Rating: 3.52
(60)

Candy Apples

September 25, 2024

Candy Apples are a classic, nostalgic treat that brings back memories of fairs, festivals, and Halloween. With their glossy, vibrant candy coating and a tart, juicy apple underneath, these sweet apples are a perfect balance of flavors and textures. Whether you’re making them for a fall celebration, a party, or just as a fun homemade treat, candy apples are as fun to make as they are to eat. The crisp apple contrasts beautifully with the sticky, sweet candy coating, making every bite a satisfying and festive indulgence.

The process of making this dessert is simple but requires a bit of attention to detail. First, you’ll need firm, tart apples like Granny Smiths, which offer a great contrast to the sugary coating. After washing and drying the apples, a wooden stick is inserted into the top of each apple, making them easy to hold. The candy coating is made by boiling sugar, corn syrup, water, and a touch of food coloring (for that bright, red hue) until it reaches the right temperature. Once it’s ready, the apples are dipped into the candy mixture, coating them completely. The result is a crunchy, shiny candy shell that hardens quickly as it cools.

Candy apples can be customized in many ways. While the classic version is red, you can experiment with different colors and flavors. Try green candy coating for a festive twist or add flavorings like cinnamon or caramel to the syrup for extra depth. For an even more indulgent treat, roll the coated apples in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies, adding texture and variety to each bite.

Candy Apples are not just a sweet treat – they’re also visually striking. Their glossy, bright candy coating makes them a showstopper at any party or gathering. They make for a great DIY project with kids, turning the process of creating the treat into part of the fun.

Whether you’re serving them at a Halloween party, making them for a family treat, or gifting them as a homemade present, Candy Apples are a sweet, festive indulgence that everyone can enjoy.

candy apples
Candy Apples
3.52 from 60 votes
Candy Apples are a classic treat, especially popular during fall festivals and Halloween. These delicious apples are coated in a shiny, sweet candy shell that provides a satisfying crunch.
Servings 1 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 6 pieces apples Preferably Granny Smith or any tart variety
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red food coloring Optional, for color

Instructions
 

  • Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove any stems and insert a wooden stick into each apple.
  • In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves.
  • Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. If using, add the red food coloring.
  • Quickly dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, twisting to coat evenly. Let any excess drip off.
  • Place the coated apples on a greased baking sheet or a silicone mat to cool and harden.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 200kcalCarbohydrates: 50gSodium: 35mgPotassium: 85mgFiber: 3gSugar: 45gVitamin A: 2IUVitamin C: 6mgCalcium: 2mgIron: 2mg
Calories: 200kcal
Meal Type: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Candy, Fall Festivals, Halloween
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: <30 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. 5 stars
    delious

  2. User avatar claris.wilkinson says:

    3 stars
    Never cooked with corn syrup before… wasn’t sure if I did it right. They turned out okay tho.

  3. 3 stars
    Just rate

  4. 1 star
    This is just sugar on apples. I prefer them plain.

    1. User avatar thaddeus.spinka35 says:

      4 stars
      But the candy coating makes it fun! Plain apples are so boring. 😄

  5. User avatar daniela.miller83 says:

    4 stars
    Apples good.

  6. User avatar hiroko.schumm64 says:

    5 stars
    These candy apples turned out amazing! My kids loved them!

  7. 4 stars
    Expedita officiis voluptatem et totam laboriosam qui praesentium omnis esse ut

    1. User avatar giovanna.jones says:

      2 stars
      Sounds complicated! Is it really worth the effort for just candy apples? I usually just buy them.

  8. User avatar Mr. Jacquiline Wisozk says:

    2 stars
    I dunno, I tried this and it was too sweet for me. I think 2 cups of sugar is a lot!

    1. User avatar ray.swaniawski29 says:

      4 stars
      I get what you mean! Maybe try reducing the sugar next time? Or use less apples to balance it out. 🍏

    2. 3 stars
      Too sweet? Come on! It’s a candy apple, not a vegetable! 😂

  9. User avatar Dominic Nelson says:

    3 stars
    Repudiandae dolor in similique officia asperiores suscipit maiores dolore velit voluptas labore excepteur

    1. User avatar reina.heathcote1954 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, this recipe sounds really fun! Can’t wait to try making these with my kids.

    2. User avatar shavonda.kiehn says:

      3 stars
      Sounds good, but isn’t 300°F too hot? I thought sugar burned at high temps. 🤔

  10. User avatar tiesha.bergnaum2009 says:

    4 stars
    I was skeptical because I’ve tried making candy apples before and they never turned out. But this recipe worked for me! Just make sure to watch the thermometer closely.

  11. 2 stars
    Candy apples? More like sticky mess! Had a hard time getting them off the tray. 😩

  12. User avatar leandro.crona says:

    4 stars
    Did you know red dye can be made from bugs? Just sayin’. Anyway, these tasted great!

  13. User avatar Wonko the Sane says:

    1 star
    The red dye ain’t good for you. Why not just make them without it?

  14. User avatar brian.ernser19 says:

    4 stars
    Delicious but super messy. I will try it again though.

  15. User avatar dorethea.bergstrom43 says:

    5 stars
    Candy coating taste good! Nice and crunchy. Yummy!

  16. 3 stars
    Never made candy apples before but this recipe was easy to follow. A bit sticky tho, be careful! Maybe next time less syrup?

  17. 2 stars
    Honestly, this is way too much sugar for just apples. Can’t we just eat the apples? 😂

  18. User avatar alena.stark68 says:

    2 stars
    My apples didn’t harden! What did I do wrong?

    1. User avatar maria.larson says:

      3 stars
      I think you might’ve stirred it too much? Candy making is tricky…

    2. User avatar ShanksOnePiece says:

      5 stars
      Did you let it reach the right temperature? 300°F is key for hardening!

  19. 3 stars
    I had a hard time getting the thermometer to 300°F. Is there any other way to tell?

  20. User avatar barrett.bergstrom12 says:

    4 stars
    Cool recipe! I didn’t have any candy thermometer tho, just winged it. Apples taste fine!

    1. 3 stars
      But how do you know it was cooked right without a thermometer? Isn’t that risky? You could burn yourself!

    2. 5 stars
      That’s awesome! Sometimes you just gotta trust your instincts! Glad the apples turned out well!

  21. User avatar rebeca.damore says:

    5 stars
    5 stars!!! They look amazing! Gonna give these a try for Halloween!

  22. User avatar Cammar Pilru says:

    5 stars
    Super delicious! I added some sprinkles on top after the candy cools. So festive!

    1. 5 stars
      That sounds amazing! I bet the sprinkles made them look even prettier. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    2. User avatar victor.gislason says:

      2 stars
      Sprinkles? I dunno, might be too much for candy apples. Just seems wrong to me.

  23. User avatar suspiciousCommentator says:

    1 star
    Ugh, my candy mixture never hardened! What did I do wrong?? 😭

  24. User avatar roselyn.botsford33 says:

    5 stars
    These turned out amazing! My kids loved them, thank you!

  25. User avatar carlton.dare86 says:

    4 stars
    Does anyone know if I can use green apples instead? 🤔

  26. User avatar ezequiel.feeney9 says:

    5 stars
    Instructions was easy to follow! Thanx for sharing! 😊

  27. User avatar Arthur Philip Deodat says:

    2 stars
    Too much sugar in da recipe. Next time I will use half the sugar!

    1. User avatar lorelei.mcdermott16 says:

      4 stars
      I actually love the sweetness! But hey, you do you. Less sugar might work too.

  28. 3 stars
    So good, but my friends said I took too long to serve them.

  29. User avatar martine.rowe7 says:

    3 stars
    Just a heads up: if you don’t have a candy thermometer, you might burn your sugar. I did. Not fun.

  30. User avatar ruthe.lakin says:

    5 stars
    These candy apples are so easy! I made them for my kids and they loved it. Thanks for the recipe!

    1. User avatar Sand-Dial says:

      2 stars
      Easy? Really? Mine turned out all gooey and messy. Maybe I cooked it too long? Not sure if I’ll try again.

    2. User avatar Falmer Spellsword says:

      5 stars
      I’m so glad to hear that! Candy apples are a classic treat. Did you try any other toppings?

  31. User avatar shaun.luettgen says:

    5 stars
    I made these for a Halloween party and they were a hit! Super easy to follow the instructions.

  32. User avatar Falmer Shadowmaster says:

    3 stars
    Mine turned out way too hard! I think I let it boil too long. 😩 Be careful with the temp!

  33. User avatar mistie.klocko says:

    2 stars
    I think the sugar ratio is off. I added too much sugar and it was just thick goo. Pls check!

    1. User avatar carmelina.powlowski2002 says:

      4 stars
      I had the same issue! The sugar can definitely get too thick if you add too much. Just use the measurements in the recipe next time, it helps!

  34. User avatar annett.farrell says:

    5 stars
    I love candy apples! They remind me of my childhood fairs. Your recipe is just perfect! Thanks!

  35. User avatar felisa.koelpin56 says:

    3 stars
    Easy peasy, but I burned my fingers. Be careful lol! 🔥

  36. User avatar kristie.macejkovic92 says:

    4 stars
    Made them with my kids. They’re kinda messy but so fun! Messy is good, right? LOL!

    1. User avatar paris.bartoletti78 says:

      3 stars
      I don’t know, messy can be a pain to clean up. But they do taste good! 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar meggan.pollich50 says:

      5 stars
      Messy is definitely good! It just means you’re having a blast! 🍏🍭

  37. User avatar warren.nolan87 says:

    4 stars
    Yum!!! But too much sugar for my taste. I think I’ll try less next time!

    1. User avatar charlyn.kreiger24 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, sugar can be overpowering! Maybe you could swap a bit of the sugar for honey? Just a thought!

    2. User avatar Kareem Lindgren says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I think it’s just fine as is! Candy apples supposed to be sweet, right?

  38. User avatar yahaira.greenholt64 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t understand why we need corn syrup in candy. It’s just sugar, right? I used honey instead, tasted weird.

  39. User avatar delana.little93 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people love candy apples so much. They’re just sugar on fruit. 🤷‍♂️

  40. 5 stars
    These were a hit at the Halloween party! Super easy to make and so fun to eat! 🍏🍬

3.52 from 60 votes
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