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Easy Dessert Recipes Ready in Under 30 Minutes to Savor


  • Author: ushinzomr

Description

This candy apple recipe gives you a perfectly glossy, hard-crack sugar coating that shatters cleanly on the first bite — every single time. Made with just 5 pantry ingredients and ready in 30 minutes, these classic homemade candy apples bring back every carnival and Halloween memory you have.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith or Fuji strongly recommended
  • 2 cups (400g) granulated white sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup (180ml) water
  • 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or flavoring oil (optional)
  • 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
  • Non-stick cooking spray
  • Parchment paper or silicone baking mat

Instructions

  1. Set up your workspace before you start: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray. Have your sticked apples ready and within reach.
  2. Remove all wax from your apples by dipping each apple in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrub dry with a rough kitchen towel. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end of each apple.
  3. In a heavy-bottomed medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until the sugar is moistened. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
  4. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring the mixture to a full rolling boil without stirring. Wipe down any sugar crystals clinging to the sides of the pan with a wet pastry brush.
  5. Continue boiling until the candy thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F. This takes approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Do not walk away during the last 5 minutes.
  6. Remove the pan from heat once it hits 300°F. Stir in the gel food coloring and cinnamon extract if using. Allow bubbles to fully subside for 1 to 2 minutes.
  7. Tilt the saucepan to one side and dip each apple into the syrup, letting excess drip back into the pan. Place each coated apple stick-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
  8. Allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.

Notes

  • Ensure the syrup reaches 300°F to avoid a sticky coating.
  • Wait 1 to 2 minutes after removing from heat until the syrup surface is still before dipping.
  • Remove wax from apples with boiling water dip and dry completely before dipping.
  • Store candy apples at room temperature, uncovered or loosely wrapped, and eat within 1 to 2 days.
  • For variations, substitute corn syrup with white vinegar or lemon juice.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 candy apple
  • Calories: 271
  • Sugar: 65
  • Sodium: 3
  • Fat: 1
  • Saturated Fat: 0
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 71
  • Fiber: 4
  • Protein: 1
  • Cholesterol: 0

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