Description
Cotton Candy Swirl Candy Apples are a delightful twist on the classic candy apple. Featuring a hard crack sugar coating in pastel blue and pink swirls, these treats combine tart and sweet flavors with a fun cotton candy-inspired appearance. Perfect for parties, fairs, or a colorful homemade dessert, these apples are coated with a glossy, crunchy candy shell that looks as magical as it tastes.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work best)
- 6 wooden sticks (popsicle sticks or candy apple sticks)
Candy Coating
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon citric acid (optional, for tartness)
- 1-2 drops blue food coloring
- 1-2 drops pink food coloring
- 1/2 teaspoon baking soda (to help the candy harden)
Other
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mat (for cooling)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to remove any wax coating. Insert wooden sticks firmly into the top of each apple. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for cooling.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture simmers. Attach a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature closely.
- Cook the Candy: Allow the mixture to cook without stirring once simmering until it reaches 300°F (150°C), the hard crack stage. Remove the pan from heat immediately once this temperature is reached.
- Flavor and Color the Candy: Stir in vanilla extract and optional citric acid. Divide the hot candy mixture into two separate heat-safe bowls. Add blue food coloring to one bowl and pink to the other, stirring gently to blend colors evenly.
- Dip the Apples: Holding each apple by its stick, dip it completely into the first color of candy coating. Let excess drip off, then immediately dip into the second color, rotating the apple to create a vibrant cotton candy swirl effect. For more intense swirls, alternate dipping multiple times.
- Set the Candy Apples: Place coated apples on the lined baking sheet. Allow them to cool and harden at room temperature for 15-20 minutes or accelerate the process by refrigerating for 10-15 minutes.
- Serve: Once the candy coating is fully set and hardened, serve your colorful cotton candy swirl candy apples and enjoy the crunchy, sweet treat.
Notes
- Use apples that are firm and free of bruises for best results.
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to help the candy adhere properly.
- Be cautious when working with hot sugar syrup—it can cause severe burns.
- Citric acid is optional but adds a pleasant tart balance to the sweetness.
- If candy hardens too quickly while dipping, gently reheat it to keep it molten.
- Store candy apples at room temperature in a cool, dry place for up to 2 days.
