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