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This image shows a collection of bright red candy apples, each held by a stick and freshly dipped in glossy syrup, capturing the classic homemade candy apple-making process.

Candy Apple Recipe

Candy apples are a sweet treat made by dipping crisp apples into a glossy, vibrant syrup made from sugar, corn syrup, and water. The syrup hardens into a crunchy, colorful coating, making for a perfect snack or festive treat, especially for autumn gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15 people
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

  • Medium saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Wooden craft sticks
  • Cookie sheets
  • Parchment paper
  • Whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • cooking spray
  • 8 drops red food coloring
  • 15 medium apples, washed and dried
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 15 craft sticks
  • 1½ cup water

Instructions
 

  • Grease cookie sheets lightly and insert craft sticks into the stemmed apples.
    This image shows freshly dipped candy apples placed on parchment-lined baking sheets, allowing them to set and develop a crisp, shiny coating.
  • Arrange the apples with the sticks on the baking sheets.
  • In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup over medium-high heat.
    This image shows a saucepan filled with sugar, corn syrup, and water being stirred together, forming the base for the sweet and crunchy candy apple coating.
  • Bring to a boil, then attach a candy thermometer.
    This image shows candy mixture reached a desired temperature for a coating that is crisp, crackly candy apple shell.
  • Let it boil, without stirring, until the temperature reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C) or until the syrup forms hard, brittle threads when dropped into cold water.
    This image shows a saucepan of boiling syrup, bubbling intensely as it thickens to the perfect consistency for coating candy apples.
  • Remove from heat and stir in food coloring.
    This image shows vibrant red food coloring being stirred into the bubbling syrup, giving the candy apple coating its signature glossy red finish.
  • Holding each apple by its stick, dip it into the syrup, remove, and turn it to coat evenly.
    This image shows whole apples being dipped into the hot candy syrup, coating them evenly in a smooth, shiny layer of red candy.
  • Place the apples on the prepared sheets to harden.
    This image shows freshly coated candy apples resting on a baking sheet, setting into a crisp, glossy finish, ready to be enjoyed.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can add a splash of vanilla or cinnamon to the syrup mixture.
  • You can use green or yellow apples for a tart contrast to the sweet candy coating.
  • Be cautious when working with hot syrup to avoid burns.
  • Experiment with different food colorings to create custom candy apple colors for different occasions.