Easy Candy Apples Recipe (Candied Apples Recipe)

Making this candy apples recipe makes for an enjoyable family activity and is both budget-friendly and fun to make. In the end you get a delicious treat to enjoy. If you love apples then you are going to love making this candied apples recipe at home! This homemade candy apple recipe is perfect for a Halloween party or just because you want a sweet treat!

Homemade Candy Apple Recipe

When the fall hits and apple picking is in season it is the best time to make special treats with apples. We love making homemade candied apples and homemade caramel apples. 

It might seem a bit scary to make your own candy apples at home, but once you learn the basics you will love making this sweet treat.

Candied apples are also great for Halloween party snacks or just because you want a tasty dessert. My kids love it when we make candied apples after going apple picking.

*Note for if making this recipe with kids* Keep kids away from hot melted sugar. Although this homemade candy apple recipe is simple to follow, I strongly suggest keeping young hands at a safe distance from the hot cooking sugar and, if possible, avoiding their involvement in the dipping process as well.

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What is the best way to eat a candy apple?

While taking a bite of a candy apple seems like the best way it can be hard to bite especially for young kids. I find the best way to eat them is to slice the apples and eat them as slices. 

Tips for Making this Recipe

Wash off the wax. If your apples are coated with wax, it’s essential to rinse them thoroughly in hot water to eliminate the wax entirely. Be sure to dry the apples completely – I mean, completely dry them – before applying the candy coating.

Use parchment paper. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, and don’t forget to generously butter the parchment. This step will make sure your candied apples don’t stick.

Choose the Right Apples. Select fresh, firm, and crisp apples. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and Pink Lady are popular choices for candied apples due to their texture and flavor.

Use a Candy Thermometer. Invest in a good candy thermometer to ensure that the sugar mixture reaches the correct temperature (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit or the hard crack stage). This ensures a hard, glossy candy shell.

Prepare the Workstation. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and grease it to prevent sticking. Have all your wooden sticks or skewers ready to insert into the apples before dipping.

Work Quickly.  Once the candy coating is ready, work swiftly when dipping the apples. The coating can harden fast, so it’s important to be efficient.

Monitor the Temperature. Keep an eye on the temperature of the candy mixture. If it cools too much while you’re dipping apples, you can gently reheat it to maintain the right consistency.

Be Cautious with Hot Sugar. The sugar mixture gets extremely hot, so exercise caution to prevent burns. Keep children and pets away from the cooking area.

Cooling and Setting. Place the dipped apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to cool completely. You can speed up the process by placing them in the refrigerator.

What apples are best for making Candied Apples?

When making candy apples, it’s best to choose apples that are crisp, slightly tart, and have a good balance of sweetness. Here are some apple varieties that are commonly used for making candy apples:

Granny Smith apple. These apples are known for their tartness, which provides a nice contrast to the sweet candy coating. They also have a firm texture, making them a popular choice.

Honeycrisp apple. Honeycrisp apples are sweet and incredibly crisp, making them a great choice for candy apples. The sweetness of the apple complements the sugary coating.

Fuji apple. Fuji apples are sweet, juicy, and have a firm flesh. They work well for candy apples, especially if you prefer a sweeter apple.

Gala apple. Gala apples are sweet with a mild tartness. They have a nice balance of flavors and a crisp texture, making them suitable for candy apples.

Pink Lady apple Pink Lady apples are sweet and slightly tart with a firm texture. They are a good choice for those who prefer sweeter candy apples.

What toppings go well with Candied apples?

Candied apples are not only delightful with their sweet, glossy candy coating, but they can also be enhanced with various toppings to add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here are some popular toppings that go well with candied apples:

Chopped Nuts: Chopped nuts like peanuts, almonds, pecans, or walnuts are classic choices. They provide a nice contrast in texture to the crunchy candy coating.

Sprinkles: Colorful sprinkles can make your candied apples look festive and fun. Choose sprinkles in different shapes and colors to match the occasion or theme.

Crushed Cookies: Crushed cookies, like Oreos or graham crackers, add a delicious crumbly texture and a touch of flavor. They work especially well with chocolate-coated candied apples.

Mini Chocolate Chips: For a chocolate lover’s twist, sprinkle mini chocolate chips over the candy coating while it’s still tacky. They’ll adhere nicely and provide a delightful chocolatey crunch.

Coconut Flakes: Sweetened coconut flakes add a tropical twist and a chewy texture. Toasted coconut can also provide a delightful nutty flavor.

Colored Sugar: You can sprinkle colored sugar or edible glitter for a touch of sparkle and visual appeal.

How to Change the Color of Candied Apples

While candy apples are traditionally red you can change up the color to be any color you want them to be. All you have to do is use a different color food coloring. 

How to store candied apples

To store candied apples, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper to prevent sticking. Keep them in the refrigerator for freshness. Candied apples will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

What Supplies do I need to make candy apples?

You will need a large baking pan, parchment paper, candy thermometer, saucepan, and sticks. You can use popsicle sticks, lollipop sticks or wooden skewers. If you want to make them more themed, then you can use sticks in place of the wooden sticks to give them more of a spooky feel.

Easy Candied Apples Recipe Ingredients

• Butter, for parchment paper
• 2 cups sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring
• 6 medium apples

How to Make Easy Candied Apples Recipe

Begin by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper, take the stick of butter, and rub it all over the parchment paper. Be sure that you generously butter the parchment. Set this aside for later.

Wash and dry the apples. Then put the wooden sticks into the tops of the apples, pushing it about halfway through.

In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and food coloring.

Place the saucepan on the stove and bring the mixture to a boil over high heat. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to medium-high heat.

Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it’s immersed in the candy mixture. Continue to let it boil until the temperature reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit, which is referred to as the hard crack stage.

As soon as the sugar mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat promptly. Stir the sugar mixture so it is all well mixed. 

Work swiftly but carefully, dip each apple into the sugar mixture until they are completely coated with the sweet, glossy candy coating. Shake off an excess candy mixture from the apple. 

After coating the apples, transfer them to the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool until the candy coating hardens, which should take about 15-20 minutes.

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