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The Ultimate Classic Shiny Red Candy Apple Recipe

A single, perfectly glossy red candy apple with a wooden stick inserted, ready to eat.
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Make perfect, glossy, crack-free candy apples using this straightforward recipe. This guide shows you how to prepare the fruit and cook the candy coating for a crisp shell ideal for Halloween or parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium-sized crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 6 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel or liquid)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert the wooden sticks firmly into the core of each apple.
  2. Prepare the apples for coating: Dip each apple briefly in boiling water for 5 seconds, then immediately dry them completely with paper towels. This step removes the waxy coating and helps the candy stick.
  3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Lightly grease the surface with cooking spray.
  4. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves. Stop stirring once it boils.
  5. Insert a candy thermometer into the pan, making sure it does not touch the bottom.
  6. Cook the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (Hard Crack Stage). This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. Watch the temperature closely.
  7. Once 300 degrees Fahrenheit is reached, immediately remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red food coloring and the extract. Work quickly, as the mixture will begin to set.
  8. Tilt the saucepan slightly. Dip and rotate each apple into the hot candy mixture, ensuring the entire surface is evenly coated. Lift the apple out and let the excess drip off for a few seconds.
  9. Place the coated apples onto the prepared baking sheet to cool and harden completely, about 20 to 30 minutes.
  10. Serve these nostalgic fall treats once the shells are firm.

Notes

  • To prevent cracking, ensure your apples are completely dry before dipping. Any moisture will cause bubbles or cracks in the shell.
  • If the candy coating thickens too much while you work, return the saucepan to low heat for a minute to thin it slightly, but do not let it boil again.
  • For a shiny candy apple coating, avoid stirring the sugar mixture once it begins to boil.
  • If you want to make gourmet candy apples, dip the coated apples immediately into chopped nuts or sprinkles before the candy sets.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishcraze.com/candy-apples-ultimate-shiny-red-recipe/