Candied Apples

Name: Candied Apples
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 1 h
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 8 lollipop or popsicle sticks; 8 medium apples (any type!), cleaned and dried, stems removed; 3 c. granulated sugar; 3/4 c. red cinnamon candy, like Red Hots; 1/2 c. light corn syrup; 1/8 tsp. red food coloring; 1 tsp. vanilla extract

The secret to 'em? Red Hots!

By Georgia Goode and Lauren Miyashiro; Recipe by Kellie KelleyUpdated: Jul 31, 2023

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candied apples coated with red cinnamon candy with popsicle sticks on blue striped linen with cinnamon candy in the background

Will Dickey

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

5 mins

Total Time:

1 hr

Along with caramel apples and pumpkin desserts, candied apples are ubiquitous with the fall season. More often than not, they get their classic ruby red color from just food coloring, but not here. This recipe calls for red cinnamon candy (like Red Hots) for a delicious and subtle cinnamon kick everyone will love. It's an easy but big upgrade that makes this homemade candy-making project well worth the effort. Are they the perfect Halloween dessert? You bet. Bring them to the spooky party or wrap 'em up and hand them out to trick-or-treaters for a sweet that's so much better than store-bought Halloween candy.

What's the difference between a caramel apple and a candied apple?

Caramel apples are dipped in caramel. Candied apples are dipped in a bright red candy coating made from cinnamon candies that get cooked down with sugar, water, corn syrup, and a touch food coloring to achieve that signature color.

What're the best apples for candied apples?

You can candy just about any apple! Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp—they'll all work wonderfully. Granny Smith apples are a bit more tart than the others, so if you like that tart-sweet flavor combination, try using those.

How should I prep the apples?

Before dipping them in the hot candy mixture, you'll want to remove the wax coating. This ensures that the candy coating sticks to the apple instead of sliding off. To do this, rinse them under hot water, then rub dry with a textured kitchen towel. It's also important that the apples are at room temperature—cold apples will cause the sugar syrup to harden too fast.

How long do candy apples take to harden?

The candy coating will harden as the apples cool on the baking sheet. It happens rather quickly, so start checking after about 10 minutes.

How far in advance can you make candy apples?

Apples can be stored in an air-tight container for up to three days in the refrigerator.

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Ingredients

8 lollipop or popsicle sticks
8
medium apples (any type!), cleaned and dried, stems removed
3 cups
granulated sugar
3/4 cup
red cinnamon candy, like Red Hots
1/2 cup
light corn syrup
1/8 tsp.
red food coloring
1 tsp.
vanilla extract

Directions

1. Step 1Insert a stick through the stem portion of each apple, pushing about halfway through; set aside. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat with cooking spray.
2. Step 2In a medium saucepan, place the sugar, 1 cup of water, candy, corn syrup, and food coloring. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture and continue to boil until the temperature reaches 300°F to 305°, about 20 minutes. Remove from the heat and carefully add the vanilla, stirring well. Let the sugar syrup stand until the bubbling stops. (This will help eliminate chances of bubbles forming on the coating.)
3. Step 3Working quickly, dip 3/4 of an apple into the sugar syrup. Hold the apple over the pot, letting the excess drip off. Place on the prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the remaining apples. Cool completely before serving.