Description
Learn how to make the best classic candy apples with a perfectly crisp, shiny sugar coating that’s bursting with flavor. This nostalgic treat is perfect for fall celebrations, family activities, or anytime you want a sweet and crunchy snack made from fresh apples dipped in homemade candy syrup.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apples
- Up to 10 large apples, washed and fully dried
- Up to 10 candy apple sticks (skewers, chopsticks, or similar)
For the Candy Coating
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 cups corn syrup
- 3/4 cup water
- Several drops food coloring
- 1 Tbsp flavoring extract OR 1 tsp flavor oil
Instructions
- Prepare the baking sheet and apples: Grease a cookie sheet or line it with parchment paper and set aside. Remove stems and stickers from each apple and insert a stick at least halfway into each apple. Set the prepared apples aside.
- Make the candy syrup: In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil over medium or medium-high heat. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Cook the syrup to hard crack stage: Continue boiling the mixture, stirring occasionally, until it reaches 310°F (hard crack stage). Remove the pan from heat immediately once it reaches this temperature.
- Add color and flavor: Quickly stir in several drops of food coloring and the flavoring extract or oil. Stir until the boiling stops and the bubbles mostly disappear; this step helps achieve a smooth candy coating texture.
- Dip the apples: Carefully dip each apple into the hot candy syrup one at a time, turning to coat completely and evenly. Allow excess syrup to drip back into the pan. Place each coated apple on the prepared cookie sheet. Use extreme caution to avoid burns.
- Cool and serve: Allow the candy coating to cool and harden completely at room temperature. Once set, remove apples from the cookie sheet and enjoy immediately or wrap in cellophane for later consumption.
Notes
- Candy apples are a fun family activity that are easy and affordable to make at home.
- They bring a nostalgic feel and are a delicious way to use the abundance of fresh apples in the fall.
- Be very careful handling hot sugar syrup to prevent burns as it reaches very high temperatures.
- Flavor extracts allow customization—try vanilla, cinnamon, or caramel flavor oils for variation.
- Store coated apples in a cool, dry place or wrap individually in cellophane to maintain freshness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 472
- Sugar: 118g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 124g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
