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 or Fuji 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
- 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.
- Remove all wax from your apples by dipping each in boiling water for 5 seconds and scrubbing dry with a rough kitchen towel. Insert a stick into each apple.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until moistened and clip a candy thermometer to the pan.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil without stirring. Use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals on the sides.
- Boil until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F. This takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove the pan from heat at 300°F. Stir in food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Wait 1 to 2 minutes for bubbles to subside.
- Tilt the saucepan to dip each apple, letting excess drip back into the pan. Place each apple on the prepared baking sheet and allow to cool completely.
Notes
- Ensure syrup reaches 300°F for a hard, non-sticky coating.
- Wait for bubbles to settle before dipping apples.
- Remove wax from apples to ensure coating sticks.
- Store at room temperature, uncovered or loosely wrapped.
- For Halloween, use different gel colors for a spooky finish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: quick desserts easy, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples