Description
A classic recipe for homemade candy apples featuring a glossy red candy coating with optional cinnamon and pumpkin spice flavors. Perfect for autumn treats or festive occasions, these candy apples are coated in a hard, sweet shell made by boiling sugar, corn syrup, and water to the perfect temperature.
Ingredients
Scale
Candy Coating
- 2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 tsp red gel food coloring
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon extract (optional)
Coating Finish
- 1/4 cup demerara sugar (optional)
- 1 tsp pumpkin spice (optional)
Other Ingredients
- 6 medium apples
- 6 candy apple sticks
- baking spray
- parchment paper
Equipment
- candy thermometer
Instructions
- Prepare Candy Mixture: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, light corn syrup, red gel food coloring, and cinnamon extract if using. The mixture will become bright red.
- Heat and Monitor Temperature: Place a candy thermometer ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the pot’s bottom. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over high heat. Continue boiling until the temperature reaches between 300ºF and 310ºF, approximately 20 minutes. Watch carefully as the temperature rises quickly near the end.
- Prep Apples and Pan: While the syrup cooks, line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray with baking spray. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Insert the candy sticks into the top-center of each apple, pushing deep enough for stability but avoiding piercing through the bottom if sticks are long.
- Optional Sugar Coating: For added sparkle, mix demerara sugar with pumpkin spice (or use sugar alone). Evenly sprinkle this mixture on the prepared baking sheet where the apples will rest.
- Coat Apples: Once the candy mixture reaches 310ºF, remove from heat. Carefully tilt the pot to one side. Holding an apple by the stick, dip and roll it in the hot syrup to coat evenly, then lift and gently shake off excess syrup. Place coated apples on the prepared baking sheet to set.
- Allow to Harden: Let the candy apples cool and harden at room temperature for about 10 minutes before enjoying.
Notes
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup as it can cause severe burns.
- Using a candy thermometer is key to achieving the right hard crack stage for the candy coating.
- The optional cinnamon extract and pumpkin spice add autumnal flavor but can be omitted for a classic candy apple taste.
- Ensure apples are completely dry and clean before dipping to help candy adhere properly.
- Use firm apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: candy apples, homemade candy apples, candy apple recipe, autumn treat, fall dessert, cinnamon candy apples, pumpkin spice candy apples
