Candy Apples
Homemade Candy Apples are a fun and nostalgic treat, combining the tartness of fresh apples with a glossy, sweet candy coating. Perfect for fall festivities and family gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 6 medium medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup Can be substituted with agave syrup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Food coloring (optional)
- Chopped nuts or sprinkles (for decoration, optional)
Instructions
Preparation
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
Cooking the Base
- In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until boiling.
Monitoring
- Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F (150°C), about 10-15 minutes.
Flavoring
- Remove the saucepan from heat and quickly stir in the vanilla extract and food coloring, if desired.
Dipping
- Dip each apple into the candy syrup, swirling to ensure it is well-coated.
Cooling
- Transfer the coated apples to a lined baking sheet and allow them to cool and harden for approximately 30 minutes.
Decorating
- Decorate the cooling apples with chopped nuts or colorful sprinkles, if desired.
Serving
- Enjoy the Candy Apples fresh or share them at gatherings!
Notes
Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigerating to maintain texture.