Nothing brings back memories quite like Homemade Candy Apples. The shiny, sweet coating paired with the crisp apple inside creates a delightful treat, perfect for fairs or just a fun day at home. This recipe is simple and perfect for anyone who loves candy.

I remember making these with Dad James in the kitchen. He would let us use food coloring to make them extra colorful, and we would giggle as we dripped gooey candy everywhere. What a fun time!

Your Ingredients List

4 medium apples (Granny Smith or any favorite variety)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Wooden sticks or craft sticks

My Go-To Equipment

Medium saucepan
Wooden spoons for stirring
Baking sheet or parchment paper
Candy thermometer (optional, but helpful!)

The Simple Steps to Follow

Prepare the apples by washing them thoroughly and drying them. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C).
If using, add food coloring and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before dipping the apples into the candy mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Place the coated apples on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper to set until the coating hardens.
Once set, slice the apples and enjoy!

Healthy Twists on a Classic

If you want a healthier version, you can dip your apples in dark chocolate instead of candy. Simply melt dark chocolate and coat the apples, then sprinkle crushed nuts or dried fruit on top for added texture and flavor.

Serving Suggestions From My Table

Serve your candy apples on a festive platter. You could add a creative touch with colorful sprinkles or drizzle melted chocolate over them for extra flavor. A side of caramel sauce for dipping could also be a hit!

Getting It Just Right

Ensure your apples are free of wax for better candy adherence. A good candy thermometer helps reach the perfect temperature so the coating will harden nicely. If it’s too soft, the candy won’t stay on the apple!

How to Store Leftovers

Store any leftover candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature. If they are fully set, they can last a few days. Just be careful not to stack them on top of each other to avoid them sticking together.

Enjoy Every Moment

Making Homemade Candy Apples is about more than just the treat. It’s a chance to connect with friends and family over a delicious, sweet experience. I hope you enjoy making these as much as I did with my loved ones!

A Few Common Questions

What type of apples work best for Homemade Candy Apples?

Granny Smith apples are a great choice because they are tart and firm, which balances well with the sweet candy coating. However, you can use any apple variety that you enjoy!

Can I use a different color for the candy coating?

Absolutely! Food coloring can give your candy apples any hue you like. You can create themes, like red for holidays or blue for a summer gathering.

Why is my candy coating sticky?

If your candy coating is sticky, it may not have reached the hard crack stage. Make sure to use a candy thermometer and monitor the temperature closely while cooking. If undercooked, the coating won’t harden properly.

Homemade Candy Apples

Author: sarah
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

A delightful treat that combines a shiny, sweet coating with crisp apples, perfect for fairs or a fun day at home.

Ingredients

Scale

4 medium apples (Granny Smith or any favorite variety)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon food coloring (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Wooden sticks or craft sticks

Instructions

Prepare the apples by washing them thoroughly and drying them. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage (around 300°F or 150°C).
If using, add food coloring and vanilla extract, stirring to combine.
Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before dipping the apples into the candy mixture, ensuring they are fully coated.
Place the coated apples on a greased baking sheet or parchment paper to set until the coating hardens.
Once set, slice the apples and enjoy!

Notes

Ensure your apples are free of wax for better candy adherence. A good candy thermometer helps reach the perfect temperature so the coating will harden nicely. Store any leftover candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 apple
Calories: 250
Sugar: 40g
Sodium: 20mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: candy apples, dessert, homemade treats, Halloween, fairs