Meet your new favorite fairground delight: the Sparkle Candy Apple. This isn’t just any candy apple—each one is an enchanting fusion of crisp apple, a crackling candy shell, and a shimmery finish that turns dessert into a celebration. With a vibrant red coat and a touch of edible glitter, these apples capture the imagination of everyone who sees them. The Sparkle Candy Apple is the star of parties, bake sales, autumn gatherings, and anywhere a little magic is needed. Get ready to be swept away by a nostalgic treat with a glamorous twist!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Candy Coating:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
Additional:
- 6 small apples (washed and thoroughly dried)
- 6 wooden sticks
- Edible glitter or luster dust (for sparkle)
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
How to Make Sparkle Candy Apple
Step 1: Prepare Apples and Baking Sheet
Start by making sure each apple is washed and meticulously dried—this helps the candy coating cling snugly. Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple (right through the core for stability), and set them aside. Give your baking sheet a quick spritz with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper, preparing it to receive the sparkling beauties later.
Step 2: Make the Candy Coating
In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Place it over medium-high heat and stir gently just until the sugar dissolves—you’ll notice the mixture becoming clear. Once that happens, set aside your spoon. Let the mixture boil undisturbed so it stays glossy. Clip on a candy thermometer and patiently watch the magic happen; you’re aiming for 300°F, known as the “hard crack” stage, which is the secret to that delightful crunch.
Step 3: Tint the Candy
When your syrup hits 300°F, swiftly remove the pan from the heat. Carefully add in the red gel food coloring. It’s best to use gel instead of liquid coloring, as it produces bold color without thinning the mixture. Swirl it in gently—watching the syrup blossom into a vibrant red is half the fun!
Step 4: Coat the Apples
Dip each apple into the hot red candy syrup, turning slowly so every inch is evenly coated. If little hands are helping, this is the perfect time to let them admire those glistening red orbs (though adults should do the actual dipping—it’s hot!). Let the excess drip off, then immediately move on to the sparkle.
Step 5: Add the Sparkle
While your apples are still tacky, dust them generously with edible glitter or luster dust. You can sprinkle it over with a pinch or roll the apples gently for full-on shimmer. Place each finished Sparkle Candy Apple on your prepared baking sheet, allowing them to cool and harden completely into their magical, glassy finish.
How to Serve Sparkle Candy Apple
Garnishes
If you want to add an extra “wow” factor, consider drizzling white chocolate in zig-zags or nestling the apples into colorful cupcake liners. A sprinkle of more edible glitter just before serving makes each Sparkle Candy Apple look positively enchanting.
Side Dishes
Pair your Sparkle Candy Apple with spiced nuts, cinnamon popcorn, or rich hot chocolate. At autumn or holiday parties, serve alongside mulled cider or caramel-dipped pretzels to create a sweet, festive snack board everyone will love.
Creative Ways to Present
Display your Sparkle Candy Apples upright in a block of floral foam covered with sparkly tissue paper. Try tying festive ribbons around each stick, or attach personalized tags for party favors. For a playful touch, set up a “decorate your own sparkle apple” bar with extra glitters and toppings for guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sparkle Candy Apples in an airtight container at room temperature. If you’re stacking them, separate with wax or parchment paper to keep the shiny shells intact. They’ll stay fresh and crisp for up to three days—just keep them away from humidity.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for Sparkle Candy Apples, as the candy shell may crack or become sticky once thawed. For best results, enjoy your apples freshly made or within a couple of days for maximum crunch and sparkle.
Reheating
There’s no need to reheat Sparkle Candy Apples—just bring them to room temperature before serving if they’ve been kept somewhere cool. The candy shell is meant to be crisp, so steer clear of microwaves or ovens, which could melt or dull the shine.
FAQs
Can I use other colors for my Sparkle Candy Apple?
Absolutely! While red is classic, you can experiment with gel food colorings in any shade to match your event or mood. Just be sure to use gel, as it keeps the candy coating glossy and thick.
What kind of apples work best?
Look for small, firm apples like Granny Smith or Gala for the perfect balance of tart crunch beneath the sweet candy shell. Just make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping.
Is edible glitter safe to eat?
Yes! As long as your glitter or luster dust is labeled “edible,” it’s completely safe and made specifically for food. Don’t substitute with regular craft glitter.
Can I make mini Sparkle Candy Apples?
Yes, mini apples or even large apple slices on sticks make adorable, bite-sized versions. Follow the same directions, just reduce dipping time for smaller pieces.
Why is my candy coating cloudy or sticky?
Cloudiness may result from stirring too much once the syrup begins boiling. Stickiness can happen if there’s humidity or if the coating didn’t reach 300°F. Use a candy thermometer and avoid wet utensils for best results.
Final Thoughts
Let your inner kid fly and whip up a batch of Sparkle Candy Apples for your next gathering or just a sweet afternoon treat at home. With their vibrant color, dazzling shine, and irresistible crunch, these apples are pure joy. Give this recipe a try and let yourself be charmed by every twinkling bite!
Print
Sparkle Candy Apple Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 apples 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make these stunning Sparkle Candy Apples that are perfect for fall, Halloween, or any festive occasion. These sweet treats feature a crunchy candy shell with a shimmering sparkle effect, making them not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Ingredients
Candy Coating:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ¾ cup light corn syrup
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon red gel food coloring
Additional:
- 6 small apples (washed and thoroughly dried)
- 6 wooden sticks
- Edible glitter or luster dust (for sparkle)
- Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple and set aside.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly spray a baking sheet with nonstick spray or line it with parchment paper.
- Make Candy Coating: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Add Color: Remove from heat, stir in red gel food coloring.
- Coat Apples: Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, then sprinkle with edible glitter or luster dust.
- Cool: Place coated apples on the prepared baking sheet to harden before serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are dry for better adhesion of candy coating.
- Use gel food coloring for vibrant color.
- Apply edible glitter or luster dust while the coating is still tacky for best results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 260
- Sugar: 52g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 67g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
