Halloween Candied Apples Recipe

If you’re craving a festive and fun treat that will have everyone talking, this Halloween Candied Apples Recipe is an absolute must-try! I absolutely love how these apples turn out—vibrant, sweet, and just the right amount of spooky with those adorable candy eyeballs staring back at you. Whether you’re prepping for a Halloween party or just want a fun weekend activity, this recipe is super straightforward and delivers amazing results. Keep reading because not only will I walk you through every step, but I’ll share my best tips for flawless candied apples every time!

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a starring role in making your Halloween candied apples pop with flavor and fun. I always pick apples that are firm and shiny because they hold up beautifully under the candy coating, and the Wilton Candy Melts come in great seasonal colors that really make this treat extra festive.

• Wilton Candy Eyeballs: These little guys add the perfect spooky touch and come in different sizes, so feel free to mix and match.
• Wilton Candy Melts: I love using lavender, green, and orange because they scream Halloween and melt smoothly for a perfect coating.
• Wood Treat Sticks: Essential for holding your apples upright and making them easy to enjoy without sticky hands.
• Medium Apples: I recommend McIntosh or Granny Smith because they’re tart and crisp, balancing out the sweet coating wonderfully.

Variations

I love how this Halloween Candied Apples Recipe can be customized in so many fun ways. Sometimes I like to swap out the candy melts for a chocolate dip or sprinkle crushed nuts or Halloween-themed sprinkles on top. It’s all about making the treat your own and adding those little personal touches that make you smile.

• Chocolate Coating: I once dipped the apples in dark chocolate before adding the candy eyeballs, which added a rich and slightly less sweet twist.
• Sprinkles and Nuts: Adding some Halloween sprinkles or crushed peanuts gives a fun texture contrast my family loves.
• Different Apple Types: Try Fuji or Honeycrisp for a sweeter bite that contrasts deliciously with the candy coating.
• Gluten-Free or Vegan Options: All ingredients here are generally allergy-friendly, but always double-check the candy melts and eyeballs for specific dietary labels.

How to Make Halloween Candied Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Apples and Sticks

Start by washing your apples thoroughly and drying them completely—any moisture on the surface will prevent the candy coating from sticking properly. Then, carefully insert a wooden treat stick into the stem end of each apple, making sure it’s stable and goes in about halfway. This makes dipping easier and keeps your hands mess-free later on.

Step 2: Melt the Candy

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt your Wilton Candy Melts in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to avoid scorching. The key here is patience—melting slowly will give you a silky smooth candy that coats the apples perfectly without burning. I’ve learned that sometimes it takes a few gentle stirs before the last lumps melt away.

Step 3: Dip and Decorate

Now comes the fun part—dipping! Hold an apple by the stick and dip it into the melted candy, twirling it around to coat evenly. Then, lift it out and gently shake off any excess so the coating isn’t too thick. While the candy is still wet, stick on the candy eyeballs. They’ll set in place as the candy hardens, giving your apples that playful, creepy look that’s perfect for Halloween.

Step 4: Let Them Set

Place the dipped apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool and harden at room temperature. If your kitchen is warm, pop them in the fridge for 10-15 minutes to speed up the process. Just be careful not to leave them too long, or condensation can form and make your candy coating a bit sticky.

How to Serve Halloween Candied Apples Recipe

Garnishes

I like to keep it simple with the candy eyeballs, but sometimes I add a little edible glitter or Halloween-themed sprinkles right after dipping for extra sparkle. It makes the apples feel even more festive and festive—and kids especially love the shiny touches!

Side Dishes

These Halloween candied apples pair beautifully with warm drinks like apple cider or hot chocolate. For parties, I’ve served them alongside pumpkin-shaped sugar cookies or a plate of cheesy Halloween-themed snacks for a fun combo of sweet and savory.

Creative Ways to Present

One year, I set up a Halloween candy apple bar with different candy melts, toppings, and lots of eyeballs so guests could decorate their own. It was a huge hit! Displaying them upright in a decorative pumpkin-shaped container or a festive basket also adds to the spooky vibe and keeps them from rolling around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftover candied apples in a single layer, loosely wrapped in parchment paper inside an airtight container at room temperature. They keep well for a couple of days, but the candy coating is best enjoyed fresh to maintain that perfect crunch.

Freezing

Freezing candied apples isn’t something I recommend because the texture of the apples changes dramatically when frozen and thawed, often becoming mushy. If you want to prep in advance, make the candy coating separately and dip apples right before serving instead.

Reheating

Since these are best enjoyed fresh, reheating isn’t really necessary and can cause the candy coating to melt or lose its crunch. If the coating becomes sticky, letting them sit at room temperature for a while usually helps to restore the texture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Halloween Candied Apples Recipe is one of those simple joys that never fail to bring smiles and a little festive magic to any gathering. I love sharing this with family and friends because it’s easy to make, fun to decorate, and downright delicious. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe year after year, and I promise it’ll quickly become a Halloween tradition you treasure just like I do!

Print