Description
This classic Candy Apples recipe features crisp Granny Smith apples coated in a vibrant, glossy red candy shell made from sugar, corn syrup, and red food coloring. Perfect for festive occasions and nostalgic treats, these candy apples offer a delightful crunch and sweet coating that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples
- 6 long wooden sticks or metal skewers
Candy Coating
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 16 drops red food coloring
- 3/4 cup water
Miscellaneous
- Cooking spray (for greasing the baking sheet and parchment paper)
Instructions
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Grease a baking sheet thoroughly with cooking spray, then line it with parchment paper. Grease the parchment paper as well to prevent sticking.
- Insert Sticks into Apples: Carefully insert a wooden stick or metal skewer about halfway into the top center of each Granny Smith apple, ensuring they are securely held for dipping.
- Make Candy Mixture: In a medium, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, red food coloring, and 3/4 cup water. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally, until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F (hard crack stage). This should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Remove the pot immediately from heat.
- Coat the Apples: Allow the bubbling to subside for about 30 seconds to 1 minute. Working quickly and carefully, dip each apple into the hot candy mixture to coat evenly. Be mindful that the candy coating is extremely hot. After coating, place the apples on the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet to set.
- Cool and Serve: Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature so the hard candy shell can fully set before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the candy thermometer reaches the hard crack stage (300°F to 310°F) for a firm, crunchy shell.
- Use caution as the candy mixture is extremely hot and can cause burns.
- The Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness that complements the sweet candy coating.
- For variation, you can use different food coloring or add sprinkles before the candy sets.
- Serve within 1-2 days for best texture and freshness; store in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 50 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
