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Halloween Party Desserts: 5 Irresistible Candy Apples

  • Author: ushinzomr

Description

This candy apple recipe gives you a perfectly glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters cleanly on the first bite — every single time. Made with just 5 pantry ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, these classic homemade candy apples bring back every carnival and Halloween memory you have.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith (tart) or Fuji (sweet) strongly recommended
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or flavoring oil (optional)
  • 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Instructions

  1. Set up your workspace before you start: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Have your sticked apples ready and within reach.
  2. Remove all wax from your apples. Dip each apple in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry with a rough kitchen towel. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end of each apple.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently just until the sugar is moistened. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil without stirring. Wipe down any sugar crystals clinging to the sides of the pan.
  5. Continue boiling, without stirring, until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F (149°C–154°C).
  6. Remove the pan from heat immediately once it hits 300°F. Stir in the gel food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Wait for all the bubbles to fully subside.
  7. Tilt the saucepan to one side so the syrup pools deeply in one corner. Working one apple at a time, dip and rotate each apple to coat completely.
  8. Place each coated apple stick-side up on the prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F to avoid sticky or chewy coating.
  • Wait 1 to 2 minutes after removing from heat for bubbles to settle.
  • Make sure the apple surface is dry and wax-free for proper coating adhesion.
  • Store at room temperature, uncovered or loosely wrapped, and consume within 1 to 2 days.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 271
  • Sugar: 65
  • Sodium: 3
  • Fat: 1
  • Carbohydrates: 71
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 1
  • Cholesterol: 0

Keywords: halloween party desserts, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples, candy apple without corn syrup, hard crack candy apples, glossy candy apples, candy apples from scratch, fall candy apple recipe, carnival candy apples, how to make candy apples, candy apple tips

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Find it online: https://dishinminutes.com/halloween-party-desserts-candy-apples/