Candied Red Apples
Sweet and festive candied red apples with a glossy coating, perfect for holidays or parties, appealing to all ages with their vibrant color and classic flavor.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Insert a wood skewer into each apple.
- In a saucepan, combine sugar, cream of tartar, water, and lemon juice.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Add red coloring and whole cloves to the syrup.
- Cook until the syrup reaches the hard crack stage (about 300°F or 149°C).
- Dip each apple into the hot syrup, coating evenly.
- Allow excess syrup to drip off and place on a greased surface to cool and harden.
Tips & Substitutions
For best results, use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the syrup. If you prefer a less intense color, reduce the amount of red coloring. To prevent the syrup from hardening too quickly, work in small batches, dipping only a few apples at a time. Also, ensure your apples are thoroughly dried before dipping to help the syrup adhere better.
Serving Suggestions
Candied red apples make a delightful treat for parties or fall gatherings. Serve them alongside caramel sauce for dipping or as a festive dessert at Halloween events. They pair beautifully with Dudley'S Tea Cakes for a sweet afternoon snack or dessert spread, adding a colorful touch to your table.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover candied apples in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Avoid refrigerating them as this can cause the coating to become sticky. If you want to enjoy them longer, place them in the freezer, but be aware that the texture may change once thawed.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Candied Red Apples contains roughly 138 calories, with 2g protein, 34g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of potassium (42% of the Daily Value) and vitamin C (41% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber. It also contributes 4g 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 a different type of apple for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith work best, you can experiment with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may result in a different flavor balance, so adjust the sugar in the syrup if needed.
What if my syrup doesn't reach the hard crack stage?
If your syrup hasn't reached the hard crack stage, it may not harden properly on the apples. Use a candy thermometer to ensure accuracy and adjust your cooking time accordingly. If it doesn't reach the right temperature, simply return it to the heat and continue cooking while stirring until it does.
Can I add flavors or spices to the syrup?
Yes! Feel free to infuse your syrup with spices like cinnamon or nutmeg for added flavor. Just remember to strain them out before dipping the apples. You can also experiment with extracts like vanilla or almond for a unique twist on the classic candied apple.
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).