Mini Candy Apples Sticks (Printable)

Shiny, crunchy apples on sticks with a sweet candy shell, perfect for kids' parties and snacks.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Apples

01 - 8 small apples such as Gala or Fuji, or 16 crabapples

→ Candy Coating

02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring

→ For Assembly

06 - 16 wooden sticks (lollipop sticks or popsicle sticks)
07 - Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

# Steps:

01 - 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.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease, or spray a silicone mat with nonstick spray.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
04 - Increase heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and cook until it reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage), approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red food coloring until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
06 - 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.
07 - Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating hardens, approximately 10 minutes.
08 - Serve the candy apples immediately and enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfect for parties, celebrations, and special occasions
  • Bite-sized portions make them ideal for kids and easier to eat than traditional candy apples
  • Beautiful glossy red coating creates a stunning presentation
  • Vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free
  • Customizable with different colors and toppings for creative variations
  • Uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients
02 -
  • Thoroughly dry apples before dipping—any moisture will prevent the candy from adhering properly
  • Use gel food coloring rather than liquid for more vibrant color without thinning the candy
  • A candy thermometer is essential for success; don't attempt to guess the temperature
  • Tilt the saucepan to create a deeper pool of candy for easier dipping
  • Work quickly but carefully when dipping—the candy hardens fast
  • Do not stir the candy mixture once it begins boiling, as this can cause crystallization
  • If you don't have a candy thermometer, test by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads
  • Store at room temperature only; refrigeration ruins the texture
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