How to Make Candy Apples

Ingredients and Materials Needed

Before you start making candy apples, it’s important to gather all the necessary ingredients and materials. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Red Delicious work well)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Candy thermometer
• Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
• Parchment paper
• Non-stick cooking spray

Make sure to have everything measured and ready to go before starting the candy coating process, as it moves quickly and requires constant attention. Once you have everything you need, it’s time to get started!

Preparing the Apples

Before you can coat the apples with candy, you need to prepare them by washing and drying them thoroughly. It’s important to remove any wax coating on the apples, as this can prevent the candy from sticking properly.

To remove the wax coating, you can wash the apples in hot water with a small amount of white vinegar or use a vegetable brush to scrub them. Then, dry the apples completely with a clean towel.

Once the apples are dry, remove the stems and insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the top of each apple. Make sure the stick is firmly inserted and centered in the apple, as this will make it easier to coat and handle.

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with non-stick cooking spray. This will make it easier to remove the candy-coated apples once they have hardened. Set the prepared apples aside while you make the candy coating.

Making the Candy Coating

To make the candy coating for your apples, you’ll need to combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium-sized saucepan. You can also add a few drops of red food coloring at this stage if you want your candy apples to have a vibrant red color.

Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves. Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring and allow the mixture to come to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and continue to boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (150°C).

Once the candy mixture reaches 300°F (150°C), remove it from the heat and carefully transfer it to a heat-resistant container, such as a glass measuring cup. Be careful not to let the mixture touch your skin, as it will be extremely hot.

If the candy mixture starts to harden before you’ve coated all of your apples, you can place it back over low heat to soften it again. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn.

Coating the Apples with Candy

Now that your candy coating is ready, it’s time to coat the apples! Dip each apple into the candy mixture, using a spoon to help coat the entire surface. Rotate the apple to ensure an even coating and allow any excess candy to drip off.

Hold the coated apple over the saucepan for a few seconds to let any excess candy drip off, then place it on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat the process with the remaining apples until they are all coated with candy.

If you want to add any additional toppings to your candy apples, such as chopped nuts or sprinkles, now is the time to do so. Simply sprinkle the desired toppings over the candy coating before it has completely hardened.

Allow the candy-coated apples to cool and harden completely before serving. This should take about 30 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the temperature and humidity. Once they are hardened, you can remove them from the baking sheet and serve them on a platter or wrap them individually in plastic wrap for later enjoyment.

Finishing Touches and Serving Suggestions

Once your candy apples are fully hardened, it’s time to add any finishing touches and get ready to serve them! Here are some ideas for making your candy apples even more delicious and festive:

• Drizzle melted chocolate or caramel over the hardened candy coating.
• Roll the candy-coated apples in crushed cookies or candies for extra texture and flavor.
• Serve the candy apples on a platter with a variety of dipping sauces, such as caramel, chocolate, or peanut butter.
• Wrap individual candy apples in cellophane or treat bags and tie them with a ribbon for a fun and festive gift.

No matter how you choose to serve your candy apples, they are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike. Enjoy!