The Best Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe for Sweet Treats

Sweet memories flood back when I think about this Jolly Rancher candy apples treat that transforms ordinary fruit into a sparkling carnival delight.

Childhood nostalgia dances with sugary excitement as vibrant colors catch your eye.

Crisp apples become magical canvases coated in shimmering, jewel-toned candy shells.

Crunch through the glossy exterior to discover the perfect balance between tart fruit and sugary glaze.

Kids and adults alike will fall in love with these festive, glittering desserts that feel like pure celebration.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques mean you can whip up these dazzling treats in no time.

Dive into this sweet adventure and create memories that will make everyone smile.

What Makes Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Awesome

• Craft Sweet Memories: Create delightful, nostalgic treats that bring back childhood candy shop vibes with a fun twist on classic caramel apples.
• Master Simple Candy Techniques: Learn professional candy-making skills without needing advanced culinary training, transforming ordinary apples into spectacular desserts.
• Customize Flavor Explosion: Play with different Jolly Rancher colors and flavors to create unique, personalized candy apples that match any party theme or mood.
• Party-Perfect Showstopper: Impress guests with gorgeous, glossy candy-coated apples that double as both a delicious dessert and a stunning centerpiece for celebrations.

What You’ll Need for Candy Apples Success

• Apples: Sweet and crisp fruit that serves as the delicious foundation for the candy coating.
• Wooden Sticks: Provide a convenient handle for dipping and eating the candy apples.

• Jolly Ranchers: Colorful hard candies that add vibrant flavor and create a shiny, sweet exterior.
• Sugar: Provides the primary sweetness and helps create a smooth, glossy candy shell.
• Corn Syrup: Prevents sugar crystallization and ensures a smooth, clear coating.
• Water: Helps dissolve sugar and create the right consistency for the candy coating.
• Cream of Tartar: Stabilizes the sugar mixture and prevents crystallization.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle depth of flavor to the candy coating.

• Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and maintains fresh appearance.
• Food Coloring: Enhances the visual appeal of the candy coating with additional color.

How to Make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Perfectly

Step 1: Prepare Apple Base

Grab fresh, crisp apples and give them a thorough wash. Pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel.

Carefully insert a sturdy wooden stick into the apple’s core, making sure it’s secure and stable.

Step 2: Prevent Apple Browning

Spritz the apples with a light coating of lemon juice to keep them looking fresh and prevent unsightly browning.

Step 3: Melt Jolly Rancher Candies

Unwrap your favorite Jolly Rancher flavors and toss them into a microwave-safe bowl. Zap the candies in short 20-second bursts, stirring between each interval until they transform into a smooth, glossy liquid.

Step 4: Create Candy Coating Base

• Granulated sugar
• Corn syrup
• Water
• Cream of tartar

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar completely dissolves. Once boiling, stop stirring and let it cook until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.

Step 5: Enhance Flavor Profile

Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Quickly blend in the melted Jolly Rancher candies.

For an extra pop of color, add a few drops of food coloring.

Step 6: Dip and Coat Apples

Work with one apple at a time.

Dunk each apple into the hot candy mixture, rotating to ensure an even, glossy coating. Let excess candy drip off before placing on a greased or parchment-lined surface.

Step 7: Allow Candy to Set

Give the candy-coated apples about 15-20 minutes to cool and harden completely. Once set, these vibrant treats are ready to delight taste buds and dazzle eyes!

Smart Tips for Candy Apple Perfection

• Brush apples with lemon juice to keep them fresh and prevent unsightly discoloration during preparation.
• Select crisp, medium-sized apples with smooth skin for the best candy coating adhesion and texture.
• Work quickly when dipping apples, as the candy mixture hardens fast and can become difficult to manage.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise heating and achieve the perfect hard crack stage for a glossy, crisp coating.
• Keep candy apples in a cool, dry place and consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and texture.

Unique Spins on Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

• Vegan Fruit Delight: Replace apples with firm pears or plums, using vegan-friendly hard candies like Yum Earth or organic fruit-based lollipops. Coat with plant-based syrup made from organic sugar and coconut nectar.
• Chocolate Caramel Version: Swap Jolly Ranchers with melted dark chocolate and caramel chips. Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and texture.
• Low-Sugar Alternative: Use sugar-free hard candies like Werther's Zero Sugar. Substitute corn syrup with a sugar-free syrup alternative and coat apples using monk fruit sweetener for reduced calories.

Tasty Pairings for Candy Apple Moments

Pair these Jolly Rancher Candy Apples with crisp, complementary beverages that enhance the fruity, sugary experience.

Mix a sparkling apple martini using vodka, green apple liqueur, and a splash of fresh lemon juice to mirror the candy apple’s bright flavor profile.

Select a late-harvest Riesling with its sweet, honeyed notes that beautifully balance the intense candy coating and apple’s natural tartness.

Blend sparkling apple cider with a hint of cinnamon and ginger for a non-alcoholic drink that echoes the candy apple’s playful, nostalgic spirit.

Best Way to Store Candy Apples Right

• Wrap each candy apple individually in wax paper or plastic wrap, then place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky.
• Keep candy apples at room temperature in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days. Place them on a wire rack or in a container with a loose lid to prevent moisture buildup and preserve the crisp candy coating.
• Carefully wrap each apple in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for up to 2 weeks. Thaw at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before serving to prevent condensation from softening the candy shell.

FAQs

• Can I use different types of Jolly Ranchers for this recipe?

Yes, you can mix and match Jolly Rancher flavors to create unique color and taste combinations. Popular choices include cherry, green apple, and watermelon.

• Why do I need cream of tartar in the candy coating?

Cream of tartar helps prevent sugar crystallization, ensuring a smooth and glossy candy coating that sticks perfectly to the apples.

• What if I don't have a candy thermometer?

You can use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of syrup into cold water – if it forms hard, brittle threads, it’s reached the right temperature (300F).

• Can kids help make these candy apples?

Kids can help unwrap Jolly Ranchers and insert sticks, but adult supervision is crucial when handling hot sugar syrup to prevent burns.

Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe

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4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Jolly Rancher candy apples bring childhood nostalgia to life with their glossy, jewel-toned coating. Sweet memories and crisp fruit merge into one delightful treat that sparks joy for kids and adults alike.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit:

• 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

Candy Coating:

• 1 cup (200 grams) granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup (170 grams) light corn syrup
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) water
• 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
• 6 to 8 Jolly Rancher candies

Finishing Ingredients:

• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• Wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
• Optional: Food coloring

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Instructions

1. Meticulously cleanse and thoroughly dry each apple, eliminating any moisture that could interfere with candy adherence.
2. Firmly insert a wooden stick directly into the apple’s core, creating a sturdy handle for dipping and managing.
3. Optional: Lightly brush apples with lemon juice to prevent unsightly browning and maintain visual appeal.
4. Unwrap Jolly Ranchers and transfer to a microwave-safe container, melting at 20-second intervals while stirring to ensure smooth consistency.
5. Combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar in a heavy-bottomed saucepan, preparing the foundational candy coating.
6. Heat mixture over medium temperature, stirring until sugar dissolves completely and mixture reaches a rolling boil.
7. Cease stirring and allow mixture to cook undisturbed until reaching precisely 300°F, indicating the hard crack stage on a candy thermometer.
8. Remove from heat and incorporate vanilla extract, creating a rich flavor profile.
9. Swiftly integrate melted Jolly Ranchers into the candy mixture, optionally adding food coloring for vibrant presentation.
10. Carefully dip each apple into the molten candy coating, rotating to ensure uniform coverage and allowing excess to drip away.
11. Place coated apples on a greased or parchment-lined surface, allowing them to cool and harden for approximately 15-20 minutes.
12. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container to preserve the crisp candy shell and fruity interior.

Notes

• Choose firm, crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best candy coating adhesion and flavor contrast.
• Use a candy thermometer to ensure precise temperature control, preventing burnt or runny caramel.
• Prevent sugar crystallization by avoiding stirring once the mixture reaches a boil, which can create grainy texture.
• Wear heat-resistant gloves when dipping apples to protect your hands from hot sugar syrup.
• Clean your workspace immediately after coating apples, as hardened sugar becomes extremely difficult to remove when cool.
• Experiment with different Jolly Rancher flavor combinations for unique color and taste variations.
• Allow apples to cool completely on a silicone mat or parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Store candy apples in a cool, dry place to maintain their glossy finish and prevent sugar bloom.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Desserts
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 234
• Sugar: 54 g
• Sodium: 15 mg
• Fat: 0 g
• Saturated Fat: 0 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 0.3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg