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Foolproof Classic Red Candy Apples

A single, perfectly coated, glossy red candy apple with a wooden stick, sitting on a small white saucer.
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Follow this simple tutorial to make classic, glossy red candy apples with a perfect, crack-free coating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium firm apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 6 wooden sticks or skewers
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel works best)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove any wax by dipping them briefly in hot water, then dry completely. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the center of each apple.
  2. Combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Insert a candy thermometer.
  4. Cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (hard crack stage). This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat immediately when it reaches 300 degrees F. Stir in the red food coloring and extract quickly.
  6. Tilt the pan slightly. Dip each apple into the hot syrup, rotating to coat evenly. Lift the apple out and let excess syrup drip off.
  7. Place the coated apples upright on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  8. Let the apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating hardens, about 30 minutes, before serving.

Notes

  • For a shiny coating, avoid stirring the syrup once it begins to boil.
  • If the coating becomes too thick while dipping, return the pan to low heat briefly to thin it slightly.
  • Use firm apples; softer varieties may slip off the stick.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishdreams.com/foolproof-candy-apples-recipe/