Description
These Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples are a delightful twist on the classic candy apple. Featuring a hard crack candy coating in whimsical pink and blue swirls, they combine tart and sweet flavors with a crunchy texture. Perfect for festive occasions or a fun homemade treat, these apples showcase a vibrant cotton candy-inspired coating made from scratch.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work best)
- 6 wooden sticks (popsicle sticks or candy apple sticks)
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tartness)
- 1–2 drops blue food coloring
- 1–2 drops pink food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to help the candy harden)
Equipment
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for cooling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to remove any wax coating. Insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops of the apples. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat and set aside.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and the mixture simmers. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan to monitor the temperature.
- Cook the Candy: Allow the mixture to simmer without stirring until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage, indicating the candy will harden well. Once reached, remove the pan from heat immediately.
- Flavor and Color the Candy: Stir in vanilla extract and citric acid if using. Quickly divide the hot candy mixture carefully into two separate heat-safe bowls. Add blue food coloring to one bowl and pink food coloring to the other, stirring gently to combine. This creates two vibrant candy coatings.
- Dip the Apples: Holding each apple by its stick, dip it completely into the first colored candy coating. Lift and allow excess candy to drip off. Immediately dip the apple into the second color, gently swirling it to create a cotton candy swirl effect. For more pronounced swirls, alternate dipping the apple into each color to layer the coating.
- Set the Candy Apples: Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet. Let them cool and harden at room temperature for 15-20 minutes. To speed up, refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes until firm.
- Serve: Once the candy coating has fully hardened, the Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples are ready to enjoy. Serve them as a festive, colorful treat perfect for any occasion.
Notes
- Make sure apples are completely dry to ensure the candy coating sticks well.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to achieve the perfect hard crack stage.
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup to avoid burns.
- If the candy hardens before dipping, reheat gently until it becomes liquid again, but avoid stirring vigorously.
- For best results, use firm apples like Granny Smith or Fuji which hold up well under the candy coating.
- The optional citric acid adds a slight tartness reminiscent of traditional candy apples but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
