Mini Candy Apples Sticks (Printable Version)

Bite-sized apples coated in shiny, crunchy candy shell perfect for fun treats and gatherings.

# What You 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

→ Assembly

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

# How To Make:

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 cooking 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 indicating 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 syrup.
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 and enjoy the finished candy apples.

# Cooking Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy to make in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Perfect portion control with bite-sized apples that are fun to eat
  • Kid-friendly treat that's ideal for birthday parties, Halloween, or festive gatherings
  • Customizable with different colors and toppings to match any party theme
  • Uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have in your pantry
  • Vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free
02 -
  • Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to ensure the candy coating adheres properly
  • Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control—guessing won't work
  • Work quickly when dipping as the candy coating begins to harden almost immediately
  • Tilt the saucepan to create a deeper pool of candy for easier dipping
  • Don't refrigerate finished candy apples as moisture will make the coating sticky
  • Insert sticks firmly into apples before coating to prevent them from falling off
  • For easier cleanup, soak the saucepan in hot water to dissolve any remaining candy
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