Description

Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a vibrant twist on the classic candy apple, featuring a colorful, hard candy coating made from melted Jolly Rancher candies. These treats are perfect for autumn celebrations, Halloween parties, or anytime you want a fun and fruity sweet with a glossy, sparkling finish. Enhanced with edible glitter, chocolate drizzle, and optional toppings like sprinkles or crushed nuts, these candy apples are both visually stunning and deliciously crunchy.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)

Candy Coating

2–3 bags of Jolly Rancher hard candies (assorted flavors)
1–2 tablespoons of water

Additional Materials and Toppings

Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Edible glitter for a sparkling effect
Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut (optional)
A drizzle of white or dark chocolate (optional)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax coating by soaking them in hot water and gently scrubbing the surface. Insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick firmly into the center of each apple to use as a handle.
Melt the Jolly Ranchers (Stovetop Method): Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers and separate them by color if desired. Place the candies in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with 1–2 tablespoons of water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the candies are completely melted and smooth.
Melt the Jolly Ranchers (Microwave Method): Alternatively, place unwrapped Jolly Ranchers in a microwave-safe bowl with a small splash of water. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval, until the candies are fully melted and smooth.
Dip and Coat the Apples: Tilt the saucepan or bowl to create a deep area of melted candy. Holding the skewer, dip each apple into the melted candy, rotating it to evenly coat the entire surface. Allow any excess candy to drip off back into the pan or bowl. Then place the coated apple on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If you want toppings like sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut, roll or sprinkle the apple while the candy coating is still wet.
Cool and Set: Place the coated apples on the parchment-lined baking sheet and let them cool completely at room temperature, about 30 minutes, to allow the candy coating to harden. Avoid refrigerating immediately to prevent condensation from making the coating sticky. Optionally, drizzle with white or dark chocolate and sprinkle edible glitter for extra decoration once set.

Notes

For best results, use firm, cold apples to ensure a crisp bite beneath the candy shell.
Remove any wax from apples to help the candy coating adhere better.
Be careful when melting candy on the stovetop—use low heat to avoid burning or crystallization.
If using the microwave method, stir thoroughly between intervals to ensure even melting.
Use parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking during cooling.
These candy apples are best enjoyed the same day they’re made for maximum freshness and crispness.
Customize toppings and drizzles to suit your taste and occasion.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American