Crunchy, Sweet and Oh-So-Shiny! Here’s How To Make Homemade Candy Apples That Are Perfect for Fall

I can’t help but feel nostalgic whenever I bite into a candy apple. Its shiny, red coating instantly brings back memories of my childhood. I always enjoyed them on more than one occasion, from the fall fair to our neighborhood Halloween party. But in my opinion, the best candy apples are made at home. You still get that hard, sugary shell and the crisp, juicy apple beneath it, and it tastes just as good as the fairground. And the best part? I found a recipe that takes under an hour to prep with a few simple ingredients. Ready to bring a little old-fashioned magic into your kitchen? Here's how to make homemade candy apples.

What are candy apples?

Candy apples, also known as toffee apples in some places, are fresh apples dipped into a hard candy coating made from sugar, corn syrup and water. The mixture is heated on the stove until it reaches a brittle, crackling stage, which creates a crunchy outer shell when it cools. The vibrant red coating and glossy shine give candy apples their iconic look, making them a must-have for fall festivities. Unlike caramel apples, which have a chewy, buttery coating, candy apples are all about that satisfying sugary crunch. But keep scrolling to learn how to make caramel apples!

Food

Warm up at the Ranch With the Pioneer Woman’s 8 Best Fall Comfort Recipes

With fall officially here, you can usually find me watching reruns of my favorite cooking shows in my free time. There’s nothing like watching someone bake a fresh apple pie or hearty soup on TV—you can almost smell it through the screen! But who better to inspire cozy cooking than Ree Drummond, a.k.a. The Pioneer […]

Tips for perfecting homemade candy apples

You're probably wondering how to replicate those picturesque candy apples all packaged nicely on the shelves. But it turns out, achieving the iconic look is easier than you think with a few tips:

1. Choose the right apples

If you've ever cooked with apples before, you'll know the right kind makes all the difference. Firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji offer a refreshing contrast to the sweet candy shell. They also provide a solid structure that holds up well under the weight of the coating. Pink Lady and Honeycrisp also work.

2. Use a candy thermometer

When making candy apples, you want the temperature to be precise. You’ll need to heat the sugar mixture to 300°F (the hard-crack stage) for that perfectly crunchy shell. A candy thermometer ensures you hit the right temperature, so the coating sets properly without being sticky or soft.

3. Prepare your apples for dipping

To get the best results, make sure your apples are clean and dry. Remove any wax by giving them a quick scrub in hot water, as the wax can prevent the candy from sticking. Once cleaned, insert wooden sticks or skewers into the tops for easy dipping and eating (you can find them online on Amazon or in the baking aisle).

4. Work quickly and get creative

Once your candy coating reaches the right temperature, you’ll need to dip your apples quickly before it hardens in the pot. Tilt the pot to coat each apple evenly, and let the excess drip off before placing them on parchment paper to cool. For extra flair, roll your candy apples in any toppings you like such as sprinkles or crushed candies and cookies before the coating hardens.

Food

How to Prep, Cook and Store Pumpkins for the Perfect Fall Recipes

If you're wondering about how to pick the perfect pumpkin and cook it for a recipe, make sure you read these expert tips first.

Homemade candy apples recipe

I followed this simple recipe from Easy Weeknight Recipes , which uses classic Granny Smith apples. To get that ruby-red hue, you'll need a bit of red food coloring (trust me, it will be worth it if you're trying to impress a crowd). You can also add a touch of cinnamon to the candy for added seasonal flair.

Ingredients:

• 8 Granny Smith apples , or any tart apples
• 3 cups granulated sugar
• 1 ½ cups water
• ½ cup honey
• ¼ tsp. red food coloring

Directions:

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings

1. Wash the apples under hot water to remove any wax from the skin. Then, dry the apples, remove the stems and refrigerate.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, honey and water. Stir well to combine. Then cover with a lid and bring to a boil. Once very bubbly, remove the lid.
3. Attach a candy thermometer to the saucepan. Allow the candy to boil until it reaches 290°F and much of the water has evaporated, 20 to 30 minutes. Then, carefully add the red food coloring. When the candy reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir gently and allow it to cool slightly.
4. Take the apples out of the refrigerator and push the popsicle or lollipop sticks into the stem ends.
5. Using heatproof gloves, tilt the saucepan up at an angle, and carefully dip the apples one by one, rolling them in the candy all the way up to the sticks.
6. Let excess candy drip off of the apples and place them on a tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. Allow to completely cool and serve.

Storing your homemade candy apples

Candy apples are best enjoyed fresh, but they can last up to three days if stored in the fridge. Place them in an airtight container to prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky. To serve, simply let them come to room temperature for a few minutes for easier eating.

Easy caramel apples variation

If you want a bit more decadence, go for a caramel apple variation! Prepare your caramel by melting sugar, butter and cream until smooth. You can also use store bought caramel melts, just be sure to heat it gently to avoid scorching. Once ready, dip each apple into the caramel, letting the excess drip off, and place them on parchment paper to set.

Get the recipe

More apple recipes to enjoy:

Apple Cider Donut Cake Is Loaded With Fall Flavor: Explore the Recipe

Copycat Apple Crisp Oat Milk Macchiato Recipe To Get You in the Fall Mood

This Invisible Apple Cake Is So Good, It Will Disappear From Your Plate