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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
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 15
Calories 237 kcal

Equipment

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

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

Instructions
 

  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Remove from heat and quickly stir in red food coloring.
    Stirring Red Food Coloring
  • 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.
  • Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to set for about 30 minutes.
  • 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.