If you are looking to whip up a nostalgic treat that combines the crispness of fresh apples with the vibrant, fruity flash of candy, this Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe is an absolute must-try. Bursting with color and bold flavors, these apples are not just candy-coated but candy-crafted, bringing the iconic Jolly Rancher taste straight onto your favorite fruit. Whether for a festive gathering or a fun weekend project, these candy apples deliver a perfect balance of sweet crunch and juicy freshness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Nothing complicated here, just a handful of simple ingredients that come together to create that irresistible candy coating and perfectly tart apple base. Each plays a crucial role in achieving the right texture, shine, and flavor that makes this Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe so delightful.
- Granny Smith apples: Their crisp texture and tartness beautifully contrast with the sweet candy shell.
- Jolly Rancher hard candies (18 oz): These bring vibrant colors and those signature fruity flavors that define the candy coating.
- Light corn syrup (½ cup): Helps create a smooth, glossy candy glaze and prevents crystallization.
- Granulated sugar (½ cup): Provides sweetness and the structure needed for the hard candy coating.
- Water (½ cup): Used to dissolve the sugar and candy evenly during cooking.
- Wooden sticks or lollipop sticks: Essential for holding the apples while dipping and eating.
- Nonstick cooking spray: Prevents the candy apples from sticking to parchment paper as they cool.
How to Make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prepare your apples
Begin by washing your Granny Smith apples thoroughly to remove any wax or residue, then dry them completely. Insert wooden sticks firmly through the stem ends; this makes dipping easier and keeps your hands clean. Setting these aside on parchment paper greased with nonstick spray will ensure your candy apples don’t stick later.
Step 2: Make the candy coating
In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine unwrapped Jolly Rancher candies, light corn syrup, sugar, and water. Heat this mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to dissolve the candies completely. Use a candy thermometer and bring the mixture to 300°F, known as the hard crack stage, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes. This step is critical for achieving that perfect hard candy shell that cracks delightfully with each bite.
Step 3: Dip the apples
Once the candy reaches the right temperature, promptly remove the saucepan from heat to prevent it from burning. Tilt the pan slightly and carefully dip each apple into the hot candy, swirling to ensure an even, generous coat. Let any excess drip back into the pan before setting the coated apple on the prepared baking sheet to cool. This dip-and-set approach is what gives the candy apples their signature glossy, colorful exterior.
Step 4: Let the candy apples set
Allow your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples to cool and harden at room temperature for about 20 minutes. This waiting time lets the candy shell solidify into that perfect crisp shell you love. Resist the urge to touch or move them too much while setting to prevent fingerprints or smudges in the coating.
How to Serve Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your candy apples by rolling them in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or edible glitter immediately after dipping, while the candy is still warm. This adds texture and a whimsical touch that’s fantastic for parties or gifts. You can also drizzle white or dark chocolate over them for a decadent contrast.
Side Dishes
These candy apples shine as a standalone treat, but why not pair them with warm spiced cider, a creamy cheese platter, or even vanilla ice cream? The crisp apple and sweet candy shell complement cozy, comforting flavors wonderfully.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your candy apples upright in a fun container filled with crushed colored paper or pine straw for a festive centerpiece. Wrapping each apple individually in cellophane tied with a bright ribbon turns them into adorable party favors or gifts everyone will appreciate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
To keep your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples as fresh and crispy as the moment you made them, store them at room temperature and away from humidity. Place them in a single layer on parchment paper to avoid sticking. Enjoy within two days for the best crunch and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing candy apples is not recommended because it can cause condensation upon thawing, which will make the candy shell sticky and dull the vibrant colors that make this recipe so charming.
Reheating
If your candy coating loses its shine or hardens unevenly, avoid reheating as it risks melting the shell and ruining the apple underneath. Instead, enjoy them as-is or remake the candy coating fresh for new apples!
FAQs
Can I use apples other than Granny Smith?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are popular for their tartness and crunch, you can experiment with Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will pair differently with the candy coating’s flavor and balance.
Do I have to use a candy thermometer?
Using a candy thermometer is highly recommended to reach the hard crack stage necessary for a crisp candy shell. Without it, the candy might end up too soft or burnt, so investing in one really pays off for candy apple success.
Can I use other candies instead of Jolly Ranchers?
You can try other hard candies, but Jolly Ranchers are ideal for their vibrant colors and distinctive fruity flavors. Other candies may not dissolve as evenly or harden correctly for dipping.
What should I do if the candy coating crystallizes?
If your candy mixture starts to crystallize or get grainy, gently stir it and increase heat slightly, making sure the candies dissolve completely. Adding corn syrup helps prevent this too by discouraging sugar crystals from forming.
How long will candy apples last before going bad?
When stored properly at room temperature, your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples will stay fresh and crunchy for up to two days. After that, the candy shell may start to soften and the apple could lose its crispness.
Final Thoughts
Making this Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe is such a joyful kitchen adventure, combining the fun of candy-making with the wholesome satisfaction of fresh fruit. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing loved ones at a party, these candy apples are bound to bring smiles and sweet memories. Give it a try and watch how these colorful treats brighten up your day!
Print
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy apples
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These vibrant Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a delightful twist on the classic treat. Crisp Granny Smith apples are coated in a glossy, hard candy shell made from melted Jolly Rancher candies, creating a colorful, crunchy dessert perfect for fall festivities like Halloween. The recipe is straightforward, using simple ingredients and stovetop candy-making techniques to achieve a hard crack stage candy coating that hardens quickly for a satisfying crunch.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, washed and dried thoroughly
- Wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
Candy Coating
- 18 oz Jolly Rancher hard candies (about 1½ bags, assorted flavors or all one flavor)
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
Preparation
- Nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Insert a wooden stick into the center of each apple through the stem end to use as a handle. Set the apples aside on a clean surface.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray to prevent the candy apples from sticking once dipped.
- Make Candy Coating: In a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the unwrapped Jolly Rancher candies, light corn syrup, granulated sugar, and water. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally to help dissolve the candies completely. Continue heating until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, which takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Dip Apples: Carefully remove the saucepan from heat. Immediately dip each apple into the hot candy coating, tilting the pan as needed to coat the apple evenly. Allow any excess candy to drip back into the pan.
- Set Candy Apples: Place the coated apples onto the prepared baking sheet. Allow them to cool and harden at room temperature for about 20 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Ensure the apples are completely dry before dipping; moisture can prevent the candy from sticking effectively.
- Experiment with different Jolly Rancher flavors to create colorful and fun variations.
- Store finished candy apples at room temperature and consume within 2 days to maintain the best crunch and freshness.
