Description
These lunchbox candy apples are a fun and delicious treat, perfect for adding a bit of excitement to your child’s lunch. With a glossy, hard candy coating, they’re easy to make and sure to delight!
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium apples, firm variety — Granny Smith or Fuji strongly recommended
- 2 cups (400g) granulated white sugar
- 1/2 cup (120ml) light corn syrup
- 3/4 cup (180ml) water
- 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
- Non-stick cooking spray
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
Instructions
- Prepare your workspace: line a baking sheet with parchment paper and coat lightly with non-stick cooking spray.
- Remove wax from apples by dipping them in boiling water for 5 seconds, then scrubbing them dry.
- Insert a wooden stick into the stem end of each apple.
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently until moistened.
- Clip a candy thermometer to the pan and heat over medium-high, bringing to a full boil without stirring.
- Once boiling, use a wet pastry brush to wipe down any sugar crystals on the sides of the pan.
- Continue boiling until the thermometer reads between 300°F and 310°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in food coloring and cinnamon extract, if using. Allow bubbles to settle for 1-2 minutes.
- Tilt the pan and dip each apple to coat. Let excess drip off before placing on the prepared baking sheet.
- Allow to cool completely at room temperature for at least 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure syrup reaches 300°F for a hard coating.
- Wait 1-2 minutes after removing from heat for a smooth finish.
- Remove wax from apples for better adhesion.
- Store at room temperature; do not refrigerate.
Nutrition
- Calories: 271
- Sugar: 65
- Sodium: 3
- Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 71
- Fiber: 4
- Protein: 1
- Cholesterol: 0
Keywords: lunchbox, candy apple recipe, homemade candy apples, easy candy apple recipe, Halloween candy apples, hard crack candy apples, glossy candy apples