Épingler There's something magical about the gleaming, ruby-red shell of a candy apple—and when you shrink them down to bite-sized perfection, they become irresistible little treasures. These Mini Candy Apples on Sticks combine the nostalgic charm of carnival treats with adorable, kid-friendly portions. Each tiny apple is bathed in a glossy, hard-crack candy coating that shatters with a satisfying crunch, revealing the crisp, juicy fruit inside. Whether you're planning a birthday party, a festive fall gathering, or simply want to bring smiles to young faces, these sweet gems are guaranteed to steal the show.
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Making candy apples at home might sound intimidating, but this recipe breaks it down into easy, manageable steps. The key is reaching the hard-crack stage at exactly 290°F—this ensures your candy shell will be perfectly crisp and glass-like. Using small apples or crabapples not only makes them adorable but also ensures each coating cools quickly and evenly. The bright red candy shell is classic, but don't hesitate to experiment with other gel colors for themed parties or seasonal celebrations. From start to finish, you'll have a batch of gleaming, professional-looking treats that taste even better than they look.
Ingredients
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- Apples: 8 small apples (such as Gala or Fuji), or 16 crabapples
- Candy Coating: 2 cups granulated sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, ½ cup water, ½ tsp red gel food coloring
- For Assembly: 16 wooden sticks (lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks), nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Step 1
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. If using large apples, cut each in half and scoop out the seeds with a small melon baller. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end of each apple or apple half.
- Step 2
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease, or spray a silicone mat with nonstick spray.
- Step 3
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
- Step 4
- Increase heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and cook until it reaches 290°F (143°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage), about 8–10 minutes.
- Step 5
- Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red food coloring until evenly distributed.
- Step 6
- Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot candy coating, swirling to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off, then place the apple on the prepared baking sheet.
- Step 7
- Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating hardens, about 10 minutes.
- Step 8
- Serve and enjoy!
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Ensuring your apples are completely dry before dipping is crucial—any moisture will prevent the candy coating from adhering properly. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature precisely; even a few degrees can mean the difference between a perfect hard shell and a sticky mess. Work quickly once the candy syrup is ready, as it begins to thicken as it cools. If the syrup becomes too thick to work with, you can gently reheat it over low heat. Adult supervision is essential when handling the hot syrup to prevent burns. Avoid refrigerating the finished candy apples, as condensation will make the coating sticky and lose its glossy finish.
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Varianten und Anpassungen
While classic red is timeless, you can create a rainbow of candy apples by substituting green, blue, yellow, or purple gel food coloring. For added texture and flavor, roll the freshly dipped apples in colorful sprinkles, crushed cookies, mini chocolate chips, or even finely chopped freeze-dried fruit before the coating sets. If you want a slightly tangy twist, use Granny Smith apples instead of sweeter varieties. For a Halloween theme, use orange and black food coloring or add edible glitter for a magical touch. You can also drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the hardened candy shell for an extra decadent finish.
Serviervorschläge
These mini candy apples are perfect for serving at children's birthday parties, fall festivals, Halloween gatherings, or school events. Arrange them on a decorative platter or stand them upright in a foam block for a stunning display. Pair them with other carnival-inspired treats like popcorn, cotton candy, or caramel corn for a fun dessert table. They also make wonderful party favors—simply wrap each apple in cellophane and tie with a colorful ribbon. Serve them at room temperature for the best texture and flavor, and enjoy the delighted reactions as guests bite into that satisfying, crunchy shell.
Épingler These Mini Candy Apples on Sticks are more than just a treat—they're an experience. The combination of glossy red coating, satisfying crunch, and fresh apple flavor creates a moment of pure joy with every bite. Whether you're making them for a special occasion or just because, they bring a touch of nostalgia and whimsy that both kids and adults adore. With simple ingredients, straightforward steps, and endless customization options, this recipe is your ticket to creating memories as sweet as the apples themselves. So gather your supplies, heat up that candy syrup, and get ready to create some magic on a stick.
Questions fréquentes sur la recette
- → Comment éviter que l'enrobage sucre ne colle ?
Il est essentiel de bien sécher les pommes avant trempage et de les poser sur du papier cuisson légèrement graissé. Le sucre durcira ainsi sans coller.
- → À quelle température cuire le sirop de sucre ?
Le sirop doit atteindre environ 143°C pour obtenir une coque dure et brillante. Un thermomètre à bonbons est recommandé.
- → Puis-je utiliser d'autres colorants pour l'enrobage ?
Oui, les colorants gel de différentes couleurs peuvent donner une touche personnalisée à l'enrobage sucré.
- → Comment personnaliser ces pommes enrobées ?
Avant que le sucre durcisse, vous pouvez les tremper dans des vermicelles colorés, des éclats de biscuits ou mini pépites de chocolat pour plus de gourmandise.
- → Peut-on préparer ces pommes à l'avance ?
Mieux vaut les servir le jour même car l'humidité peut ramollir la coque de sucre avec le temps.
- → Quels types de pommes sont adaptés ?
Les pommes petites comme les crabapples ou des variétés sucrées comme Gala ou Fuji conviennent parfaitement pour une bonne prise du sucre.