Mini Candy Apples Sticks (Printable Version)

Bite-sized apples covered in a shiny, crisp candy shell ideal for festive snacks and gatherings.

# 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

→ Assembly

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

# How-To 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, about 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red gel 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 the candy apples immediately and enjoy.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Adorable bite-sized portions perfect for kids and party guests
  • Stunning glossy red candy coating that creates a professional-looking finish
  • Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Easy recipe suitable for beginner candy makers
  • Vegetarian, nut-free, dairy-free, egg-free, and gluten-free
  • Customizable with different colors and toppings
02 -
  • Always use a candy thermometer for precise temperature control—guessing can result in coating that's too soft or too hard
  • Dry apples thoroughly with paper towels after washing to ensure the candy coating adheres properly
  • Work in a cool, dry environment, as humidity can affect candy setting
  • Keep the candy syrup over low heat while dipping if needed to maintain the right consistency
  • For easier handling, use shorter wooden sticks for crabapples and longer ones for apple halves
  • Do not refrigerate finished candy apples—the moisture will make the coating sticky and cause it to weep
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