Description
These Candy Apple Bags provide a fun and delicious way to enjoy crisp, sweet apples coated in a shiny, hard candy shell. Perfect for parties or festive occasions, this easy-to-make treat combines the tartness of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples with a homemade or store-bought candy coating. Wrapped individually in clear bags and tied with ribbons, they make charming gifts or party favors.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 crisp, sweet apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 2/3 cup light corn syrup
- Red food coloring, a few drops
Other
- 6 wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- 6 candy apple bags for wrapping
- Twist ties, ribbons, or decorative string for securing bags
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating. This ensures the candy coating sticks well. Insert wooden skewers firmly into the tops of each apple to create handles for dipping.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves, then bring to a boil without stirring. Attach a candy thermometer and cook until the mixture reaches the hard crack stage (300°F). Remove from heat and carefully add a few drops of red food coloring, stirring gently to mix.
- Dip the Apples: Holding an apple by the skewer, dip it into the hot candy mixture. Twist the apple to coat it evenly with the candy shell. Lift and let excess drip off. Place the coated apple on parchment paper to cool and harden. Repeat with remaining apples.
- Wrap the Candy Apples: Once the candy coating is fully set and hardened, slide each apple into a candy apple bag. Secure the top of each bag with a twist tie, ribbon, or decorative string to keep the apples fresh and presentable.
- Decorate: Personalize your candy apple bags by attaching tags or stickers with festive messages or names. This adds a special touch, especially for gift-giving or parties.
Notes
- Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping to help candy coating adhere properly.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature to achieve the perfect hard crack stage.
- If candy mixture hardens while dipping, reheat gently to return to a dip-ready temperature.
- Work carefully with hot candy to avoid burns.
- Store candy apples at room temperature to maintain crispness; avoid refrigeration which may cause stickiness.
