Description
Classic homemade candy apples coated in a shiny, sweet red candy shell. This easy recipe features Granny Smith apples dipped in a boiling mixture of sugar, corn syrup, and red food coloring, creating a perfect festive treat with a crisp, vibrant exterior and tart apple inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples
Candy Coating
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 16 drops red food coloring
- 3/4 cup water
Additional
- Cooking spray
- 6 long wooden sticks or metal skewers
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet: Grease a baking sheet with cooking spray, line it with parchment paper, and spray the parchment paper as well to prevent sticking.
- Insert sticks into apples: Push a wooden stick about halfway through the top of each apple to create a sturdy handle for dipping.
- Make the candy coating: In a medium heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, light corn syrup, red food coloring, and 3/4 cup water. Bring to a boil and continue boiling until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F, which takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Dip the apples: Once the syrup reaches the hard crack stage, immediately remove the pot from heat. Wait 30 seconds to 1 minute for the bubbles to mostly subside. Working quickly and carefully, dip each apple into the hot candy mixture to coat evenly, then transfer the coated apples to the prepared baking sheet.
- Cool the apples: Allow the candy apples to cool completely on the baking sheet before serving so the coating hardens and sets properly.
Notes
- Be extremely careful when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- Use a candy thermometer to ensure the syrup reaches the hard crack stage for a proper crunchy coating.
- For easy handling, make sure to fully grease the parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Customize the food coloring to make different colored candy apples for various occasions.
- Store candy apples at room temperature and eat within 1-2 days for best freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 562
- Sugar: 95 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 146 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
