Gorgeous. Crunchy. Shiny. Sweet.
INGREDIENTS:
- 6 fresh apples (firm, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji work best)
- 6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon gel-based food coloring (rainbow: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple)
- Candy thermometer
- Silicone mat or greased parchment paper
- Optional: clear flavored extract (like vanilla or bubblegum)
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Prep your apples
- Wash and thoroughly dry apples to remove wax (dip briefly in boiling water if needed).
- Insert sticks into each apple and set aside on parchment.
2. Make candy coating
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Stir just to combine, then heat over medium-high without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
3. Color the candy
- Divide hot candy mixture into 5–6 smaller heatproof bowls.
- Add a tiny drop of a different gel food color to each bowl and mix quickly.
- Tip: work fast — the candy hardens as it cools.
4. Dip + Stripe
- Carefully drizzle or pour each colored mixture in thin vertical stripes over the apple using a spoon or a squeeze bottle.
- You can rotate the apple gently as you go to layer the colors.
- Let excess drip off, and place apples on the silicone mat to cool.
5. Cool & shine
- Let the candy harden at room temp for 30–40 minutes.
- For extra shine, spray lightly with edible clear glaze once cooled.
STORAGE:
- Store uncovered in a cool, dry place.
- Do not refrigerate — it will ruin the glossy finish.
PRO TIPS:
- Use gel food coloring (not liquid) for bright, vivid stripes.
- Keep bowls warm over hot water to extend working time.
- Want shimmer? Add edible glitter before the candy sets.
MACROS (Per apple, approx):
- Calories: ~300
- Carbs: 78g
- Sugar: 65g
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g