Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples
Highlighted under: Sweet & Baked
I love making these Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples during fall. They bring back so many sweet childhood memories of carnivals and fairs. The crispy outer layer with a gooey, caramel-like interior makes each bite delightful. Plus, the warm aroma of cinnamon fills my kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that everyone loves. It’s a simple recipe that allows me to impress friends and family alike, and it’s just perfect for gatherings. I can't wait to share this fun treat with you!
When I first made Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples, I quickly realized they were a crowd favorite. The combination of sweet and spicy flavors is simply irresistible. I experimented with the cooking technique and found that using a candy thermometer helps achieve the perfect texture of the coating – not too soft, yet not too hard. Trust me, using it made all the difference!
One of my favorite aspects of this recipe is the versatility of the toppings. Sometimes I'll dip them in chopped nuts or drizzle chocolate over the top for an added treat. Just let your imagination run wild! Each time I make them, it feels like a new adventure!
Why You'll Love These
- Perfect balance of spice and sweetness
- Nostalgic treat that's fun to make with family
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
Preparing Your Apples
Selecting the right apples is crucial for this recipe. Look for crisp, firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. Their tartness provides a delicious contrast to the sweet candy coating. Ensure you wash them thoroughly to remove any waxy residue; this helps the candy adhere better. A quick tip: submerge them in warm water for a few minutes, then scrub with a brush to ensure they're clean.
After cleaning, it's important to dry the apples completely before dipping. Excess moisture can cause the candy to seize or not stick properly. To make inserting the wooden sticks easier, you can gently heat the tips of the sticks in warm water for a few seconds. This will help them slide into the apples without cracking the skin.
Candy Coating Tips
When making the candy coating, precision is key. Using a candy thermometer ensures you reach the hard crack stage at exactly 300°F. If you don't have one, you can perform the cold water test: drop a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form a hard ball that's ready for coating. If it doesn’t, return it to the heat until it reaches the correct stage.
The addition of vanilla extract enhances the flavor profile, but be careful – adding it too early can cause it to evaporate. Mix it in just after removing the syrup from heat to ensure its full flavor is retained. If you find your mixture crystallizing, adding a bit more corn syrup can help maintain smoothness.
Ingredients
Gather the following ingredients to make your Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples:
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Wooden sticks or skewers
- Cooking spray
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let's move on to the cooking steps!
Instructions
Follow these steps to create your delicious Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples:
Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
Make the Candy Coating
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and cinnamon. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and then bring to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature; you want it to reach 300°F (hard crack stage).
Coat the Apples
Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Quickly dip each apple into the syrup, swirling to coat evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Cool and Serve
Let the coated apples cool until the candy hardens, about 10 minutes. Serve them as a delightful treat, either on their own or with additional toppings if desired.
These Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for a day or two.
Pro Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding food coloring to the candy mixture for colorful coated apples or experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for a unique flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples are versatile when it comes to serving. You can leave them plain for a classic treat or enhance them by rolling in additional toppings after coating, such as crushed nuts, sprinkles, or even chocolate drizzle. They’re fantastic as a centerpiece for dessert tables, adding color and a hint of nostalgia that sparks conversation.
For a fun twist, consider pairing these apples with dipping sauces. Caramel or chocolate sauce can complement the sweetness, or try a tart cream cheese dip for a unique flavor contrast. This not only adds variety but also engages guests, allowing them to customize their treats.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
These candy apples are best enjoyed fresh but can be stored for 1-2 days in a cool, dry place, preferably in a single layer to avoid them sticking together. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture can cause the candy coating to become sticky and lose its crisp texture.
If you want to prep in advance, you can make the candy coating a day ahead and store it in an airtight container at room temperature. Reheat gently to bring it back to a pourable consistency before dipping your apples. This technique will save time when hosting gatherings or celebrations.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples work great for a tart flavor, while Fuji or Honeycrisp offer sweetness.
→ How do I store leftover candy apples?
Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. They are best consumed within 1-2 days.
→ Can I make the candy coating in advance?
It's best to make the candy coating fresh since it hardens quickly after cooling. However, you can prepare your apples in advance.
→ What can I use instead of corn syrup?
You can substitute light corn syrup with honey or maple syrup, but this may alter the flavor slightly.
Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples
I love making these Cinnamon Sugar Candy Apples during fall. They bring back so many sweet childhood memories of carnivals and fairs. The crispy outer layer with a gooey, caramel-like interior makes each bite delightful. Plus, the warm aroma of cinnamon fills my kitchen, creating an inviting atmosphere that everyone loves. It’s a simple recipe that allows me to impress friends and family alike, and it’s just perfect for gatherings. I can't wait to share this fun treat with you!
What You'll Need
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Wooden sticks or skewers
- Cooking spray
How-To Steps
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, and cinnamon. Stir over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved and then bring to a boil. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature; you want it to reach 300°F (hard crack stage).
Once the mixture reaches the correct temperature, remove it from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Quickly dip each apple into the syrup, swirling to coat evenly. Place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Let the coated apples cool until the candy hardens, about 10 minutes. Serve them as a delightful treat, either on their own or with additional toppings if desired.
Extra Tips
- For a fun twist, try adding food coloring to the candy mixture for colorful coated apples or experiment with different spices, like nutmeg or ginger, for a unique flavor profile.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Calories: 300 kcal
- Total Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 0mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 78g
- Dietary Fiber: 4g
- Sugars: 72g
- Protein: 0g