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A close-up shot of perfectly hardened red candy apples displayed on a serving platter over a white marble cooktop. Some apples are wrapped in parchment for later, while one has a bite taken out, revealing the crisp, juicy apple inside.

Candy Apple Recipe

This classic Candy Apple Recipe features a crisp, juicy apple coated in a glossy, crunchy red candy shell. Perfect for fall festivals, Halloween treats, or a fun homemade dessert!
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 15
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Calories: 237
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

  • cooking spray
  • 15 craft sticks
  • 15 medium apples washed and dried
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 8 drops red food coloring

Equipment

  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Wooden spoon
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or silicone mat
  • Craft sticks

Method
 

  1. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spray it lightly with cooking spray. Insert craft sticks into the top of each apple.
    A close-up shot of a parchment-lined baking sheet placed on a white marble cooktop, lightly sprayed with cooking spray. A row of clean, dry apples stands upright with craft sticks inserted into the tops, ready to be coated with candy.
  2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
    A close-up shot of a heavy-bottomed stainless steel saucepan on a white marble cooktop, with sugar, water, and corn syrup being stirred using a wooden spoon. The mixture starts to dissolve, becoming smooth and glossy.
  3. Increase heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil. Cook without stirring until the candy thermometer reads 300°F (hard crack stage).
    A close-up shot of the bubbling sugar mixture in a stainless steel saucepan on a white marble cooktop. A candy thermometer clipped to the side shows the temperature rising as the mixture nears 300°F, reaching the perfect stage for coating apples.
  4. Remove from heat and quickly stir in red food coloring.
    Stirring Red Food Coloring
  5. Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat evenly. Let excess drip off.
    A close-up shot of freshly coated candy apples arranged neatly on a parchment-lined baking sheet over the white marble cooktop. The glossy red candy coating glistens under the light as it begins to harden.
  6. Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to set for about 30 minutes.
  7. Once hardened, enjoy immediately or wrap in parchment for later!
    A close-up shot of perfectly hardened red candy apples displayed on a serving platter over a white marble cooktop. Some apples are wrapped in parchment for later, while one has a bite taken out, revealing the crisp, juicy apple inside.