Taffy Apples(Candy Apples)
Crispy, caramelized candy apples with a spicy cinnamon coating, perfect for festive occasions and sweet tooths seeking a classic treat with bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and cinnamon with 1 cup cold water.
- Over medium heat, stir constantly just until sugar and candies are dissolved (do not boil).
- Add red food coloring and cinnamon. Stir to mix well.
- Bring the syrup to boiling.
- Continue cooking without stirring until the syrup reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer.
- Wash apples and dry them well.
- Remove stems and insert wooden skewers part-way into the stem end of each apple, far enough to hold firmly.
- Remove the syrup from heat.
- Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot syrup, coating completely.
- Place the skewered apples on well-greased cookie sheets to let the taffy harden.
- Let the apples stand at room temperature until ready to serve.
Tips & Substitutions
To achieve a shiny finish on your taffy apples, ensure the apples are thoroughly washed and dried, as any residue can affect the syrup's adherence. If you want to experiment with flavors, consider adding a few drops of vanilla extract to the syrup. For a festive twist, use green apples instead of red for a tart contrast. Always use a candy thermometer for accurate results to avoid burning the syrup.
Serving Suggestions
Taffy apples make a delightful treat on their own, but for a fun twist, serve them alongside a warm cup of cider or hot chocolate. They pair beautifully with a slice of Scrumptious Coconut Cake for dessert or can be a festive addition to a party platter. Consider adding a sprinkle of chopped nuts or shredded coconut on top of the syrup for added texture and flavor.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover taffy apples in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain their crispness. Avoid refrigerating, as this can cause the syrup to become sticky and lose its texture. If they start to lose their firmness, you can reheat them slightly in the oven on low heat to restore some of their original consistency before serving.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Taffy Apples(Candy Apples) contains roughly 767 calories, with 5g protein, 131g carbohydrates, and 27g fat. It is a good source of dietary fiber (18% of the Daily Value), calcium (15% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (14% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 5g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other types of candy instead of cinnamon candies?
Yes, you can substitute cinnamon candies with other flavored candies to customize your taffy apples. Options like cherry or sour apple candies can add a unique twist, but keep in mind that the flavor and color of the syrup will change. Experimenting with different candies can lead to fun variations suitable for different occasions.
What if the syrup hardens too quickly while dipping the apples?
If the syrup hardens too quickly, it may be because the temperature has dropped. To remedy this, gently reheat the syrup over low heat, stirring occasionally until it softens again. Make sure to work quickly when dipping the apples, as the syrup can cool rapidly once removed from heat.
How can I prevent the syrup from sticking to the cookie sheet?
To prevent the syrup from sticking, ensure that your cookie sheets are well-greased with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper. This will create a non-stick surface for the taffy apples to cool and harden. Additionally, allowing the syrup to cool slightly before dipping can help in managing its stickiness.
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).