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Colorful Candied Apples

Name: Colorful Candied Apples
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6 servings.
Ingredients: 6 medium apples; 6 wooden pop sticks or decorative lollipop sticks; 2 cups sugar; 1 cup water; 2/3 cup light corn syrup; 2 teaspoons white paste food coloring; 2 teaspoons orange paste food coloring

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Test Kitchen Approved

Total Time

Prep: 10 min. Cook: 30 min. + standing

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Oct. 22, 2022

The glossy coating in this candy apple recipe is hard, so it's best to lick them like a lollipops or cut 'em into wedges to serve. Be sure your apples are clean and dry before dipping. —Agnes Ward, Stratford, Ontario

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Ingredients

6 medium apples
6 wooden pop sticks or decorative lollipop sticks
2 cups sugar
1 cup water
2/3 cup light corn syrup
2 teaspoons white paste food coloring
2 teaspoons orange paste food coloring

Directions

Wash and thoroughly dry apples; remove stems. Insert pop sticks into apples. Place on a greased foil-lined baking sheet.
In a large heavy saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup and food colorings. Cook and stir over medium heat until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil. Cook, without stirring, until a candy thermometer reads 300° (hard-crack stage).
Remove from heat. Working quickly, dip apples into hot sugar mixture to completely coat. Place on prepared baking sheet; let stand until set.

Colorful Candied Apple Tips

What type of food coloring is best for candy apples?

The best food coloring to use for candy apples is liquid gel food coloring because it will make the colors really pop. Traditional liquid coloring will work in a pinch but will be very subtle.

How long does it take for candy apples to harden?

Candy apples usually harden about 10 minutes after dipping. If you live in a humid climate, it may take longer. For more tips on making the best candied apples, check out our candy apple how-to guide.

What other candy apple flavors can I try?

You can try other candy apple flavors, including cinnamon, spices or candy-making oils. For a spooky Halloween twist, try Black-Hearted Candy Apples.

Research contributed by Maggie Knoebel, Taste of Home Culinary Assistant

Nutrition Facts

1 candy apple: 634 calories, 0 fat (0 saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 39mg sodium, 166g carbohydrate (161g sugars, 4g fiber), 0 protein.