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Crunchy, sweet and brightly colored, homemade candy apples are a classic fall treat that never goes out of style. Coated in a glossy red shell and served on a stick, these apples are perfect for Halloween parties, fall festivals or a nostalgic afternoon in the kitchen. This simple recipe creates crisp apples wrapped in crackly candy with just the right balance of tart and sweet. They’re fun to make, gorgeous to serve and always a hit. When it comes to Halloween desserts, easy and delicious is ideal!

Four shiny red homemade candy apples with wooden sticks on a white ruffled plate, with a blurred kitchen background—perfect inspiration if you want to learn how to make candy apples on a stick at home.

Homemade candy apples are sweet, sticky, coated in glossy red candy, and just perfect for fall. This classic treat is easy to make and always draws a crowd.

You might also like candy corn peanut butter cookies, chocolate frogs, monster eye crinkle cookies, and vampire kiss vial shooters.

Four shiny red homemade candy apples with fake spiders on a white plate, set on a black lacy spiderweb cloth.

Why You’ll Love It

Fun to make: Dipping the apples is a hands-on, satisfying process.
Great for gifting: Wrap in cellophane and tie with ribbon for a festive look.
Perfect texture: Crunchy on the outside, crisp on the inside.
Visually stunning: Bright red shells make these a show-stopping seasonal treat.

Four shiny red candy coated apples with sticks rest on a white plate, with green apples in the background—a perfect showcase for homemade candy apples.

Homemade Candy Apple Ingredients

A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

Apples: Any variety works, but red Gala apples offer great color and crunch.
Granulated sugar: The base of the hard candy coating.
Corn syrup: Helps create a smooth, shiny finish and prevents crystallization.
Red food coloring: Gives the candy its classic bright red look.

Five red apples, a bowl of sugar, water, sticks, and a striped towel on a marble surface—everything you need for homemade candy apples or learning how to make candy apples on a stick.

How to Make Candy Apples – Easy Halloween Snacks

For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.

Remove apple wax: Dip apples in hot water and scrub to remove wax for better candy adhesion.
Insert sticks: Twist out stems and insert sticks securely into each apple.
Prep the tray: Line a baking sheet with parchment and spray with oil.
Cook the candy: Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and coloring, then heat without stirring to between 300 and 310°F.
Dip the apples: Roll apples in the hot candy mixture and let excess drip before placing on tray.
Cool and serve: Let apples set completely before eating.

Shiny red homemade candy apples with fake spiders on top, displayed on a white plate with a skeleton hand nearby.

Substitutions and Variations

Try other colors: Use green or purple food coloring for a spooky twist.
Add toppings: While the candy is still tacky, roll in chopped nuts or crushed candies.
Use flavored extract: Add a drop of cinnamon or vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Vegan version: A lot of red food colorings are made using cochineal (a dye from beetles!) so ensure you’re using a non-cochineal version if you want your candy apples vegan.

A shiny red candy apple with a fake spider, placed on a skeleton hand decoration, shows off the best candied apples—perfect for spooky parties or anyone wanting to learn how to make candy apples on a stick at home.

Serving Suggestions

With Halloween treats: Halloween pretzel snacks, spider Oreos and spooky white chocolate bark are all great ideas if you’re having a Halloween party.
With a drink: Enjoy boozy whipped lemonade (for the grownups only!) or a fun Halloween ice cream float with your red candy coated apples.

A shiny red candy coated apple with a fake spider and skeleton hands, with more apples in the background—perfect for anyone craving the best candied apples at home.

How to Store Homemade Candy Apples

Store: These apples are best eaten the same day but can be stored in fridge in an airtight container (not touching each other) for up to 3 days, so feel free to make these easy Halloween treats ahead.
Freeze: You can freeze these for up to 3 months, although the apple might thaw out grainy or softer.
Thaw: Let them thaw in the fridge overnight.

A glossy red candy coated apple with a fake black spider sits on a white plate, with more homemade candy apples and spiders in the background.

Top Tips

Remove wax thoroughly: The candy won’t stick properly if the apple skin is still waxy.
Don’t stir the candy: Stirring can cause crystallization and ruin the smooth texture.
Adding the sticks: Push them at least ¾-inch into the apples, or longer if possible. The further in you push the stick, the sturdier your easy candy apples will be.
Work quickly: Dip as soon as the candy is ready before it starts to harden.

Glossy red candy coated apples with a plastic spider on top, displayed in a glass dish with a skeleton hand prop, make for the best candied apples at any spooky party.

Homemade Candy Apples FAQs

Can I use wooden skewers instead of sticks?

Yes, just make sure they’re inserted deeply enough to hold the apple securely. I used these re-usable candy apple sticks that look like twigs.

What if the candy gets too thick?

Reheat it gently to soften again and continue dipping.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Yes, for accuracy. Reaching the right temperature ensures the candy hardens properly.

A shiny red candy coated apple on a white plate with toy spiders, with more homemade candy apples and green apples in the background.

Easy Candy Apples Recipe

5 from 33 votes

Homemade Candy Apples

These classic candy apples are coated in a shiny, sweet shell that cracks with every bite. Simple to make and perfect for fall, they’re a nostalgic favorite for good reason, and one of the best easy Halloween treats recipes.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients 

Instructions 

Remove the Wax from the Apples

  • In order for the candy to stick to the apples properly, you must prepare them by removing the wax coating. One way to remove the coating is to dip the apples in very hot water and rub away the wax with a dish towel. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil, then turn off the heat.
  • Very carefully as to not burn yourself with the water, take an apple and let it rest in the hot water for 10 to 15 seconds, use a tongs or slotted spoon to remove the apple and place on a dish towel. Use the dish towel to vigorously rub the apple until the wax is removed.
  • Repeat with the remaining apples. 

Prepare the Apples

  • Twist the stems out of each apple then insert a stick into the center of the apples where the stem used to be – be sure it's stuck in the apple really good. 
  • Prepare a cookie pan by lining it with parchment paper and spraying with oil. This tray will be used to place your dipped apples on.

Make the Candy Coating

  • Over medium heat, using a medium-small pot, big enough to let your mixture bubble and boil, combine the water, sugar, corn syrup, and red food coloring.  
  • Bring the candy mixture to 300 to 310 degrees F. Don't stir at any point

Dip the Apples

  • Remove from heat and immediately begin dipping your apples. It's important to work swiftly but you don't need to rush. If your candy hardens too fast you can always reheat the mixture.
  • Let the excess candy drip off the apples for a few moments before placing on your greased tray. 

Let the Candy Apples Harden

  • Let apples cool and harden before serving.
  • These apples are best eaten the same day but can be stored in fridge in an airtight container (not touching each other) for up to 3 days. 

Notes

Remove wax thoroughly: The candy won’t stick properly if the apple skin is still waxy.
Don’t stir the candy: Stirring can cause crystallization and ruin the smooth texture.
Adding the sticks: Push them at least ¾-inch into the apples, or longer if possible. The further in you push the stick, the sturdier your easy candy apples will be.
Work quickly: Dip as soon as the candy is ready before it starts to harden.

Nutrition

Calories: 373kcal | Carbohydrates: 98g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 91g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 1mg
Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Homemade candy apples are a timeless treat that bring crisp texture, glossy color and sweet flavor to any autumn day. With just a few basic ingredients and a little care, you can make a batch of these easy Halloween snacks that rivals any fairground version. They’re a fun project for holidays, parties or just because. Whether you’re handing them out at Halloween or enjoying one on your own, these candy apples are a seasonal must.

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Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

 

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Recipe Rating




5 from 33 votes (29 ratings without comment)

10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    I was tempted to make these when I saw all you need are four ingredients and boy am I happy I did! I have seven grandchildren and every one of them loved these candy apples made by Nana!

  2. How do you clean your pot after you’re done sipping the apples? Even with extremely hot water it doesn’t seem to be melting off the pot. What do you suggest?

    1. This trick to cleaning a pot after making stove top candy (caramel sauce, candy applies, caramel apples, fudge, toffee, peanut brittle) is to fill the dirty pot with water and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to bubble, it will remove the hardened candy from around the sides of the pot.

  3. 5 stars
    These look so good for fall and I am a fan of caramel apples! I so want to try and make my own.

      1. That sounds like a great idea! The recipe has only the sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring for the glaze, so you can flavor them however you like.