Description

These homemade candy apples bring the magic of fall fairs into your kitchen. With a crisp, juicy apple at the center and a glassy, sweet red shell on the outside, each bite is an irresistible mix of tart and sweet, soft and hard. Perfect for parties, gifts, or a festive dessert table, this recipe is easy to follow and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re dipping your first apple or revisiting a childhood favorite, this recipe makes it easy to create beautiful, delicious candy apples every time.

Ingredients

Scale

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
1/2 tsp red food coloring
Optional: 1/2 tsp cinnamon or vanilla extract
Wooden sticks/skewers

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Instructions

Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Remove stems and insert sticks securely into the top.
Line a tray with parchment paper or silicone baking mat.
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let boil.
Attach a candy thermometer. Cook until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
Remove from heat, add food coloring and extract, stir gently.
Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple, rotating to coat evenly.
Let excess drip off, then place on tray to cool completely.
Allow to set at room temperature for 20–30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Make sure apples are wax-free and fully dry before dipping.

For extra flair, roll dipped apples in chopped nuts, sprinkles, or crushed cookies.

Use gloves when dipping for better grip and protection from the heat.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 285