Easy Guide to Making Candy Apples for Beginners

Are you craving for a sweet and juicy candy apple? Do you want to make it on your own, but don’t know where to start? Making candy apples is not as difficult as it seems, and it’s a perfect treat for beginners. In this article, we will show you how to make candy apples, step-by-step.

The traditional red candy apples can be made in various colors, flavors, and designs with a little creativity and experimentation. Candy apples are perfect for any occasion, especially during Halloween, Christmas, and Easter. So let’s get started and learn how to make the best candy apples that will satisfy your cravings.

Gather All the Necessary Supplies and Ingredients

Making candy apples is a lot of fun if you have all the necessary supplies and ingredients by your side. Here is what you will need:

Ingredients:

• 12-16 small to medium-sized apples (depending on how many you want to make)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup water
• Red food coloring (optional)
• Candy thermometer

Supplies:

• Parchment paper
• Baking sheet
• Stove
• Mixing bowl
• Wooden spoons
• Baking spray
• Tongs

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Before beginning, wash your apples thoroughly and make sure they are completely dry. Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into the center of each apple. Make sure the stick is firmly inserted.

Step 2: Grease a Baking Sheet

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spray it with baking spray to ensure the candy apples don’t stick.

Step 3: Mix the Ingredients and Cook the Syrup

In a medium-sized pot, mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Add some red food coloring if you want to give your candy apples a vibrant red color. Place the pot on medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves.

Clip a candy thermometer onto the side of the pot. Keep on stirring the mixture occasionally, and heat it until it reaches 310°F.

Step 4: Dip the Apples into the Candy Mixture

Take the syrup off the stove and let it sit for a minute or two. Dip each washed apple into the candy mixture and swirl it until it’s completely coated. Hold each apple by its stick as you dip it.

Step 5: Let the Candy Apples Cool and Harden

Carefully place each coated apple onto the greased baking sheet. Allow the candy coating to cool and harden completely.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!

Once your candy apples have cooled and hardened, you can remove them from the parchment paper and arrange them on a festive plate. Serve them to your excited guests or family members and enjoy all the compliments that come your way.

In the end, making candy apples for beginners is not as difficult as you might think. With a little bit of practice, you will be able to create perfect candy apples that are both delicious and visually appealing. Just follow these instructions, and you will become an expert candy apple maker in no time. Happy cooking!

Section 2: Candy Apple Making Tips

1. Choose the Right Apples

Not all apples are created equal when it comes to making candy apples. For the best results, choose apples that are firm and crisp, such as Granny Smiths or Honeycrisps. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious or McIntosh. Make sure to wash and thoroughly dry the apples before dipping them into the candy coating.

2. Prepare Your Equipment

Before you start making candy apples, make sure you have all the necessary equipment on hand. You’ll need a heavy-bottomed saucepan, a candy thermometer, and wooden skewers for dipping. It’s also a good idea to prepare a sheet of parchment paper where you can place the dipped apples to cool.

3. Use High-Quality Candy Coating

The quality of your candy coating will greatly affect the final outcome of your candy apples. Don’t skimp on the quality of the ingredients! Use high-quality candy coating, such as Merckens or Guittard, for best results. Avoid using chocolate chips or candy melts, as they tend to be too thick for dipping.

4. Add Flavor and Color

To add a unique twist to your candy apples, consider adding flavor or color to the candy coating. You can use food coloring to achieve bright, bold colors, or add flavors like cinnamon or vanilla extract to the coating. Just be sure to use flavorings that are oil-based, as water-based flavorings can cause the candy coating to seize.

5. Don’t Overheat the Candy Coating

One of the biggest mistakes beginners make when making candy apples is overheating the candy coating. This can cause the coating to become too thick or lumpy. To avoid this, use a candy thermometer to ensure the candy coating reaches the correct temperature (around 300 degrees Fahrenheit) and don’t exceed it.

6. Dip the Apples at the Right Temperature

Dipping the apples at the right temperature is also important for achieving a smooth, even coating. Let the candy coating cool for a few minutes after heating it, until it reaches a temperature of around 250-275 degrees Fahrenheit. This will ensure the coating is thin enough to dip the apples, but thick enough to coat them.

7. Rotate the Apples While Dipping

To ensure the candy coating covers the entire apple evenly, rotate the apple while dipping it into the coating. Use a spoon to help spread the coating over any gaps or missed areas. Once dipped, gently tap the skewer against the side of the saucepan to remove excess coating.

8. Let the Apples Cool and Set

After dipping, let the apples cool and set on the parchment paper. Don’t refrigerate them, as this can cause the candy coating to crack. Once the coating is completely cool and set, you can wrap the apples in cellophane or serve them immediately.

9. Store in a Cool, Dry Place

Candy apples can be stored for up to a week in a cool, dry place. Avoid storing them in the fridge, as this can cause the candy coating to become sticky or tacky. If needed, you can cover the apples with plastic wrap or store them in an airtight container.

10. Experiment with Different Toppings

Candy apples are a blank canvas for different toppings and decorations. Consider adding sprinkles, chopped nuts, or drizzling melted chocolate over the top. You can also get creative with different color combinations or adding edible glitter for a festive touch. Let your imagination run wild!

Choosing the Right Apples

When it comes to making delicious and tempting candy apples, the most important aspect is choosing the right apples. Here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting apples for your candy creation:

Apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Red Delicious are the most commonly used options for making candy apples. Granny Smith apples are tart, which makes for a perfect balance with the sweetness of the candy coating. Honeycrisp apples have a firm texture that holds the coating well, and Red Delicious apples add an extra level of sweetness.

It’s also essential to make sure that the apples are clean and dry before starting the candy making process. Rinse them gently under lukewarm water to remove any dirt or debris and dry them thoroughly with paper towels.

In conclusion, choosing the right apples can make a significant difference in the taste and texture of the candy apple creation. So, be sure to keep the criteria in mind while purchasing the apples for your candy making venture.

Happy Snacking!

Now that you know how to make candy apples, you’re ready to impress your friends and family at any party or gathering. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different colors and toppings to make your candy apples even more unique. Thanks for reading and we hope to see you back here soon for more fun and easy recipes!