Description
Brighten up your festive gatherings with these Colorful Sparkle Candy Apples! Crisp Granny Smith apples are coated in a glossy, hard candy shell infused with vibrant gel food coloring and adorned with shimmering edible glitter or luster dust. Perfect for Halloween, parties, or any fun event, this visually dazzling treat combines a satisfying crunch with a sweet, tangy flavor that’s sure to delight kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Assorted gel food coloring
- Edible glitter or luster dust (multiple colors)
For the Apples
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples (washed and thoroughly dried)
- Wooden sticks or skewers
- Nonstick spray or oil for greasing tray
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Insert wooden sticks securely into the center of each washed and dried Granny Smith apple, ensuring the sticks are well anchored for easy dipping.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick spray to prevent candy apples from sticking after coating.
- Make Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and white vinegar. Stir gently until sugar fully dissolves. Stop stirring and bring mixture to a boil.
- Cook to Hard Crack Stage: Continue boiling without stirring until the syrup reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer—known as the hard crack stage—ensuring a crisp candy shell.
- Add Flavor and Color: Remove saucepan from heat carefully, then stir in vanilla extract along with a few drops of your chosen gel food coloring for vibrant hues.
- Dip Apples: Working swiftly, dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat evenly and thoroughly. Allow excess candy to drip back into the pot.
- Add Sparkle: Immediately embellish each coated apple by sprinkling edible glitter or gently rolling it in luster dust to create a dazzling, shimmering effect.
- Set Coating: Place the decorated apples on the greased parchment-lined baking sheet, allowing them to cool completely and harden before serving or packaging.
Notes
- Always use gel food coloring for intense color without affecting candy texture or causing it to thin.
- Make sure apples are completely dry to help the candy coating adhere properly.
- Experiment with different gel food coloring for a multi-colored assortment of candy apples.
- Use only edible glitter or luster dust suitable for food use; never substitute with craft or non-edible glitter.
