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Looking for an easier way to enjoy whole candy apples? Make these homemade candy apple slices for your parties. It’s also a great activity to do with kids!

candy apple slices

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Candy apples are a classic favorite, but there’s always something deliciously exciting to try. This time, why not serve them in slices?

Serving candy apple slices is actually better, so your guests can enjoy a variety of dips and toppings without the pressure of consuming an entire apple. 😋

Read on to learn how to make the perfect slices, plus mouthwatering serving ideas that will deepen your love for apples and other sweets!

What Are Candy Apples?

Candy apples are apples coated in sweet candy mixture, usually bright red in color. They’re commonly made with sweet apple varieties and served on sticks or skewers for easy eating. 🍎

You’ll find candy apples at fairs, festivals, and seasonal events – they’re a big hit and loved by everyone!

These candied apples will somehow remind you of caramel apples. But unlike caramel apples which are covered in soft caramel, candy apples have a hard, crunchy candy shell.

This gives them a unique texture and glossy look.

What Are Candy Apples

Planning to serve candy apples in your upcoming holiday gatherings? Serving some slices to your guests is a sweet, wonderful idea!

Serve them in smaller portions, with different dips and toppings! They look so good that even those who aren’t big on apples often end up wanting to try them.

Make the most of those fresh apples and make a whole bunch of apple desserts for your loved ones. Candy apple slices will look great alongside caramel apple nachos and caramel apple bites!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple and fun: This recipe is like candy making 101 made easier – no stress or big costs! Even if you’re not an expert, you’ve got this. Just follow the steps! Dipping the apples into that bright candy mixture and maybe tossing on some edible glitter is as much fun to do as it is to eat afterward.
  • Great for sharing: Making candy apple slices can be a fun and engaging activity to do with kids and the entire fam! They’re way easier to munch on than a whole candy apple, making them perfect for parties or a relaxed snack time.
  • Customizable: Feel like adding some nutmeg or mixing up the colors? Go ahead and play with it! Change things up if you want – spice it up or add your favorite toppings, no matter how unique they might be. Your candy apple slices, your rules!

What Do Easy Homemade Candy Apples Taste Like?

Candy apple slices have a sweet, caramelized coating outside and a crisp, slightly tart apple inside. The candy shell is hard and crunchy, and beneath it, you’ll find a juicy, firm apple.

This recipe uses Gala apples, so the inside is a bit sweeter and less tart compared to other kinds.

You’re probably thinking that these candy apple slices are super sweet and served mainly to kids.

What Do Easy Homemade Candy Apples Taste Like

Well, they are candies so they are, indeed, sweet, but you can easily change them up to suit different tastes. You can use other apple varieties, too!

For example, for adults, try a lighter sugar coating with some nut toppings. For the kids, go for crushed candies and a sprinkle of edible glitter.

Ingredients for Easy Candy Apple Slices

  • Gala apples – One of the sweetest and crunchiest varieties, perfect for these caramel apple slices! If you can’t find any, Granny Smith and Fuji are also great choices and taste just as good.
  • Granulated sugar – Two cups is all you need to make the candy coating! If you think it’s too sweet, just remind yourself that you deserve this seasonal treat. 😉
  • Light corn syrup – For a glossy finish and gentle sweetness without noticeably changing the candy apples’ color.
  • Red food coloring – For a vibrant red appearance that will remind you of the holidays!
  • Water – To mix the sugar and corn syrup evenly into a smooth candy coating.

Tools Needed To Prepare This Candy Apple Slices Recipe

  • Candy thermometer to accurately monitor the candy mixture temperature and make sure it reaches the right level of hardness
  • Heavy-bottomed saucepan to cook the sugar evenly without burning
  • Skewers to hold the fruits while dipping them in the candy coating
  • Cooking spray to prevent the candy apples from sticking to the parchment paper
  • Parchment paper to create a non-stick surface for the apples
  • Baking sheet to hold the candy-coated apples as they cool and set
  • Bowl to give the apples an ice bath after boiling

Ingredient Additions & Substitutions For Candy Apple Slices

Dark Chocolate Chips

All apple desserts can be tweaked to impress chocolate lovers! But you need to wait for the candy coating to set before adding some chocolatey goodness.

Just melt around a cup of dark chocolate chips in the microwave or using a double boiler and then, drizzle it over the candy-coated apples.

Coconut Flakes

Coconut flakes are another great addition to candy-coated apples! But you need to add them while the candy coating is still wet, just after submerging each apple (step 9 in our recipe!).

You need to act quickly. 😁 Grab a plate filled with coconut flakes and give each apple a gentle roll in it to make sure they’re evenly coated.

Or, you can generously sprinkle as much coconut as you’d like directly onto the apples while they’re on the baking sheet.

Chopped Pecans

Pecans are some of the most popular nuts that really amp up that holiday vibe, but you’ve got a whole world of crunchy choices!

Almost any type of nut pairs well with candied apples! Chopped walnuts, almonds – you name it.

Like with the coconut flakes, add them while the candy coating is still soft, just after you’ve dipped the fruits. If you wait until the candy coating has completely hardened, the nuts won’t stick as well.

Crushed Peppermint

Crushed peppermint will make your caramel apple slices taste, smell, and look like Christmas! The red and white candy pieces really contribute to the dessert’s visual appeal.

You can either buy pre-crushed peppermint or crush peppermint candies with a heavy pan, meat mallet, or rolling pin.

How to Make Candy Apple Slices

Ingredients:

Tools you need:

Instructions:

STEP 1: Gather all your ingredients for a fun candy apple making session.

How to Make Candy Apple Slices

STEP 2: Prepare your baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking oil.

STEP 3: Dip apples in boiling water for 10 seconds, then place them in an ice bath to cool.

STEP 4: Once the apples are cool, pat them dry. Next, insert a stick halfway into the top of each apple for a firm grip and place them on your baking sheet.

How to Make Candy Apple Slices

STEP 5: Set the apples aside. Then, in a pot over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

How to Make Candy Apple Slices
How to Make Candy Apple Slices

STEP 6: Let the mixture boil and keep an eye on the candy thermometer. Once it hits between 300 to 310°F, usually in about 10-15 minutes, take it off the heat right away.

How to Make Candy Apple Slices

STEP 7: Quickly stir in the red food coloring and edible glitter (if using) to evenly color and add sparkle to the syrup.

STEP 8: Submerge each apple in the candy mixture. Twirl it around for an even coating! Let the excess drip off before placing each one back on the baking sheet.

How to Make Candy Apple Slices

STEP 9: Let the candy-coated apples sit for about 5 minutes to harden.

STEP 10: Slice up the apples and serve them to your guests. Enjoy the crunch of your homemade candy apple slices!

How to Make Candy Apple Slices

What To Serve With Homemade Candy Apple Slices

  • Apple charcuterie board: Caramel apples and candy apples can come together beautifully in one spectacular, apple-themed spread! Use our caramel apple charcuterie board as inspiration and serve them alongside peanuts, gummy candies, sprinkles and a homemade caramel dip! It’s a great dessert spread for last-minute gatherings.
  • Vanilla ice cream: Serve your candy apple slices alongside a scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream. Place the ice cream next to the apple slices on the platter or in separate bowls. To make it even more delicious, consider drizzling some chocolate syrup on top. 😋
  • Apple sugar cookies: These cookies complement the crispy candied apples perfectly and don’t overshadow the fruits’ sweetness. This combo isn’t super sweet, but if you want to amp up the sweetness, you can choose cookies with more sugar or get creative with extras like chocolate chips or frosting.

Tips About Making DIY Candy Apple Slices

  • Slicing strategy: Slicing candied apples isn’t quite the same as cutting up fresh ones. You need to be very careful or else the candy coating will crack. Aim for slices between ¼ to ½ inch thick – thick enough to hold the candy coating but thin enough to bite easily. It’s not really difficult! Just cut all the way through the apple to avoid uneven edges, which might make the coating crack.
  • Stirring strategy: Initially, stir it to dissolve the sugar and prevent lumps. When it starts boiling, stop stirring to avoid creating air bubbles that can cause crystallization and a grainy texture. If you spot sugar crystals on the sides of the pan, just brush them away with a wet pastry brush to ensure a smooth candy coating.
  • Coating technique: Get the coating just right – not too thin or it might crack, and not too thick so it doesn’t overpower the apple’s taste. Swirl the apple in the mixture to evenly coat each side. After that, hold it over the saucepan for a moment to let the excess drip away naturally. You can also give the skewer a tap on the pan’s edge to shed excess sugar.
Tips About Making DIY Candy Apple Slices

How To Store Red Candy Apple Slices

  • Fridge: If you have leftover candy apple slices, the fridge is the way to go. Just grab an airtight container that’s roomy enough for your slices. Square or rectangular ones are great for stacking them with parchment paper in between. As for how long they can be stored, they’re really at their best if eaten within a day. After that, they might not be as crunchy.
  • Freezer: Or maybe don’t?! Honestly, freezing these guys isn’t the best idea since the apples can get a bit weird texture-wise. If you must freeze them, lay them out on a tray first, and then flash freeze them. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer bag.
  • Thawing: If you went the freezing route, just thaw them in the fridge. Once they’re at fridge temperature, you can take them out and let them reach room temperature to get a bit of the crunch back. But do remember, they won’t be exactly like the freshly made ones. They’ll still be sweet and full of flavor, just a bit softer and maybe a little mushy.
How To Store Red Candy Apple Slices

How Long Do Candy Apples Have to Sit Before Eating?

How long you wait before digging in depends on whether you’re adding toppings. For plain ones, just a 5-minute wait does the trick to get that candy shell nice and crunchy.

But if you’re adding things like nuts, sprinkles, or glitter, put them on right after you dip the apples, while the coating’s still sticky.

Then, give them a bit longer, about 5 to 10 minutes, so everything sets perfectly. The best time to slice them is after this setting period, when the candy shell is fully hardened.

This way, you get clean cuts and the coating stays intact on each slice. So, after a little wait, you’re all set to slice and serve up those delicious treats.

A bit of waiting gets you that awesome candy apple crunch every time!

How to Get Caramel to Stick to Apple Slices?

If you’re slicing candy apples and want to dip the slices in caramel, here’s how to make sure the caramel sticks!

First off, you want to dry your apple slices completely, since moisture will keep the caramel from sticking right. Just pat the apple slices with a paper towel to dry them.

If your caramel’s gotten thick or cold, warm it up on low heat until it’s ready for dipping.

Then, dip your candy apple slices and lay them on a baking sheet to harden. All done! This caramel layer will make your candy apple slices even tastier.

How to Get Caramel to Stick to Apple Slices

 FAQ About Candy Apple Slices

How long do candy apples slices last?

Candy apple slices can last in the fridge for 2 weeks, but they taste best when fresh.

Do you refrigerate candy apples after making them?

There’s no need to put candy apples in the fridge right away. They’re fine at room temperature for an hour.

How do you eat a candy apple?

You can either bite into the whole candy apple or slice it into smaller portions.

What apples are best for candy apples?

Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith apples are some of the best varieties for candy apples.

What do I need to make candy apples?

To make candy apples, you’ll need fresh apples, sugar, corn syrup, water, and red food coloring, with edible glitter as an optional ingredient. You’ll also need the best candy thermometer and, of course, nice skewers to pick up the apples in style!

Tips About Making DIY Candy Apple Slices

Candy Apple Slices

Yield: 10
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Looking for an easier way to enjoy whole candy apples? Make these homemade candy apple slices for your parties. It's also a great activity to do with kids!

Instructions

  1. Gather all your ingredients for a fun candy apple making session.
  2. Prepare your baking sheet by covering it with parchment paper and lightly spraying it with cooking oil.
  3. Dip apples in boiling water for 10 seconds, then place them in an ice bath to cool.
  4. Once the apples are cool, pat them dry. Next, insert a stick halfway into the top of each apple for a firm grip and place them on your baking sheet.
  5. Set the apples aside. Then, in a pot over medium-high heat, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
  6. Let the mixture boil and keep an eye on the candy thermometer. Once it hits between 300 to 310°F, usually in about 10-15 minutes, take it off the heat right away.
  7. Quickly stir in the red food coloring and edible glitter (if using) to evenly color and add sparkle to the syrup.
  8. Submerge each apple in the candy mixture. Twirl it around for an even coating! Let the excess drip off before placing each one back on the baking sheet.
  9. Let the candy-coated apples sit for about 5 minutes to harden.
  10. Slice up the apples and serve them to your guests. Enjoy the crunch of your homemade candy apple slices!

Notes

  • More ideas for presentation? Arrange the candy apple slices in shapes like hearts or stars. Or, put the slices in colorful paper cups for fun individual servings.
  • Use a good candy thermometer for this recipe. If the mixture is not hot enough, your coating will be chewy instead of crisp. Too hot, and the sugar will burn and taste bitter.

Nutrition Information:
Yield: 10 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 281Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 24mgCarbohydrates: 73gFiber: 1gSugar: 71gProtein: 0g

* Please note that all nutrition information are just estimates. Values will vary among brands, so we encourage you to calculate these on your own for the most accurate results.

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Conclusion

Enjoying candy apple slices at festivals is probably already part of your family’s fall tradition. But why not try something new?!

It would be amazing to make homemade versions of these candy shop favorites.

candy apple slices

Remember, the best part of enjoying good food is putting our own personal touch on the flavors and the chance to design them and make them look prettier! 

Once you see how easy it is to make them at home, you would definitely want to do it again and again whenever you have fresh apples on hand.

Stock up on apples as early as now. Here are other apple recipes that will make you fall in love with fruity desserts. Introducing your new sweet favorites! 🤤

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