YaYa’s Apples on a Stick (Candy Apples)
These classic candy apples are a sweet and shiny fall favorite! With crisp tart apples coated in a hard, cinnamon-flavored red candy shell, they’re perfect for fairs, Halloween parties, or autumn gatherings. The glossy finish and nostalgic flavor bring back memories of cool October nights and festive county fairs.
Ingredients
- 6 medium red apples
- 6 wooden skewers or sticks
- 2 cups sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- Red food coloring
- Few drops oil of cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Insert wooden sticks into the blossom ends.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
- Cook without stirring until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Test by dropping a little syrup into cold water—it should form a hard brittle thread.
- Wipe away any sugar crystals from the pan sides with a damp cloth.
- Remove from heat briefly; add cinnamon oil and food coloring to achieve a bright red color.
- Quickly dip apples one at a time into the hot syrup, twisting to coat evenly.
- Place on a greased tray or parchment to cool completely before serving.
Yaya’s Tips for Success
When making candy apples, temperature and timing are everything! Always use a candy thermometer to reach the perfect crack stage; this ensures a crunchy shell that hardens beautifully.
- Make sure apples are completely dry so the coating sticks.
- Use smaller apples for easier dipping.
- If the syrup crystallizes, wipe the sides of the pan with a damp cloth.
- Keep the syrup hot by setting the saucepan in warm water while dipping.
- Let apples cool on parchment or greased wax paper.
Yaya’s Customization Ideas
If you love experimenting, try a few fun twists on these classic candy apples!
- Add a few drops of cinnamon oil for that signature spicy kick, or use green apples for a tart contrast.
- You can also change the color by using different food colorings; red for traditional, orange for Halloween, or even pink for Valentine’s Day!
For another perfect fall favorite, try my Pumpkin Bread recipe; it’s moist, warmly spiced, and just right alongside these candy apples for a sweet autumn spread.
Yaya’s Original Recipe Card
