Description
This candy apple recipe gives you a perfectly glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters cleanly on the first bite — perfect for Valentine’s Day desserts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith or Fuji 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: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Have your sticked apples ready.
- Remove all wax from your apples by dipping each in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry. Insert a stick into each apple.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until sugar is moistened. Clip a candy thermometer to the pan.
- Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a full rolling boil without stirring. Wipe down sugar crystals on the sides with a wet pastry brush.
- Continue boiling until the thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F (149°C–154°C). This takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately at 300°F. Stir in food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Wait for 1 to 2 minutes for bubbles to subside.
- Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple in the syrup, letting excess drip back for 3 to 4 seconds. Place on the prepared baking sheet.
- Allow to cool completely for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F to avoid sticky coating.
- Wait for bubbles to settle before dipping.
- Use firm, tart apples for the best contrast with the sweet coating.
- Store candy apples at room temperature, uncovered for 1 to 2 days.
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: dessert valentines day, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, Valentine's Day treats, glossy candy apples, easy candy apple recipe