Description
These festive Candied Apples are a classic Halloween treat featuring crisp apples coated in a shiny, hard candy shell with a hint of vanilla and optional orange coloring for a spooky effect. Finished with optional chopped nuts for added texture, they are perfect for holiday parties or fun family snacks.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Sticks
- 6 small apples (Granny Smith or any firm variety)
- 6 wooden sticks or skewers
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Orange food coloring (optional)
Toppings
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, pushing it about halfway through. Place the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prepare them for coating.
- Make the Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves, then increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil, avoiding stirring to prevent crystallization.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan and cook the syrup until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage. This usually takes 10-15 minutes. Once reached, remove the pan from the heat immediately to prevent burning.
- Add Flavor and Color: Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of orange food coloring to get a festive orange hue. Be cautious as the mixture will bubble vigorously.
- Dip the Apples: Working swiftly, tilt the saucepan and dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, turning it to coat evenly. Let excess syrup drip off, then place the coated apple back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, immediately sprinkle chopped nuts on top before the coating hardens.
- Let Apples Harden: Allow the candied apples to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the candy coating hardens completely, creating a crisp shell.
- Optional Halloween Design: For a spooky presentation, carve faces into the apples with a sharp paring knife before dipping them. This adds a fun Halloween touch to your candied apples.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith to ensure they hold up well under the hot candy coating.
- Insert the sticks firmly so they don’t fall out when dipping or eating.
- Work quickly when dipping since the candy coating hardens fast as it cools.
- If your syrup crystallizes, start over to avoid grainy coating.
- Orange food coloring is optional but recommended for Halloween-themed appearance.
- Chopped nuts add texture and flavor but can be omitted for a smooth candy shell.
- Store candied apples at room temperature and consume within one day for best quality.
