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Classic Shiny Red Candy Apples: Foolproof Recipe for a Crack-Free Coating

Close-up of three glossy, deep red candy apples on sticks, resting on a white rectangular plate.
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Make perfect, glossy red candy apples with this easy recipe. You will achieve a crisp, crack-free coating every time by following these straightforward steps for preparation and cooking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium crisp apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 6 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (gel coloring works best for vibrant color)
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract or vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly. Remove the small stem. To help the candy coating stick, dip each apple briefly in boiling water for 5 seconds, then immediately dry them completely with a paper towel. Insert the wooden sticks firmly into the apple core.
  2. Prepare your station: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat and lightly grease it with cooking spray. Set this near your stove.
  3. Make the candy syrup: In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Stop stirring once it boils.
  4. Cook the syrup: Insert a candy thermometer into the side of the pan, making sure it does not touch the bottom. Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (149 degrees Celsius), which is the hard crack stage. This usually takes 15 to 20 minutes.
  5. Add color and flavor: Carefully remove the saucepan from the heat. Wait about 30 seconds for the bubbling to subside slightly. Stir in the red food coloring and the extract, if using. Work quickly.
  6. Dip the apples: Tilt the saucepan slightly. Hold an apple by the stick and dip it into the hot candy mixture, rotating it to coat evenly. Lift the apple out and let excess candy drip off back into the pan.
  7. Cool and set: Immediately place the coated apple onto the prepared baking sheet. If the candy hardens too much in the pan, gently reheat the mixture briefly over low heat.
  8. Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature until the shell is hard and shiny before serving.

Notes

  • For the best adhesion, ensure your apples are completely dry and slightly cool before dipping.
  • If you see small bubbles forming in your coating, you can carefully skim them off the top of the syrup with a metal spoon before dipping.
  • To achieve a vibrant color, use gel food coloring instead of liquid drops.
  • If the coating becomes too thick while dipping, reheat it gently over low heat until it flows smoothly again.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-candy-apples-crack-free-recipe/