later consumption.
Notes
- Candy apples are a perfect activity to do with family, combining fun and deliciousness.
- This recipe is budget-friendly and uses common pantry ingredients.
- Make sure apples are completely dry to ensure the candy coating sticks well.
- Use a candy thermometer for best results to reach and monitor the correct temperature.
- Be extra cautious handling hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- Wrap leftover candy apples tightly to keep them fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 118g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 124g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
