Poison Toffee Apples
Poison toffee apples are a spooky Halloween treat featuring crisp apples coated in glossy, brittle toffee. The process involves caramelizing sugar, butter, and corn syrup to create a shiny shell that hardens upon cooling, enveloping the fruit with a sweet, crunchy exterior. Their visual appeal and playful danger make them a festive centerpiece for any haunted celebration.
Equipment
- Heavy-bottomed saucepan
- Candy thermometer
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Parchment paper
- Wooden sticks or skewers
Ingredients
- 6 count firm apples (Fuji or Honeycrisp) preferably shiny and dry
- 1 cup granulated sugar for the toffee
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter adds richness and shine
- 1/2 cup corn syrup prevents crystallization
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract optional
- optional chili powder or sea salt for a spicy or savory twist
Instructions
- Start by inserting wooden sticks into the stem end of each apple, about halfway through, to make handling easier.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set your prepared apples on the side, ready for dipping.
- Combine sugar, butter, and corn syrup in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat.
- Stir constantly as the mixture melts and begins to boil, releasing a sweet aroma and turning a golden hue, about 5 minutes.
- Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches 150°C (302°F), indicating the hard crack stage.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and, if desired, stir in vanilla extract and a pinch of chili powder or sea salt for extra flavor.
- Quickly dip each apple into the hot toffee, tilting and swirling to coat evenly with a glossy layer.
- Place the coated apples on the parchment-lined sheet, ensuring the toffee shell cools and hardens completely, about 15-20 minutes.
- If the toffee becomes too thick to dip, gently reheat over low heat, stirring until smooth and glossy again.
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to achieve a smooth, crackly finish.
- Enjoy your wickedly shiny poison apples as a spooky Halloween centerpiece or fun treat for your guests.
Notes
Work quickly when dipping, as the toffee sets fast. Dry apples thoroughly for best adhesion. Reheat toffee if it thickens too much for dipping.