Description
These fancy candy apples are coated with a glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters perfectly with every bite. Perfect for special occasions, they bring a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith or Fuji recommended
- 2 cups (400g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat with non-stick cooking spray. Have your prepared apples ready.
- Remove all wax from the apples by dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrubbing dry. Insert a wooden stick into each apple.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until moistened and attach a candy thermometer.
- Heat over medium-high until boiling, wiping down any sugar crystals from the sides.
- Continue boiling without stirring until the thermometer reads 300°F (149°C). This takes about 15-20 minutes.
- Once at 300°F, remove from heat and stir in food coloring and cinnamon extract, letting bubbles settle for 1-2 minutes.
- Tilt the pan, dip each apple in the syrup, and rotate to coat. Let excess drip back for 3-4 seconds.
- Place each coated apple stick-side up on the prepared sheet and let cool completely for at least 20 minutes.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F for a hard coating; anything below may result in stickiness.
- Wait 1-2 minutes after cooking to allow bubbles to settle before dipping.
- Remove wax from apples for better adhesion.
- Store at room temperature, uncovered, and consume within 1-2 days.
- For a spooky theme, use black or dark food coloring.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: fancy desserts, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, Halloween candy apples, candy apple without corn syrup, hard crack candy apples