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Shiny Red Candy Apples

Two glossy, deep red candy apples sitting on a white plate, showcasing the crack-free coating.
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Follow this simple recipe to make glossy, crack-free hard candy apples perfect for fall or Halloween parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium firm apples (like Granny Smith or Fuji)
  • 6 wooden sticks or skewers
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove any wax by briefly dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then dry completely. Insert a stick firmly into the core of each apple.
  2. Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
  3. Stop stirring once the mixture boils. Cook the syrup until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. This usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Remove the pan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red food coloring and vinegar. Skim off any foam from the surface with a spoon.
  5. Tilt the pan slightly. Dip each apple into the hot syrup, rotating to coat completely. Lift the apple out and let excess syrup drip back into the pan.
  6. Place the coated apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  7. Allow the candy coating to cool and harden completely, about 30 minutes, before serving.

Notes

  • For a crack-free shell, ensure your apples are completely dry before dipping. Moisture causes the candy to steam and crack.
  • To make custom colors, use different food colorings. For swirled effects, dip the apple in one color, let it set slightly, then dip it quickly into a second color.
  • If the candy hardens in the pan before you finish dipping, gently reheat it over low heat until it liquefies again.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/best-candy-apples-crack-free-shiny-recipe/