Description
This candy apple recipe will impress your guests with its glossy, hard-crack sugar coating. Perfect for gatherings, these classic homemade candy apples are easy to make and bring back fond memories of carnivals and Halloween.
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 by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coating it with non-stick cooking spray. Have your apples ready with sticks inserted.
- Remove the wax from the apples by dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds and scrubbing them dry with a rough towel. Insert a stick firmly into each apple.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until moistened. Clip a candy thermometer to the pan, ensuring it’s submerged in the mixture.
- Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until it reaches a rolling boil. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.
- Continue boiling without stirring until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F (149°C–154°C). This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat once it hits 300°F. Stir in food coloring and cinnamon extract gently, then let the bubbles settle for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Tilt the saucepan to pool syrup in one corner. Dip and rotate each apple to coat, letting excess syrup drip back into the pan. Place them stick-side up on the baking sheet.
- Let the apples cool completely for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F to avoid sticky or chewy coating.
- Wait for bubbles to settle to prevent a cloudy finish.
- Remove wax from apples for better sugar adhesion.
- Store at room temperature, uncovered, and consume within 1 to 2 days.
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: easy desserts for a crowd, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples, glossy candy apples, candy apples from scratch