This is the EASIEST recipe to make a carnival classic, candy apples, from your own home. All you need is 3 ingredients!
Jump to:
What is a candy apple?
A candy apple, also known as a toffee apple or caramel apple, is a popular sweet treat made by dipping an apple, typically a tart variety such as Granny Smith, into a heated sugar syrup or caramel coating. The coating hardens to form a sugary shell around the apple, creating a crunchy exterior that contrasts with the juicy fruit inside.
Sometimes, candy apples are further embellished with additional toppings like chopped nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate drizzle. They are often enjoyed during fall festivals, Halloween, and other festive occasions.
Tips for making the best candy apples
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, tart apples like Granny Smiths. Their crisp texture and slightly sour flavor provide a perfect contrast to the sweet candy coating.
- Thoroughly Wash and Dry the Apples: Before dipping, wash the apples thoroughly to remove any wax or debris. Dry them completely to ensure the candy coating adheres properly.
- Insert Sturdy Sticks: Use sturdy sticks or skewers to spear the apples. This will make them easier to handle and enjoy once coated.
- Prepare Your Coating: Whether using a sugar syrup or caramel, make sure it's heated to the right temperature and consistency. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Work Quickly: Once your coating is ready, work swiftly to dip each apple. The coating can harden fast, so have everything prepared beforehand.
- Rotate and Coat Evenly: As you dip each apple, rotate it to ensure an even coating. You can use a spoon to help drizzle the coating over any missed spots.
- Allow Excess Coating to Drip Off: After dipping, let any excess coating drip off the apple to avoid pooling at the bottom.
- Cool on Parchment Paper: Place the dipped apples on parchment paper to cool and harden. This will prevent them from sticking to the surface.
- Add Toppings While Still Sticky: If you're adding toppings like nuts or sprinkles, do so while the coating is still tacky. This will help them adhere better.
- Store Properly: Once cooled, store the candy apples in a cool, dry place or wrap them individually in cellophane for freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any type of apple for making candy apples?
While you can technically use any type of apple, tart varieties like Granny Smith apples are recommended for their crisp texture and ability to balance the sweetness of the candy coating. Otherwise sweet apple varieties like fuji apples or gala apples will work fine too.
Can I substitute corn syrup or glucose with another sweetener?
Corn syrup or glucose helps to prevent crystallization and ensures a smooth candy coating. You can use light corn syrup if that's what you have on hand.
How do I prevent the candy coating from sticking to the pan?
Stir the sugar mixture continuously until it dissolves to prevent it from sticking to the pan. Additionally, using a non-stick saucepan and brushing the sides with water can help prevent crystallization.
Can I make candy apples without a candy thermometer?
While a candy thermometer ensures precise temperature control, you can still make candy apples without one. Simply boil the sugar mixture until it reaches the hard crack stage, where a drop of the mixture in cold water forms brittle threads. This ensure the sugar will set up to a hard candy.
How do I store leftover candy apples?
Store leftover candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigerating them as the moisture can cause the candy coating to become sticky.
Can I add toppings other than nuts and sprinkles?
Absolutely! Get creative with your toppings by adding crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, shredded coconut, or even crushed candies for a unique twist on traditional candy apples. I used matcha powder to make a green tea flavored one!
How far in advance can I make candy apples for an event?
Candy apples are best enjoyed fresh, so it's recommended to make them no more than 1-2 days in advance of your event. However, you can prepare the apples and store them undipped in the refrigerator, dipping them in the candy coating closer to serving time for optimal freshness.
How do I prevent the candy coating from sliding off the apples?
Make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping them in the candy coating. Additionally, allow the excess coating to drip off before placing the apples on parchment paper to cool and set.
Can I make candy apples without food coloring?
While food coloring adds a vibrant hue to the candy coating, it's optional. You can omit it altogether or experiment with natural food coloring alternatives like beet juice or fruit purees for a different color profile.
Can I freeze candy apples?
It's not recommended to freeze candy apples as the moisture from freezing can cause the candy coating to become sticky and lose its texture. It's best to enjoy them fresh for the best taste and texture.
Let's Get Cooking
If you liked this recipe make sure to leave me a comment and rating down below, I would love to know how you went. Also don't forget to tag me on Instagram @catherine.desserts so I can see and share your desserts.
Follow me on facebook, pinterest, youtube and tiktok for more of my baking creations and updates! Until next time... happy caking!
Print📖 Recipe
The EASIEST Candy Apple Recipe
This is the EASIEST recipe to make a carnival classic, candy apples, from your own home. All you need is 3 ingredients!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6-8 apples 1x
- Category: Candy
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 400g Granulated sugar (2 cups)
- 85g Cornsyrup or glucose (¼ cup)
- 180ml Water (¾ cup)
- ½ tsp Red food coloring
- 4-6 Medium sized apples
- Sturdy sticks, skewers or popsicle sticks for dipping
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
- Wash the apples thoroughly under running water to remove any wax or debris.
- Dry the apples completely with a clean kitchen towel or paper towel.
- Insert sturdy sticks or skewers into the stem end of each apple. Make sure they are firmly in place.
Prepare the Candy Coating:
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup (or glucose), and water over medium heat.
- Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved completely.
- Once the mixture comes to a boil, insert a candy thermometer into the pot.
- Continue boiling without stirring until the temperature reaches 150°C (300°F) on the candy thermometer. This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Once the mixture reaches the desired temperature, remove it from heat.
- Carefully stir in the red food coloring until the mixture is evenly tinted. Adjust the amount of food coloring according to your preference for the intensity of the color.
- Holding the stick, dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, tilting the saucepan if necessary to coat the apple evenly.
- Rotate the apple to ensure an even coating and allow any excess candy coating to drip off.
- Place the coated apples onto the prepared baking sheet to cool and harden.
- If desired, you can add additional toppings like chopped nuts or sprinkles while the candy coating is still tacky.
- Once the candy coating has fully set, your candy apples are ready to be enjoyed!
Comments
No Comments