Description
Delight in these classic Halloween Candied Apples, featuring crisp firm apples coated in a glossy, sweet hard candy shell with a vibrant red color. Perfect for fall festivities and spooky celebrations, these treats combine a crunchy candy coating with juicy apples for an irresistible seasonal dessert.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Sticks
- 6 small apples (preferably firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji), stems removed
- 6 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp red food coloring
Other
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to ensure no moisture remains, which is crucial for proper candy adhesion. Insert a wooden stick into the center of each apple securely.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and either lightly grease it or use a silicone mat to prevent sticking.
- Make the Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently just until the sugar dissolves.
- Boil to Hard Crack Stage: Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan and bring the mixture to a boil without stirring further. Cook until the syrup reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), which takes approximately 20 minutes.
- Add Coloring: Remove the saucepan from heat and carefully stir in the red food coloring to give the syrup a vibrant Halloween hue.
- Dip the Apples: Working quickly, tilt the pan and dip each apple into the hot syrup, turning to coat evenly in the glossy candy coating.
- Cool and Harden: Let excess syrup drip off the apples and place each coated apple on the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool and harden at room temperature for about 30 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to prevent candy coating from seizing or slipping.
- For a spooky variation, try using black or deep purple food coloring and edible glitter.
- These candied apples are best enjoyed the same day but can be stored at room temperature for up to 24 hours.
