Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a show-stopping treat that instantly transport you back to county fairs and holiday carnivals, but with a zippy twist that only your favorite Jolly Ranchers can deliver. These apples aren’t just classic and crisp—they’re wrapped in a brilliantly colored, crystal-clear shell that snaps with every bite, bursting with fruity flavor. Making Jolly Rancher Candy Apples at home means customizing your colors and flavors, dazzling friends and family, and rediscovering how fun and simple sweet nostalgia can be!
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Ingredients:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, washed and dried thoroughly
- 18 oz Jolly Rancher hard candies (about 1½ bags, assorted flavors or all one flavor)
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
- nonstick cooking spray
How to Make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples and Baking Sheet
First, give your apples a good wash and dry them thoroughly—any moisture will prevent the candy from sticking evenly. Insert a wooden or lollipop stick firmly into the top center of each apple, pushing about halfway through to make a sturdy handle. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly mist it with nonstick cooking spray; this will save you from sticky surprises later.
Step 2: Make the Jolly Rancher Candy Coating
Unwrap your Jolly Rancher candies—the hardest part is resisting the urge to eat a few—and place them in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and water. Set the pan over medium heat and stir gently every so often. Watch as the Jolly Ranchers melt and combine with the syrup and sugar—this part is mesmerizing! Keep a candy thermometer handy; once the mixture hits 300°F (the hard crack stage, about 10 to 15 minutes), you’re ready for the next step.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Apples
Turn the heat off immediately and work carefully—the candy is hot and ready to transform your apples! Hold an apple by the stick and gently dip and rotate it in the melted candy, tilting the pan as needed to get an even, glossy layer all over. Let any excess drip off for a moment, then set the coated apple on your prepared baking sheet. Repeat with the rest, and see how the colors pop!
Step 4: Let Cool and Set
Allow your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples to cool and harden at room temperature, which usually only takes about 20 minutes. Don’t be tempted to refrigerate—they’ll set best at room temperature and develop that perfect, glass-like snap when you bite in.
How to Serve Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
Garnishes
Bring out your inner artist! For something extra, you can drizzle a little white or dark chocolate across the set candy coating, or sprinkle on some edible glitter or crushed Jolly Ranchers before the coating hardens completely. Even a simple dusting of sanding sugar can add sparkle and flair.
Side Dishes
Turn your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples into the centerpiece of a dessert board—pair them with bowls of popcorn, pretzels, or chocolate-dipped fruit so guests can mix salty and sweet. They sit perfectly next to other fruity treats like berry skewers or citrus slices for a colorful snack spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Wrap each candy apple in a cellophane bag tied with a bright ribbon for party favors, or pile them high on a cake stand for dramatic effect at your next gathering. If you’re making a batch with different Jolly Rancher flavors, label each apple with a fun flavor tag—guests will love choosing their favorite!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Jolly Rancher Candy Apples at room temperature in an airtight container or loosely wrapped in wax paper. They’re at their best within two days, as the candy shell stays crisp and the apples inside stay juicy and fresh.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for these candy apples. The candy shell can lose its snap and turn sticky once thawed, and the apple itself will become mushy. Enjoy these treats fresh for the optimal experience!
Reheating
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples aren’t meant to be reheated; in fact, warming them can make the candy shell tacky and ruin that satisfying crunch. They’re designed to be enjoyed at room temperature, straight off the stick.
FAQs
Can I use apples other than Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith is the go-to for its tartness and crisp bite, you can try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples—just choose ones that are firm and tart to balance the sweet candy coating.
How do I stop the candy coating from sliding off?
Make sure your apples are completely dry and free of wax—sometimes store-bought apples have a waxy coating that prevents the candy from sticking. You can dip apples in hot water for a few seconds and rub them dry to help remove the wax.
What’s the best way to color-coordinate Jolly Rancher Candy Apples for parties?
Sort Jolly Ranchers by color and melt them separately for single-flavor, single-color batches. You can also swirl two flavors together for a unique marbled effect. Match your apple colors to your party theme for extra wow factor!
Can I make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples without corn syrup?
Corn syrup gives the candy shell its glossy, crackly texture. While it’s possible to make the recipe with just sugar and water, the coating may not be quite as smooth or sturdy—it’s definitely worth using if you have it.
Is it safe to make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples with kids?
The preparation is fun for the whole family, but the candy syrup gets extremely hot. It’s best for adults to handle the dipping and candy-making, while kids can help decorate the finished apples once they’ve cooled.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a treat that’s equal parts fun, flavorful, and absolutely gorgeous, you can’t go wrong with Jolly Rancher Candy Apples. They’re easier than you’d think and perfect for sharing with friends, family, or at your next festive event. Give them a try—you might just find a new favorite way to bring a little colorful magic into your kitchen!
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Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy apples 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a fun and vibrant twist on the classic caramel apple. Crisp Granny Smith apples are coated in a colorful candy shell made from Jolly Rancher candies, creating a sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for fall festivities.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, washed and dried thoroughly
- 18 oz Jolly Rancher hard candies (about 1½ bags, assorted flavors or all one flavor)
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
- nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Insert a wooden stick into the center of each apple through the stem end.
- Prepare Candy Coating: Combine Jolly Rancher candies, corn syrup, sugar, and water in a saucepan. Heat until candies dissolve and reach 300°F.
- Dip Apples: Dip each apple into the hot candy coating, coating evenly.
- Cool and Serve: Place coated apples on a baking sheet to cool and harden before serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are dry before dipping for best results.
- Experiment with different Jolly Rancher flavors for variety.
- Store candy apples at room temperature and consume within 2 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 63 g
- Sodium: 40 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 80 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
