Description
These classic Halloween candied apples are a delightful treat featuring crunchy, tart apples coated in a shiny, hard candy shell with optional festive orange coloring and nutty toppings. Perfect for festive parties or a spooky snack, this recipe guides you through the easy stovetop candy-making process to achieve the perfect hard crack coating.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 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 (Optional)
- 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.
- Make the Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Then increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a boil without 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), which is the hard crack stage. This process takes about 10-15 minutes. Immediately remove the pan from the heat once the temperature is reached.
- Add Flavor and Color: Quickly stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of orange food coloring if using, being careful as the hot syrup may bubble vigorously.
- Coat the Apples: Working swiftly, tip the saucepan slightly and dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat evenly. Allow excess coating to drip off before placing each apple back on the parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, sprinkle chopped nuts on the apples immediately before the coating hardens.
- Set the Candy Coating: Let the candied apples sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or until the candy coating hardens completely.
- Optional Halloween Decoration: For a spooky theme, use a sharp paring knife to carve faces into the apples before dipping them in the candy mixture, lending a festive and personalized touch.
Notes
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy coating adhere properly.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement to avoid under or overcooking the syrup.
- Be very cautious when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- Orange food coloring is optional but adds a festive Halloween look to the candy coating.
- Chopped nuts add texture and extra flavor but can be omitted for nut allergies.
- Carving faces before dipping should be done carefully to avoid breaking the apple skin.
