Candied Apples On A Stick
Sweet candied apples on sticks with a glossy coating and aromatic cloves, perfect for festive occasions or as a delightful treat for all ages.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Insert wooden skewers into the apples.
- Combine sugar, cream of tartar, water, lemon juice, and red coloring in a saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly.
- Continue boiling until the syrup reaches the hard crack stage (about 300°F or 149°C).
- Remove from heat and add cloves to the syrup.
- Dip each apple into the hot syrup, swirling to coat evenly.
- Place the coated apples on a parchment-lined tray to cool and harden.
Tips & Substitutions
For a smoother coating, ensure the apples are clean and dry before dipping. If you prefer a less intense sweetness, consider reducing the sugar by 1/2 cup. You can also substitute the red coloring with natural alternatives like beet juice for a more organic approach. Avoid using waxed apples, as the coating won't adhere properly. For a fun twist, try adding cinnamon or nutmeg to the syrup for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
These candied apples make a festive treat for parties or gatherings, especially during fall. Serve them on a platter with other fun snacks like Snoberry Cookies or alongside a warm dessert like Chocolate Caramelita Bars. For a fun presentation, you can drizzle melted chocolate over the cooled apples for an additional layer of flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover candied apples in a cool, dry place, preferably in an airtight container to maintain their crunch. Avoid refrigeration as it can make the candy coating sticky. If you need to reheat them for any reason, place them in a warm oven for a few minutes to soften the candy slightly before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Apples On A Stick contains roughly 247 calories, with 5g protein, 59g carbohydrates, and 9g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (87% of the Daily Value), potassium (53% of the Daily Value), and iron (50% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 24g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith are popular for their contrast with the sweet candy coating, feel free to experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Each type will bring a unique flavor profile, making your candied apples delightful and diverse.
What should I do if the syrup crystallizes?
If your syrup starts to crystallize, try adding a little more water and gently reheating it until the sugar dissolves again. Stir continuously to prevent further crystallization. Ensuring all utensils are clean and dry can also help avoid this issue during cooking.
How do I know when the syrup has reached the hard crack stage?
To test for the hard crack stage, use a candy thermometer and aim for 300°F (149°C). If you don't have one, drop a small amount of syrup into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads. This is the perfect consistency for coating your apples.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).