If you’re searching for a fun, vibrant treat that shines with color and bursts with flavor, look no further than the Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe. This delightful twist on the classic candy apple uses the bright, tangy, and oh-so-sweet Jolly Rancher candies to create a glossy, crackling coating that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for parties, autumn celebrations, or just a sweet moment of joy, these candy apples will bring smiles and nostalgia to anyone lucky enough to taste one. Let’s dive into how you can make this dazzling treat yourself!

Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of the Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a crucial role: the crisp apples offer a tart counterbalance, the Jolly Ranchers deliver vibrant colors and bold flavors, and the optional butter ensures a luxuriously smooth coating.

6 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith): Their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the candy, and their firmness holds up to dipping.
1 bag (approximately 11 oz) of Jolly Rancher hard candies (mix of colors/flavors): These provide the colorful, tangy candy coating that makes this recipe stand out.
1 tablespoon butter (optional): Adds a silky texture to the melted candy, preventing it from cracking too harshly.
6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks: Essential for securely holding your apples while coating and enjoying them.
1/4 cup of water: Helps gently melt the Jolly Ranchers without scorching them.
Wax paper or parchment paper: Needed for setting the dipped apples so they don’t stick or lose their glossy finish.

How to Make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by giving your apples a good wash to remove any natural wax or dirt. Dry them thoroughly – moisture can prevent the candy coating from sticking properly. Insert the wooden sticks firmly into the top of each apple, making sure they are steady and secure for dipping later. Set them on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to keep your workspace clean and ready.

Step 2: Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers

Now unwrap all the Jolly Rancher candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. You’ll want a colorful mix since this will give your candy apples their signature stunning appearance with swirls of red, green, yellow, and purple.

Step 3: Melt the Jolly Ranchers

Add 1/4 cup of water to the bowl of unwrapped candies. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring well between each interval. This gentle approach prevents burning and helps the candies melt smoothly. If you want that extra silky, less-crackly finish, stir in the tablespoon of butter at this stage until fully melted and combined.

Step 4: Dip the Apples

Carefully dip each apple into the melted candy mixture. Use a gentle swirling motion to coat the apple evenly. Tilt your apple as you lift it out, allowing any extra candy to drip off—this keeps the coating from becoming too thick and enables that beautiful glossy sheen.

Step 5: Cool the Apples

Place each dipped apple back onto the wax or parchment paper and give the candy time to harden, about 15 to 30 minutes. Once set, the candy coating becomes perfectly crackly and ready to enjoy.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

After the candy has set, your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are all set to dazzle your friends and family. This treat combines nostalgic flavors with a bright, modern twist and is as fun to eat as it is to look at.

How to Serve Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe

Garnishes

You can elevate your candy apples by adding sprinkles, crushed nuts, or edible glitter right after dipping while the coating is still wet. These little extras add texture and eye-catching sparkle, perfect for parties or festive occasions.

Side Dishes

Pair these vibrant apples with a simple side of caramel sauce or chocolate drizzle for dipping, or serve alongside crunchy nuts and salty cheese for a sweet-and-savory balance that’s sure to impress guests.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun presentation, arrange the apples on a rustic wooden board nestled with autumn leaves or colorful napkins. Tie ribbons around the stick handles for added charm. You can also serve them in individual cellophane bags tied with twine for gifting or party favors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover Jolly Rancher Candy Apples, store them in an airtight container at room temperature. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can cause the candy shell to become sticky or lose its crispness.

Freezing

Freezing is not recommended for these candy apples since the ice crystals can soften the apple inside and affect the candy coating’s texture when thawed.

Reheating

There’s no need to reheat candy apples; they are best enjoyed fresh. If your candy shell softens, you can briefly chill them in a cool place to re-harden the coating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples instead of Granny Smith?

Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith offer balance to the sugary coating, you can use Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala based on your sweetness preference. Just choose firm apples for best results.

Why do I add water while melting Jolly Ranchers?

Water helps the candy melt evenly and prevents it from burning in the microwave. It creates a smoother consistency that’s easier to coat the apples uniformly.

What does the butter do in the recipe?

The butter is optional but recommended for a smoother, less brittle candy shell. It adds a bit of richness and helps reduce the risk of the coating cracking too sharply after setting.

Can I make these candy apples without a microwave?

Yes, you can melt the Jolly Ranchers on the stovetop using a double boiler or a heavy pan over low heat. Stir constantly to avoid burning and add water gradually as needed.

How long do the Jolly Rancher Candy Apples last?

They’re best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days for the freshest texture. After that, the apple may start to soften, and the candy coating can lose its shine.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly joyful about creating colorful, shiny Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe right in your own kitchen. This recipe is not just a delicious treat but a wonderful opportunity to add some fun and sparkle to your gatherings or just brighten your day. So grab those apples and candies, and get ready to enjoy one of the most delightful, nostalgic sweets you can make at home!

Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe

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3.8 from 39 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 6 candy apples 1x

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Description

These Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a vibrant and delicious twist on the classic candy apple, featuring a colorful, hard candy coating made from melted Jolly Rancher candies. Perfect for fall festivities or a fun treat, they combine the tart crunch of apples with a sweet, glossy candy shell for an irresistible flavor and texture combination.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

6 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)

Candy Coating

1 bag (approximately 11 oz) of Jolly Rancher hard candies (mix of colors/flavors)
1/4 cup water (for melting the Jolly Ranchers)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a smoother coating)

Other

6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
Wax paper or parchment paper (for setting the apples)

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Instructions

Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them well to ensure the candy coating sticks properly. Insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops of the apples and set them aside, standing on a sheet of wax or parchment paper.
Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers: Remove all the wrappers from the Jolly Rancher candies and place the unwrapped candies into a microwave-safe bowl.
Melt the Jolly Ranchers: Add 1/4 cup of water to the bowl with the candies. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the candy is completely melted and smooth. For an even smoother, shinier coating, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until fully melted and incorporated.
Dip the apples: Carefully dip each apple into the melted candy mixture, turning it to coat evenly. Allow any excess candy to drip back into the bowl to avoid a thick coating.
Cool the apples: Place the coated apples on the prepared wax or parchment paper. Let them cool and set for 15-30 minutes until the candy hardens completely into a glossy shell.
Serve and enjoy: Once the candy coating is firm and set, the Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are ready to be enjoyed as a colorful, sweet treat for any occasion.

Notes

Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast with the sweet candy coating.
Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to ensure the candy adheres well.
Microwave melting times can vary; stir frequently to prevent burning.
The optional butter adds a richer flavor and smoother texture to the candy coating.
Work quickly when dipping apples as the candy cools and hardens fast.
Store candy apples in a cool, dry place to keep the coating crisp and shiny.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Microwaving and Dipping
Cuisine: American