Description
A delightful recipe for homemade candy apples featuring crisp, sweet apples coated in a glossy, hard candy layer. Perfect for festive occasions, these candy apples are easy to make with either store-bought candy coating or a homemade sugar syrup, and they are beautifully presented in candy apple bags for an attractive, safe handling experience.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 crisp, sweet apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons light corn syrup
- Red food coloring (a few drops)
Other
- 6 wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- 6 candy apple bags for wrapping
- Twist ties, ribbons, or decorative string to secure the bags
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. This ensures better adherence of the candy coating. Firmly insert wooden skewers or popsicle sticks into the tops of each apple to provide a handle for dipping.
- Make the Candy Coating: If you are using a store-bought candy coating kit, follow the package instructions closely. For homemade candy coating, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, without stirring, until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage, about 300°F (149°C) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in a few drops of red food coloring.
- Dip the Apples: Holding each apple by the skewer, dip it into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat evenly and thoroughly. Allow the excess coating to drip off, then place the coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool and harden.
- Wrap the Candy Apples: Once the candy coating has fully set and hardened, carefully slide each apple into a candy apple bag. Secure the bag tightly at the base of the skewer with twist ties, ribbons, or decorative strings to keep the apples fresh and mess-free.
- Decorate: Personalize the candy apple bags by attaching tags, stickers, or other festive decorations to enhance presentation, making them perfect for parties, gifts, or celebrations.
Notes
- Choose firm and fresh apples for best results; Granny Smith provides tartness while Honeycrisp and Fuji offer sweeter flavors.
- Ensure the candy reaches the hard crack stage for a crisp, non-sticky coating.
- Use a candy thermometer to accurately monitor temperature for consistent candy coating.
- Work quickly when dipping apples as the candy can harden fast once off the heat.
- Store candy apples at room temperature in a cool, dry place to prevent the coating from becoming sticky.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
