Description
Classic homemade candy apples featuring crisp Granny Smith apples coated in a glossy, vibrant red candy shell flavored optionally with cinnamon oil. A perfect sweet and tart treat ideal for festive occasions or a nostalgic dessert experience.
Ingredients
Apples
- 8 Granny Smith apples
Candy Coating
- 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon red gel food color (or 1 teaspoon liquid red food color)
- 1 – 3 drops cinnamon oil for candy (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Remove the stems from the 8 Granny Smith apples and wash them thoroughly. Submerge the apples in really hot water for 10 minutes to remove any wax coating, then dry them completely before use.
- Insert Sticks: Insert a candy apple stick or lollipop stick into the top of each apple where the stem was removed. Place the prepared apples on parchment paper near your cooking area for easy access.
- Make Candy Mixture: In a large saucepan, combine 2 1/2 cups granulated sugar, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup light corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until fully combined. Attach a candy thermometer and allow the mixture to boil until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Add Color and Flavor: Remove the saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in 1/2 teaspoon red gel food color and add 1 to 3 drops of cinnamon oil for candy if desired, being careful as cinnamon oil is potent.
- Dip Apples: Immediately dip each apple into the hot candy mixture. Tilt the pot slightly and roll the apple to coat it evenly. Allow excess candy to drip off for a few seconds before placing the coated apple onto the parchment paper.
- Cool and Set: Allow the candy apples to cool completely at room temperature until the candy shell is fully hardened before handling or serving.
Notes
- Using a candy thermometer is essential to reach the correct temperature for a perfect hard candy shell.
- Be cautious with cinnamon oil as it is very strong; start with one drop and add more as preferred.
- Ensure apples are dry before dipping to help the candy adhere properly.
- Work quickly when dipping apples as the candy mixture hardens as it cools.
- Store candy apples at room temperature to avoid condensation softening the candy coating.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
