Though they may look like a complicated confection, old-fashioned candy apples are surprisingly simple to make at home. With just a few basic ingredients and the right technique, you can whip up these beautiful, glossy apples that are as much fun to make as they are to eat. In this article, we’ll walk you through an old-fashioned candy apple recipe that captures the magic of this classic treat.
1. Old-Fashioned Candy Apple Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 small to medium-sized apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or McIntosh work well)
- 8 sturdy wooden sticks (popsicle sticks, skewers, or craft sticks)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (or any color you prefer)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional, for a cinnamon-flavored coating)
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples: Start by thoroughly washing your apples to remove any wax coating, which can prevent the candy from sticking. Dry the apples completely.
Insert the sticks: Push a wooden stick into the stem end of each apple, making sure it’s secure enough for dipping. Set the apples aside on a lightly greased piece of parchment paper or a lined baking sheet.
Step 2: Make the Candy Coating
Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir to dissolve the sugar.
Heat the mixture: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. If you have a candy thermometer, attach it to the side of the pan. You want to cook the mixture until it reaches 300°F (150°C), known as the hard crack stage. This will ensure the coating hardens properly on the apples.
Tip: Do not stir the mixture once it starts boiling, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize. Simply swirl the pan occasionally if needed.
Step 3: Add Color and Flavor
Add food coloring and flavoring: Once the candy mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from the heat. Stir in the red food coloring (or your color of choice) and cinnamon extract, if you’re using it. Be careful, as the mixture will be very hot and can bubble up slightly when you add these ingredients.
Step 4: Dip the Apples
Dip the apples: Working quickly, hold each apple by the stick and dip it into the hot candy mixture, swirling it to coat the entire apple evenly. Allow any excess candy to drip off before placing the apple on your prepared parchment paper or lined baking sheet.
Let the apples cool: Allow the candy apples to cool and harden at room temperature. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Once the candy coating has hardened, your old-fashioned candy apples are ready to enjoy! Serve them at room temperature or wrap them individually in cellophane bags for gifting.
2. Tips for Making Perfect Candy Apples
Choose Tart Apples: The crisp, tart flavor of apples like Granny Smith provides a nice contrast to the sweet, crunchy candy coating. You can also use McIntosh or Honeycrisp for a slightly different flavor.
Use a Candy Thermometer: A candy thermometer is essential for getting the candy mixture to the right temperature (300°F) for a hard, glossy coating. If the temperature is too low, the coating will be sticky and soft; if too high, it can burn.
Work Quickly: Once the candy mixture reaches the right temperature, it will begin to harden as it cools. Be ready to dip your apples immediately after adding the food coloring and flavoring.
Wax-Free Apples: Many store-bought apples are coated in wax, which can prevent the candy from sticking properly. To remove the wax, boil some water, dip the apples in briefly, then dry them thoroughly.
Get Creative: While red candy apples are classic, don’t be afraid to get creative! You can experiment with different food coloring, flavor extracts (like vanilla or almond), or even add sprinkles, chopped nuts, or coconut to the candy coating before it hardens.
3. Variations on the Classic Candy Apple
While the traditional red candy apple holds a special place in fall history, there are plenty of variations you can try to make your candy apples extra special. Here are some fun ideas:
Flavored Candy Apples: Use different extracts (such as vanilla, almond, or peppermint) to flavor the candy coating. You can even try fruity variations with a few drops of apple or cherry flavoring.
Different Colors: Switch up the color of your candy apples by using different food coloring. Try using green for a spooky Halloween vibe, or black for a truly dramatic effect.
Candy Apple Toppings: After dipping your apples in the candy coating, roll them in toppings like crushed nuts, sprinkles, desiccated coconut, or crushed candy for added texture and flavor.
4. Storing Candy Apples
Homemade candy apples are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a short period if needed:
Room Temperature: Store candy apples at room temperature for up to 2 days. Place them on a parchment-lined tray, and make sure they’re not touching to prevent sticking.
Refrigeration: If you need to store them for longer, wrap each apple in cellophane and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. However, be aware that refrigerating candy apples may cause the candy to become sticky.
5. The Difference Between Candy Apples & Caramel Apples
While candy apples and caramel apples may look similar, they’re actually quite different treats:
Candy Apples are coated in a hard, glossy sugar shell that cracks when you bite into it. The candy coating is typically flavored with cinnamon or vanilla and colored bright red.
Caramel Apples are coated in a soft, chewy layer of caramel, which has a rich, buttery flavor. Caramel apples are often rolled in toppings like nuts, sprinkles, or chocolate for extra indulgence.
Both are delicious fall treats, but candy apples offer a harder, crunchier texture compared to the softer chew of a caramel apple.
Making old-fashioned candy apples is a fun and rewarding way to celebrate the fall season. With their glossy, vibrant appearance and satisfying crunch, they’re the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Whether you’re preparing them for a Halloween party, a fall festival, or just to enjoy a classic treat with family, homemade candy apples are sure to delight.
