Candied Apples – Classic, Festive & Crunchy
Classic candied apples with a shiny, crunchy candy shell—made with sugar, corn syrup, and tart Granny Smith apples. A fun and festive Halloween treat!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 candied apples
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Treats, Candy
- Method: Boiling, Dipping
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
6 small apples (Granny Smith or any firm variety)
6 wooden sticks or skewers
2 cups granulated sugar
½ cup light corn syrup
¾ cup water
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Orange food coloring (optional)
½ cup chopped nuts (optional, for topping)
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove stems and insert wooden sticks into the tops. Set apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Make the Candy Coating:
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved.
Heat to Hard Crack Stage:
Increase heat to medium-high. Do not stir. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C)—the hard crack stage—about 10–15 minutes. Remove from heat.
Add Vanilla & Color:
Quickly stir in vanilla extract and a few drops of orange food coloring (if using). The mixture will bubble—stir carefully.
Dip the Apples:
Tilt the saucepan slightly. Working quickly, dip and rotate each apple to coat. Let excess drip off. Set on the lined baking sheet. If using chopped nuts, sprinkle them on while the coating is still tacky.
Cool and Set:
Let apples sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, until the candy shell hardens completely.
Optional Decoration:
For Halloween, carve spooky faces into the apples before dipping for a fun twist.
Notes
Firm Apple Varieties: Granny Smiths are ideal for their tartness and crunch.
Thermometer Tip: Reaching exactly 300°F is key for a crisp shell—don’t eyeball it.
Toppings: Try chopped peanuts, candy eyes, edible glitter, or sprinkles before the candy hardens.
Color Play: Swap orange for red, black, or green to match your holiday theme.
