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A candy apple is a delicious treat that can be enjoyed any time of year. Follow these simple steps to create your own colorful candy apple at home.
Checkout this video:
Supplies
You will need the following supplies to make your own candy apples:
Apples
For the best flavor, use a combination of red and green apples. For a more tart flavor, use all green apples. If you want your candy apples to be extra sweet, use all red apples
-Red apples
-Green apples
Caramel
Ingredients:
-1 cup sugar
-1/4 cup light corn syrup
-1/4 cup water
-2 tablespoons butter
-1 teaspoon vanilla extract
-6 to 7 drops red food coloring, or as needed
-6 to 7 drops green food coloring, or as needed
Directions:
Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, butter, and vanilla extract in a saucepan over medium heat; cook and stir until sugar has dissolved. Clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Continue cooking mixture until it reaches 300 to 310 degrees F (149 to 154 degrees C), about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add food coloring, a few drops at a time, and stir until desired color is reached. Working quickly, spoon caramel onto prepared baking sheet. Allow to cool and harden before breaking into pieces.
Candy melts
Candy melts are a type of candy that can be melted and used for various purposes such as coating apples. They come in a variety of colors and can be found at most craft stores.
Sprinkles
You find sprinkles in a variety of colors to match any theme or event. Choosing the right sprinkles is a matter of preference, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
Size: Sprinkles come in a variety of sizes, from large nonpareils to tiny sanding sugar. The size you choose will depend on the effect you want to create.
Color: Again, there are endless color options when it comes to sprinkles. You can find them in single colors or in a mix. If you can’t find the perfect color for your event, you can always mix your own!
Texture: Sprinkles also come in different textures, from crunchy jimmies to smooth nonpareils. Consider the texture you want before making your purchase.
Instructions
You will need the following supplies:
Melt the candy melts
Place the candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until melted and smooth.
Dip the apples in the caramel
Start by heating your caramel. If you’re using a stovetop, heat it over low heat until it’s melted and smooth. If you’re using the microwave, heat it in 30 second increments until it’s melted. Once the caramel is melted, dip each apple in the caramel, turning it until the entire apple is coated. Set the apple on a piece of parchment paper to cool and repeat with the remaining apples.
Dip the apples in the candy melts
Dip each apple in the candy melts, making sure to evenly coat the surface. If the candy coating is too thick, thin it out with a little bit of vegetable oil.
Place the apples on a sheet of wax paper or a silicone baking mat to set. If using sprinkles, sprinkle them on now.
Allow the candy coating to set completely before serving. Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks.
Add sprinkles
After the apples have been coated in the candy mixture, add sprinkles. You can use any type of sprinkle, but we recommend festive colors like red, green, and yellow. Place the sprinkles in a small bowl and then dip each apple into the sprinkles. Be sure to coat the entire surface of the apple for a fun and colorful treat!
Let the apples cool
Make sure to let the apples cool completely before adding the candy coating. If they are even slightly warm, the coating will not adhere properly and will be more likely to crack.
