Crunchy Fair-Style Candy Apples
Indulge in the nostalgic flavors of the fair with these spectacular Crunchy Fair-Style Candy Apples! Each bite offers a perfect balance of tart and sweet, thanks to the crisp Granny Smith apples, which create a delightful contrast to the crunchy, vibrant candy coating. Made with a blend of sugar, corn syrup, and a splash of lemon juice, these apples boast a rich flavor profile without overwhelming acidity. The vibrant red food coloring adds a touch of fun, making these treats perfect for parties, festive gatherings, or simply as a sweet treat to enjoy at home. Get ready to make memories with these easy-to-make, delicious candy apples that are sure to impress everyone!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Water
2 cups (none)
Sugar
4 cups (none)
Light Corn Syrup
1 1/3 cups (none)
Lemon Juice
4 drops (none)
Red Food Coloring
1 teaspoon (none)
Granny Smith Apples
12 apples (washed and dried)
Wooden Skewers or Popsicle Sticks
12 (none)
Instructions
1
Start by preparing your apples: thoroughly wash and dry each Granny Smith apple, removing any wax to ensure that the candy coating adheres properly.
2
Insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the top of each apple, pushing it down about halfway for stability.
3
Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper and spraying it lightly with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
4
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, light corn syrup, lemon juice, and red food coloring. Stir to mix well.
5
Place the saucepan on medium-high heat, and bring the mixture to a boil, without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; cook until the mixture reaches a temperature of 300°F (hard crack stage), which should take about 20-30 minutes.
6
Once the syrup reaches the desired temperature, carefully remove it from the heat. Quickly dip each apple into the hot syrup, rotating the apple to get an even coating. Allow any excess syrup to drip off.
7
Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool completely at room temperature—this will take about 15-20 minutes—until the candy hardens.
8
Once cooled, enjoy your beautiful and delicious candy apples! For best results, store them in a cool, dry place.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crunchy Fair-Style Candy Apples?
They are a nostalgic fair-inspired treat consisting of tart Granny Smith apples covered in a hard, vibrant red sugar coating that provides a satisfying crunch.
Which type of apple is best for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are recommended because their tartness balances the sweet candy coating and they remain crisp during the process.
Why is it important to remove the wax from the apples?
Removing the wax is crucial because it ensures the candy coating adheres properly to the surface of the apple without sliding off.
How should I prepare the apples before dipping?
Apples should be thoroughly washed, completely dried, and have wooden skewers or popsicle sticks inserted halfway into the top for stability.
What is the hard crack stage for candy apples?
The hard crack stage is reached when the sugar syrup reaches a temperature of 300°F, ensuring the coating becomes hard and brittle rather than chewy.
How long does it take to cook the candy syrup?
It typically takes about 20 to 30 minutes over medium-high heat for the mixture to reach the required 300°F.
What ingredients are used for the candy coating?
The coating is made from a mixture of water, sugar, light corn syrup, a splash of lemon juice, and red food coloring.
Why is lemon juice included in the recipe?
Lemon juice adds a subtle depth to the flavor profile without making the syrup overly acidic.
How many candy apples does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to coat 12 Granny Smith apples.
Do I need to stir the syrup while it boils?
No, once the mixture begins to boil, you should stop stirring to prevent sugar crystals from forming.
What kind of sticks should I use for the apples?
You can use either sturdy wooden skewers or standard popsicle sticks.
How do I prevent the apples from sticking to the baking sheet?
Line your baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with cooking spray before placing the dipped apples on it.
How do I get an even coating on the apples?
Carefully dip the apple into the hot syrup and rotate it quickly to ensure the entire surface is covered, then let the excess drip off.
How long do the candy apples need to cool?
They should cool at room temperature for about 15 to 20 minutes until the candy shell has completely hardened.
How should I store the finished candy apples?
For best results, store them in a cool, dry place to maintain the crunch of the candy coating.
What happens if the syrup does not reach 300°F?
If the syrup doesn't reach the hard crack stage, the coating will be sticky or soft rather than crunchy.
Can I use different food coloring?
Yes, while red is traditional for fair-style apples, you can use any food coloring of your choice.
Is a candy thermometer necessary?
Yes, a candy thermometer is highly recommended to accurately monitor the temperature and ensure the syrup reaches 300°F.
Can children help make these candy apples?
Children can help wash apples or insert sticks, but adults should handle the hot syrup as it reaches very high temperatures and can cause burns.
What is the flavor profile of these apples?
The flavor is a balance of very sweet candy and the tart, crisp juice of the Granny Smith apple.
Are candy apples a good party food?
Yes, they are excellent for parties, festive gatherings, or fall-themed events because they are visually striking and delicious.
What preparation is needed for the Granny Smith apples?
They simply need to be washed and thoroughly dried to remove impurities and wax.
Can I use dark corn syrup?
The recipe specifies light corn syrup to maintain the bright, vibrant red color of the candy coating.
How do I clean the saucepan after making the syrup?
Fill the pan with water and bring it to a boil; the hot water will dissolve the hardened sugar, making it much easier to clean.
How much red food coloring is needed?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of red food coloring to achieve a vibrant look.
Can I use larger apples?
Yes, but you may be able to coat fewer than 12 apples if they are significantly larger than average.
Should I refrigerate the candy apples?
It is generally better to store them in a cool, dry place. Humidity in the refrigerator can sometimes cause the candy coating to become sticky.
What is the texture of the candy coating?
The coating is thin, smooth, and very crunchy, similar to a hard lollipop.
Is this a beginner-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is considered an easy-to-make recipe as long as you have a candy thermometer to track the temperature.
Can I add flavors like cinnamon to the coating?
While this recipe is for a standard candy apple, you could theoretically add a drop of flavored extract along with the food coloring.