Ingredients
6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon black gel food coloring
1/4 teaspoon purple gel food coloring
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
Candy apple sticks
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. To remove any wax, dip them in boiling water for a few seconds, then dry them completely.
- Insert a candy apple stick into the center of each apple, pushing it in about halfway.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Once the sugar has dissolved, increase the heat to medium-high and allow the mixture to boil without stirring. Monitor the temperature with a candy thermometer, cooking until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage).
- Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove from heat and quickly stir in the black and purple gel food coloring, vanilla extract, and cinnamon extract (if using).
- Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling it to ensure an even coating. Allow excess candy to drip off before placing the apple on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow the apples to cool and harden completely at room temperature before serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples for the best tartness that balances the sweetness of the candy coating.
- A candy thermometer is essential for achieving the correct hard-crack stage at 300°F.
- If you want a marbled effect, drizzle extra melted black candy or chocolate over the apples after they set.
- For a sweet and salty flavor, sprinkle sea salt over the apples while the candy coating is still warm.
- Feel free to experiment with different flavor extracts like caramel, almond, or maple syrup for a twist on the flavor.
- Store the candy apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2-3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
