Mini Candy Apples Sticks (Printable Version)

Bite-sized apples with a crunchy candy shell, ideal for fun party treats and easy enjoyment.

# What You'll Need:

→ Apples

01 - 8 small apples such as Gala or Fuji, or 16 crabapples

→ Candy Coating

02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - ½ cup light corn syrup
04 - ½ cup water
05 - ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring

→ Assembly

06 - 16 wooden sticks or popsicle sticks
07 - Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

# Directions:

01 - Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. If using large apples, cut each in half and scoop out the seeds with a small melon baller. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end of each apple or apple half.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease, or spray a silicone mat with nonstick spray.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
04 - Increase heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and cook until it reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer at the hard crack stage, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red food coloring until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
06 - Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot candy coating, swirling to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off, then place the apple on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating hardens, approximately 10 minutes.
08 - Serve and enjoy the finished candy apples.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Quick and easy—ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • Kid-friendly and perfect for parties, birthdays, or Halloween celebrations
  • Beautiful glossy red coating that looks professionally made
  • Bite-sized portions make them easy to enjoy without the mess
  • Vegetarian, nut-free, and naturally gluten-free
  • Customizable with different colors and fun toppings
02 -
  • Use gel food coloring instead of liquid for more vibrant colors without thinning the candy
  • Test your candy thermometer accuracy by boiling water—it should read 212°F at sea level
  • Tilt the saucepan when dipping to make it easier to coat the apples fully
  • Work near your prepared baking sheet to minimize drips and spills
  • Do not refrigerate candy apples, as humidity will make the coating sticky and weepy
  • If giving as gifts, wrap cooled candy apples individually in cellophane bags tied with ribbon
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