Description
Sweet nostalgia meets carnival charm with homemade sparkle candy apples, a classic treat that dazzles both children and adults. Crisp Granny Smith apples get coated in shimmering red candy shell, offering pure delight with each crunchy, sugary bite.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Gala, or Fuji are ideal)
- 2 cups (400 grams) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (340 grams) light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
Flavoring and Coloring:
- 1/4 teaspoon (1.25 milliliters) vanilla extract (optional)
- Food coloring in multiple colors (red, blue, green, pink)
Decorative Elements:
- Edible glitter or luster dust for extra sparkle
Instructions
- Cleanse and meticulously dry each apple, ensuring no moisture remains on the surface to prevent syrup separation.
- Securely embed a wooden stick into the apple’s core, creating a sturdy handle for dipping and handling.
- Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, positioning the candy thermometer for precise temperature monitoring.
- Ignite medium heat, stirring gently until sugar crystals completely dissolve and the mixture transforms into a clear, glossy liquid.
- Escalate the temperature without additional stirring, allowing the syrup to reach a vigorous boil and climb toward the critical 300°F hard-crack stage.
- Immediately remove the molten syrup from heat, swirling in vibrant food coloring and optional vanilla extract to create a mesmerizing, uniform hue.
- Tilt the saucepan at an angle, strategically dipping each apple to achieve a flawless, even candy coating by rotating and letting excess syrup cascade back into the pan.
- Position the freshly coated apples on a parchment-lined surface, rapidly dusting with edible glitter or shimmering luster dust while the syrup remains tacky.
- Allow the candy-encased apples to solidify and cool completely for 10-15 minutes, transforming into glistening, gem-like confections ready for indulgence.
Notes
- Choose crisp, medium-sized apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and tartness that complements the sweet candy coating.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise sugar syrup temperature, preventing burning or undercooking which can ruin the glossy finish.
- Clean and dry apples completely before dipping to help the candy coating adhere smoothly and prevent water droplets from causing splattering.
- Work quickly when dipping and sprinkling glitter, as the syrup hardens fast and you want an even, beautiful coating before it sets.
- For dietary variations, swap corn syrup with alternatives like honey or brown rice syrup for a more natural sweetener profile.
- Create different color variations by using gel food coloring which provides more vibrant and intense colors compared to liquid versions.
- Store finished candy apples at room temperature for up to 2 days, keeping them away from humidity to maintain their crisp, shiny exterior.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 70 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 106 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg