Colorful Candy Apples

Until the other day, I had never had a candy apple. My family has always been a caramel apple type of family. So, when I stumbled upon a candy apple recipe for Hot Pink Candy Apples by Rose Bakes, I knew that I wanted to try them out.

I must say that I always thought that candy apples would be extremely hard to make. They are so shiny and they look perfect. False! These treats are extremely easy to make and as long as apples are in the stores, you can make them for any gathering or party that you would like. I will say, that it is very important that you get the white food coloring (who knew?!). It allows the true color of the dye that you are using to shine through. I did not have the white food coloring, so my teal apples were very dark and some actually looked black... which is actually perfect for Halloween.

Most people associate apples dipped in large amounts of sugar a Halloween thing, so I fear that I am posting this a bit too late, but I thought why not go for it.

This recipe really is quite easy, you merely mix all of the ingredients together and wait for the bubbling mixture to reach the correct temperature and then you dip away! Make sure you pay close attention once your sugar mixture gets above 250ºF, things take off quickly from here.

My Teal/Black Candy Apples.

When Candied Apples Attack. Released October 31. Rated R.

What you will need for the Candy Apples:

6-8 medium apples (washed, dried and stems removed) **I used small apples and was able to get 12**

3 cups white sugar

1/2  cup light corn syrup

1 cup water

1 teaspoon vanilla (or other flavoring)

2 Tablespoons white food coloring (like AmeriColor Bright White Soft Gel Paste or Lorann White Food Coloring)

1-2 teaspoons of gel coloring (in any color that you choose. Americolor is a good choice. The more color you use, the brighter the apples will be.)

Candy apple sticks (I got mine at Michael's in the baking sections, but you can also find them on Amazon, here)

Cookie sheet

Non-stick spray

Heavy duty sauce pan

Candy thermometer

Rubber spatula


Instructions:

Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring (white and color) in sauce pan. Turn on medium to high heat and let the mixture come to a boil.

Be sure to have your candy thermometer inserted into the mixture, but not touching the bottom.

Let the mixture come to 302ºF (hard crack stage). This will take about 20 minutes. There is no need to stir or disturb the mixture while it heats, just be patient.

While sugar mixture is heating, make sure that your apples are cleaned, dried, and on the sticks. Spary your cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

When sugar mixture reaches 302ºF, immediately remove it from heat and use a rubber spatula to stir in the vanilla (or other flavor). Stir gently to evenly incorporate the flavor.

As soon as the flavor is evenly mixed in, begin dipping your apples. You will want to work quickly, because the candy will start to cool immediately.

Tilting your sauce pan helps in getting the apples really well coated.

Let excess sugar drip off for at least 10 seconds, while spinning the apples. After they are dipped, place them on cookie sheet with non-stick spray.

THE SUGAR IS EXTREMELY HOT! BE CAREFUL!

It will only take a couple of minutes and then the candy apple coating will be hard enough for you to eat.  The apples keep well at room temperature for 2-3 days. Do not refrigerate, they will get sticky.


That's it! You are now ready to make and eat some fun and colorful candy apples!  Enjoy!

P.S.- If you would like to check out a few other recipes:

Spooky Black Caramel Apples
Candy Apples
15 Caramel and Candied Apple Recipes