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The Ultimate Foolproof Homemade Candy Apple Recipe

Close-up of a perfectly glossy, deep red candy apple on a white surface with a wooden stick inserted.
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Make classic, shiny red candy apples with a perfect, crack-free coating using this simple step-by-step guide.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium firm apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 6 wooden skewers or sticks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel preferred)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert a wooden skewer firmly into the top of each apple.
  2. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Insert a candy thermometer. Allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (Hard Crack Stage).
  4. Remove the pan from the heat immediately when it reaches 300 degrees F. Quickly stir in the red food coloring and extract. Work fast, as the mixture will begin to set.
  5. Tilt the pan slightly. Dip and rotate each apple into the hot syrup, ensuring the entire surface is coated evenly. Lift the apple out, allowing excess syrup to drip back into the pan.
  6. Place the coated apples onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let them cool completely and harden, about 30 minutes, before serving.

Notes

  • For the best coating adhesion, wipe the apples with a small amount of white vinegar before inserting the sticks; this removes any wax residue.
  • If the coating becomes too thick while dipping, return the syrup to low heat for a few seconds to thin it slightly, but do not let it boil again.
  • To prevent bubbles in your coating, avoid stirring the syrup once it begins to boil.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/candy-apples-foolproof-glossy-recipe/