Description
This vibrant and fun recipe for Jolly Rancher Candy Apples features crisp, tart apples coated in a glossy, colorful candy shell made from melted Jolly Rancher hard candies. It’s a perfect treat for parties, Halloween, or anytime you crave a nostalgic, sweet-and-tart snack with an eye-catching twist.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
- 6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
Candy Coating
- 1 bag (approximately 11 oz) of Jolly Rancher hard candies (mix of colors/flavors)
- 1/4 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a smoother coating)
Other
- Wax paper or parchment paper (for setting the apples)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them well to remove any wax or residue. Insert the wooden sticks firmly into the tops of the apples for easy dipping and handling. Set the apples aside on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to prevent sticking later.
- Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers: Carefully unwrap all the Jolly Rancher candies and place them in a microwave-safe bowl, ready to be melted into the candy coating.
- Melt the Jolly Ranchers: Add 1/4 cup of water to the bowl with the unwrapped candies. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each interval to help the candies melt evenly. Continue until the candies are completely melted and smooth. For a creamier, more even coating, stir in 1 tablespoon of butter until fully melted.
- Dip the apples: Holding the wooden stick, carefully dip each prepared apple into the melted candy mixture. Swirl the apple around to ensure an even coating, and allow any excess candy to drip back into the bowl to prevent pooling on the paper.
- Cool the apples: Place each dipped apple onto the wax or parchment paper and let them cool and set at room temperature for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the candy coating becomes hard and glossy.
- Serve and enjoy: Once the candy coating has fully hardened, your colorful, flavorful Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are ready to be served. Enjoy this classic sweet treat fresh for the best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet candy coating.
- Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy adhere properly.
- Adding butter creates a smoother texture and richer flavor in the candy coating, but it’s optional.
- Work quickly when dipping, as the candy cools fast and can harden before coating the apple evenly.
- Store leftover candy apples at room temperature on wax paper; avoid refrigeration as it can cause the candy to become sticky.
- For added fun, decorate the apples with sprinkles or chopped nuts before the candy sets.
