Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples (chilled and de-waxed)
- 2 cups granulated white sugar
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon black gel food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon black currant or cherry extract (optional)
- 6 sturdy wooden sticks or twigs
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep the Apples Wash your apples thoroughly in boiling water for 10 seconds to remove the food-grade wax. This step is vital because the candy will slide off if the wax remains. Dry each apple completely with a lint-free cloth. Remove the stems and push a wooden stick firmly into the center of each apple. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with non-stick spray.
- Step 2: Boil the Sugar Syrup Combine the sugar, water, and light corn syrup in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir the mixture over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Once it begins to boil, stop stirring. Insert a candy thermometer and let the mixture cook until it reaches 300°F (150°C), which is the “hard crack” stage. This usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Step 3: Add Color and Flavor Remove the saucepan from the heat immediately once it reaches the target temperature. Carefully whisk in the black gel food coloring and the flavored extract. Be careful, as the hot syrup may bubble up or steam. Stir gently until the color is deep, uniform, and opaque. Let the bubbles subside for about 30 seconds so the coating stays smooth on the apples.
- Step 4: Dip and Swirl Tilt the pan at an angle to pool the black syrup. Hold an apple by the stick and dip it into the syrup, swirling it slowly to coat all sides evenly. Lift the apple and let the excess syrup drip back into the pan for a few seconds. Place the coated apple onto the prepared parchment paper. Repeat the process for the remaining apples.
- Step 5: Set and Serve Allow the apples to sit at room temperature for at least 20 minutes until the candy shell is completely hard and cool to the touch. Do not refrigerate them while they set, as the humidity can make the candy sticky. Once hardened, serve them immediately or wrap them in cellophane bags for favors.
- Cook Time: 30 minutes