Colorful Candy Apples with Cotton Candy Recipe

Introduction

These colorful candy apples with cotton candy are a fun and festive treat perfect for any celebration or just a sweet snack. The glossy candy coating adds a delightful crunch, while the cotton candy topping brings a whimsical touch. They’re easy to make and sure to impress kids and adults alike.

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples
• Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• Food coloring (any colors of your choice)
• 1 bag of cotton candy (various colors)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to ensure the candy coating sticks well. Insert a lollipop stick or wooden skewer into the top of each apple firmly enough to hold its weight during dipping.
2. Step 2: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture reaches a boil and the sugar is fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Remove the saucepan from heat once boiling. Stir in a few drops of your chosen food coloring to achieve vibrant candy colors.
4. Step 4: Let the colored syrup cool for about one minute to thicken slightly for easier coating. Carefully dip each apple into the syrup, rotating to coat evenly and completely.
5. Step 5: Place the candy-coated apples on parchment paper or a non-stick surface to cool and harden for 15 to 20 minutes.
6. Step 6: Once the candy coating is firm, gently wrap a handful of colorful cotton candy around the top of each apple as a playful decoration before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra shine, make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping and dip quickly to avoid the coating setting unevenly.
• Try different food coloring to match holidays or themes, or swirl two colors together for a marbled effect.
• Use flavored cotton candy to add an extra layer of taste to your apples.

Storage

Store the candy apples at room temperature in a dry place on a non-stick surface or parchment paper. They are best enjoyed within 1 to 2 days, as cotton candy can dissolve if exposed to moisture. Avoid refrigerating to keep the candy coating crisp. If needed, gently re-fluff cotton candy before serving.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes, fruits with firm skin like pears or small oranges work well for candy coating, but apples remain the most popular choice due to their size and texture.

How do I prevent the candy coating from cracking?

Make sure the syrup is at the right temperature and dip the apples quickly and evenly. Also, let the coated apples cool at room temperature without moving them to avoid cracks.

Colorful Candy Apples with Cotton Candy Recipe

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4.4 from 62 reviews

• Author: Naomi
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Create a fun, colorful treat with these vibrant candy apples coated in a glossy, homemade candy syrup and topped with fluffy cotton candy. Perfect for parties or festive occasions, these enticing apples combine a classic sweet crunch with a whimsical cotton candy finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Apples

• 4 medium apples
• Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers

Candy Coating

• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1 cup water
• ¼ cup light corn syrup
• Food coloring (any colors of your choice)

Decoration

• 1 bag of cotton candy (various colors)

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Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax or residues to ensure the candy coating will stick well. Firmly insert a lollipop stick or wooden skewer into the top center of each apple, making sure it is secure enough to hold the apple’s weight during dipping.
2. Make Candy Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture comes to a boil.
3. Add Food Coloring: Remove the saucepan from heat once the syrup is boiling. Stir in a few drops of food coloring to achieve your desired vibrant candy colors.
4. Coat Apples: Allow the colored syrup to cool slightly for about one minute so it thickens a little, which will help it coat the apples evenly. Carefully dip each apple into the syrup, rotating it to fully cover the surface with the glossy candy coating.
5. Cool and Set Apples: Place the candy-coated apples on parchment paper or a non-stick surface. Let them cool and set completely for about 15 to 20 minutes until the candy layer hardens.
6. Add Cotton Candy: Once the candy coating is fully hardened, gently wrap a handful of colorful cotton candy around the top of each apple. This adds a whimsical, fluffy decoration to the classic candy apple.

Notes

• Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy coating stick better.
• Use a candy thermometer if possible; the syrup should reach the hard crack stage (~300°F or 149°C) for best coating results.
• Work quickly when dipping apples as the syrup hardens fast once off the heat.
• Store finished candy apples at room temperature and consume within 1-2 days for best flavor and texture.
• Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: candy apples, cotton candy, colorful candy coating, festive treats, homemade candy syrup, sweet apples