Description

This classic Candy Apple recipe features crisp, medium-sized apples dipped in a glossy, sweet candy coating made from sugar, light corn syrup, and water, tinted with red food coloring. Perfectly crunchy and visually appealing, these candy apples make a delightful treat for autumn parties, Halloween, or any festive occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Candy Apples:

15 medium apples, washed and dried
15 craft sticks
Cooking spray (for greasing)

For the Candy Coating:

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

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Lightly grease your cookie sheets with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Insert a craft stick firmly into the stem end of each washed and dried apple, creating a handle for dipping.
Combine Candy Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix together the white sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat to begin dissolving the sugar.
Boil the Syrup: Bring the mixture to a rolling boil. Once boiling, attach a candy thermometer to the pan without letting it touch the bottom to monitor the temperature accurately.
Heat to Hard Crack Stage: Continue boiling the mixture without stirring until the temperature reaches between 300 to 310°F (149 to 154°C), which indicates the hard crack stage necessary for a crisp candy shell.
Test Candy Consistency: Verify the syrup’s readiness by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads that break easily, confirming the correct temperature.
Add Food Coloring: Remove the saucepan from heat and immediately stir in 8 drops of red food coloring for that iconic candy apple look.
Dip the Apples: Holding each apple by its stick, carefully dip it into the hot candy syrup, turning it to coat evenly and thoroughly, ensuring the entire apple is covered.
Set and Harden: Place the coated apples on the prepared greased cookie sheets. Allow the candy coating to cool and harden completely before serving, resulting in a shiny, crackly shell.

Notes

Use medium-sized apples for easier dipping and better candy coverage.
Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
Do not stir the syrup once it starts boiling to prevent crystallization.
If the syrup crystallizes, start over to ensure a smooth coating.
Prepare to work quickly when dipping apples as the syrup hardens fast.
For color variations, substitute or add other food coloring drops.
Store candy apples in a cool, dry place to maintain crispness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: candy apples, autumn treat, Halloween dessert, caramel apple alternative, homemade candy apple