Description
This healthy candy apple recipe gives you a perfectly glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters cleanly on the first bite — every single time. Made with just 5 pantry ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, these classic homemade candy apples bring back every carnival and Halloween memory you have.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith (tart) or Fuji (sweet) strongly 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 or flavoring oil (optional)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Set up your workspace: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Have your sticked apples ready and within reach.
- Remove all wax from your apples by dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end of each apple.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar is moistened. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a full rolling boil without stirring. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down sugar crystals clinging to the sides.
- Continue boiling until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F. This takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Do not walk away during the last 5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat once it hits 300°F. Stir in the gel food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Allow bubbles to settle for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Tilt the saucepan to one side and dip each apple to coat completely, letting the excess drip back into the pan. Place on the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F for a hard coating.
- Wait 1 to 2 minutes after removing from heat to dip apples.
- Remove wax completely from apples to ensure coating sticks.
- Store at room temperature, uncovered, and consume within 1 to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: healthy candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples, candy apple without corn syrup, hard crack candy apples