Homemade Candy apple red
Introduction
Homemade candy apple red are a fun and tasty treat that everyone loves! With their sweet, shiny coating and tart apple flavor, they make a great dessert for parties, holidays, or just for a fun family project. Making candy apples brings back childhood memories of fairs and fall festivals, and now you can recreate that magic at home!
Why Make candy apple red
These candy apples are not only delicious but also easy to make. They are perfect for autumn gatherings, Halloween, or any occasion when you want to impress friends and family with a sweet treat. Plus, making them is a great way to spend time with loved ones in the kitchen, creating a fun tradition you can enjoy year after year!
How to Make Homemade Candy Apples
Making candy apples is simple! You’ll only need a few ingredients and some patience while the candy cooks. Here’s how to do it:
Ingredients
- 8 Granny Smith apples (or any tart apples)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 ½ cups water
- ½ cup honey
- ¼ teaspoon red food coloring
Directions
- Wash the apples under hot water to remove any wax from the skin. Dry them off, remove the stems, and refrigerate while you prepare the candy.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the sugar, honey, and water. Stir well to mix everything.
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring the mixture to a boil. Once it’s bubbling nicely, remove the lid.
- Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan. Let the candy boil until it reaches 290°F, which should take about 20 to 30 minutes. You’ll see a lot of water has evaporated during this time.
- When the candy reaches 290°F, carefully add the red food coloring. Be careful, as this may cause it to bubble up.
- Once the mixture reaches 300°F, take the saucepan off the heat. Give it a gentle stir and let it cool a little bit.
- Take the apples from the refrigerator and push a popsicle or lollipop stick into the stem end of each apple.
- With heatproof gloves on, tilt the saucepan at an angle and dip each apple into the candy, rolling them so they get coated all the way up to the stick.
- Let the extra candy drip off each apple. Place them on a tray lined with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Allow the candy apples to cool completely before serving.
How to Serve Homemade Candy Apples
Homemade Candy Apples are delightful served on their own or as part of a dessert table. You can even slice them up for kids and serve them on a platter. They make a beautiful display and are sure to impress!
How to Store Homemade Candy Apples
To store your candy apples, keep them in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the candy shell to become sticky. If you need to stack them, place wax paper between the apples to prevent them from sticking together.
Tips to Make Homemade Candy Apples
- Make sure your apples are clean and dry before dipping them in the candy.
- Use a candy thermometer for the best results. This ensures your candy reaches the right temperature.
- Have fun with toppings! Once dipped, you can roll the apples in nuts, sprinkles, or crushed candies for an extra treat.
Variation
For a different flavor, try using different types of apples or add spices like cinnamon into the candy mix for a warm twist.
FAQs
1. What colors make up Candy Apple Red?
Candy Apple Red is achieved by layering a translucent red paint over a base coat of metallic silver or gold. This combination gives the vibrant and glossy finish Candy Apple Red is known for.
2. What is the difference between Candy Apple Red and Empire Red?
Candy Apple Red is a brighter, translucent, and glossy red created with a metallic base. Empire Red is a solid, deeper red with a matte or semi-gloss finish, lacking the metallic effect of Candy Apple Red.
3. What is the red part of a candy apple?
The red part of a candy apple is a glossy sugar coating made by heating sugar, corn syrup, water, and red food coloring. This coating hardens to create the candy-like shell.
4. Is Candy Apple Red over gold or silver?
Candy Apple Red is typically applied over a base coat of metallic silver or gold. A gold base creates a warmer tone, while silver offers a cooler, more classic effect.
Enjoy your time in the kitchen making these delightful Homemade Candy Apples!