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.
Servings: 4
Equipment
- Skewers or Popsicle Sticks
- Pot Large
- Pot Medium
- Metal Tongs or Slotted Spoon
Ingredients
- 4 apples I used red Gala apples
- 1 ⅛ Cups granulated sugar
- ⅓ Cup water
- ¼ Cup light corn syrup
- ½ Teaspoon food coloring red
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.
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
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