When the crisp autumn air arrives, nothing says fall like the sweet and nostalgic treat of candied apples. With their shiny, sugary coating and tart apple interior, they’re a perfect balance of flavours that bring the season to life. Whether you're preparing them for a Halloween party, a fall gathering, or just because, this candied apple recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Here’s how to make the best candied apples, with a few simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps.
Why Candied Apples Are a Fall Favorite?
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Seasonal Ingredient: Apples are at their peak during fall, offering a perfect mix of sweetness and tartness for this treat.
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Nostalgic Comfort: Candied apples remind us of fairs, festivals, and cozy fall nights. They evoke a sense of tradition and childhood joy.
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Customizable Coatings: While the classic red candy coating is the most popular, you can experiment with different colours and flavours, like caramel or chocolate drizzle.
The Best Candied Apple Recipe
This recipe uses a classic hard candy coating that is crunchy, sweet, and perfectly balances the tartness of the apple.
Ingredients:
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6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
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2 cups granulated sugar
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1 cup water
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1/2 cup light corn syrup
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1/2 tsp red food colouring (optional)
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1 tsp vanilla extract
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Wooden sticks (or skewers)
Instructions:
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Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry your apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. Insert the wooden sticks into the top of each apple, making sure they are secure. Set them aside.
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Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium heat. Stir until the sugar is dissolved, then bring the mixture to a boil. Let it boil without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This should take about 10 minutes.
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Add Color and Flavor: Once the candy reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the food colouring (if using) and vanilla extract.
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Dip the Apples: Quickly dip each apple into the candy coating, swirling it around to make sure it’s fully coated. Hold the apple over the saucepan for a few seconds to allow any excess coating to drip off.
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Let the Apples Cool: Place the coated apples on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet and let them cool for about 30 minutes until the candy hardens.
Why You Should Try This Recipe?
This candied apple recipe is the perfect blend of nostalgia and sweetness, providing a fun and festive treat that’s easy to make. It’s also a fantastic activity for kids and adults alike, making it ideal for a fall afternoon spent with family or friends.
Explore different candy thermometers to find the one that best suits your needs and elevates your candy-making experience.