Fall is near which means apple season is upon us—yay! But you know what gets me even more excited than big puffy sweaters, boots and scarves? Halloween. Next to Christmas, it’s my favorite time of year. And it’s also the time of year that I get giddy with anticipation.
So to get everyone in the mood I’m sharing this easy candy apple recipe. If you have never made this before, you cannot imagine how easy it is to pull off.
Just a few ingredients, a little patience and a candy thermometer and you’ll be ready to impress your friends this holiday season. And yes, you do need a candy thermometer to accurately bring the mixture to a hard candy stage of 300°F. Anything less and you won’t have that nice, brittle-like coating like when you get candy apples at the fair.
A few tips:
- If you have ever made homemade caramel, the beginning process of these candy apples are a lot like that. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Brush down any crystals that form with water. Once boiled, do not stir anymore.
- You can dye these apples any color you like. I prefer the traditional deep red, but purple or black would be great for Halloween.
- To avoid the candy mixture from being filled with air bubbles, handle the pot slowly and without too much agitation during dipping.
That’s it, now have at it and let’s go Fall crazy! Because you know in the coming weeks, I’m going to go Fall crazy around here.
Candy Apples Recipes
Yield: Makes 8 candy apples
Ingredients:
- 8 Fuji apples
- 8 sticks or popsicles sticks
- 3 cups sugar
- 1 cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¼ cup cinnamon Red Hots Candies (or 1 teaspoon cinnamon extract)
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring
Directions:
Preparation: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease with butter; set aside. Wash and dry apples. Remove stems and insert sticks; set aside.
Place remaining ingredients in a heavy bottom saucepan. Stir to dissolve the sugar. Brush down any crystals that may form with water. Once boiled, do not stir anymore. Insert candy thermometer and continue cooking without stirring. Bring mixture to 300 F, about 20-25 minutes. Remove pan from heat and set aside for a 1-2 minutes until bubbles subside. Dip and apples into mixture and tilt pan as needed to completely coat apples. Swirl apple over pan to let any excess drip off. Place dipped apples on prepared parchment lined pan and let cool for at least an hour.
Welcome to my cozy corner where baking meets random thoughts and musings. I’m a self-taught baker sharing all things sweet (and some savory—okay, and cocktails) with a whisk in one hand and a camera in the other. 
I am so with you, aside from Christmas time, Halloween is my all time favorite!!
AND these apples! OMG that photo. I am dying. So stunning!
Can’t believe it’s almost that time of year again! These would definitely be perfect for the season!
These look like so much fun!!!
I think I love Halloween more because of my kids .. before them, I could go either way on the holiday. . but now . . it’s everything! 😛 love these candy apples!!! and love the photo and styling, Naomi. gorgeous!
I’m not much of a pumpkin person. Apples are what I really get excited for in the fall. So I’m loving these. So fun!
I’ve made lots of caramel apples but never candy ones. I can’t wait to get to it! Halloween is the best food season!
I have such a soft spot for candy apples. These look lovely!
These look absolutely fantastic!! I wish Halloween was here now!
Ah… fall. I do love it. I just wish winter didn’t come right after.
These candy apples look so wonderful… it’s been quite a while since I’ve had one.
These are simply GORGEOUS!
Fantastic and I can’t wait for real fall, his crazy heat is messing me up
I feel like fall officially kicked off with these beauties!
I am SO ready for all the fall flavors…especially candy apples! They’re one of my favorites. I lovelove this photo and styling! Pinned!
Just gorgeous. Everything is perfect together, from the dark backdrop to the rich red to the twig sticks. You’re too good, Naomi!
These candy apples look spooky good!
I LOVE halloween! We have to try something like this here this year!
These are perfection! Such a great way to kick off the season!
These apples are gorgeous, they look like Christmas decorations, so beautiful!
These have got to bet THE prettiest candied apples EVER! Love it- they are making me super excited for fall! Pinned! Cheers!
Such a great Idea for Hallowee, this dessert is on my mind from now for the next Halloween celebration
Love these Naomi! You’ve already got me thinking Halloween!
SO pretty! I had no idea they were so easy to make! Thank you for sharing. 😉
Oh sounds good!
the twig sticks are SO perfect! And with these I’m almost ready for it to be fall
Eep! Loving all the first of the Fall/Holiday inspired recipes I am seeing. These caramel apples look awesome!
Love these spooky candy apples!
Just Gorgeous!!!! Perfect for falling into the fall season!
What a great idea – and so easy – perfect for a weeknight recipe..Love these spooky candy apples!
These are hands down gorgeous – and I’m so ready for all that fall has to deliver!!
I love these. I am going to be making similar ones but smores version for my wedding. I was wondering about the twigs. Are they twigs from your yard or did you buy them? Thanks!