Few treats are as nostalgic and festive as Candy Apples. With their shiny, hard candy coating and crisp apple bite, they’re a fall fair classic that doubles as a fun holiday dessert. Dressed up with red and green sprinkles or festive candy decorations, they’re perfect for Christmas parties, Halloween celebrations, or cozy family nights.
This recipe shows you how to make candy apples at home with a glossy, hard shell that crackles when you bite into it. They’re surprisingly easy to prepare, and decorating them with holiday sprinkles makes them extra special for the season.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala work best)
- 6 wooden sticks or skewers
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring (or green for variation)
- Festive sprinkles (optional, for decorating)
Preparation Steps
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Wash apples thoroughly to remove wax coating. Dry well and insert sticks into the tops.
Step 2: Prepare Candy Coating
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves. Stop stirring and let mixture boil until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
Step 3: Add Color
- Remove from heat and carefully stir in food coloring.
Step 4: Dip the Apples
- Quickly dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat evenly. Allow excess to drip off.
Step 5: Decorate
- While still warm, sprinkle with festive nonpareils, holiday sprinkles, or drizzle with melted chocolate. Place on parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
Variation
- Caramel Candy Apples: Dip apples in caramel before candy coating.
- Striped Apples: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for contrast.
- Spiced Candy Apples: Add 1/2 tsp cinnamon extract to the candy mixture.
- Green Apple Candy: Use green food coloring for Christmas variety.
- Mini Apples: Make with small apples for bite-sized treats.
Cooking Notes
- Candy mixture reaches hard crack quickly—watch thermometer closely.
- Work fast when dipping apples; mixture hardens quickly.
- Use parchment or silicone mat to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions
- Wrap individually in cellophane for party favors.
- Display on a platter for a holiday dessert table.
- Great for Halloween trick-or-treating baskets.
- Pair with hot chocolate or cider for a festive snack.
Tips
- Remove apple wax by dipping in boiling water for a few seconds.
- Dry apples thoroughly or candy won’t stick.
- Use a deep pan so apples dip easily without bubbling over.
- Store at room temperature; refrigeration causes candy to soften.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: ~35 minutes
Nutritional Info (per apple, approx. 6 servings)
- Calories: 310
- Protein: 0g
- Carbs: 81g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 20mg
FAQs
Q1: Can I make Candy Apples ahead of time?
- Yes, they stay fresh for 2–3 days at room temperature.
Q2: Can I skip the food coloring?
- Yes, but the apples won’t have the traditional glossy red look.
Q3: Why won’t the candy stick to my apples?
- Apples may still have wax coating—remove it by dipping in boiling water.
Q4: Can I use honey or maple syrup instead of corn syrup?
- Corn syrup is best for preventing crystallization, but honey can work with a slightly different flavor.
Q5: Can I double the recipe?
- Yes, but work in batches so the candy doesn’t harden before dipping.
Conclusion
These Candy Apples are the perfect holiday treat—bright, festive, and fun to make at home. With their glossy red finish and crunchy coating, they’ll instantly bring back childhood memories while adding sparkle to your dessert table. Decorated with holiday sprinkles, they’re a delightful way to celebrate the season with family and friends.