Description
These Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples are a whimsical and colorful twist on traditional candy apples. With a marbled effect and a touch of edible glitter, they are perfect for parties or festive occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Candy Apples:
- 6 small apples (Granny Smith or Gala), stems removed
- 6 wooden sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- Gel food coloring (light pink, blue, or purple)
- Edible glitter or luster dust (optional)
- Cotton candy for garnish (optional)
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple and set aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan.
- Heat the Syrup: Let the mixture boil until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage), about 10–12 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Color the Syrup: Divide the hot syrup into separate bowls if using multiple colors, and tint each with a few drops of gel food coloring.
- Dip the Apples: Working quickly, dip each apple into the colored syrup, swirling slightly as you pull it out to create a marbled effect. Allow excess to drip off, then place back on the parchment paper to harden.
- Add Finishing Touches: Once cooled and hardened, brush lightly with edible glitter or dust for extra sparkle. Just before serving, top with a puff of cotton candy for a whimsical finish (do not store with cotton candy attached, as it will melt).
Notes
- Make sure apples are clean and completely dry for the candy to stick.
- You can use flavor extracts like cotton candy or raspberry for a unique twist.
- Best enjoyed the same day for optimal crunch and presentation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 65g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 80g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
