Why Make This Recipe
You will love this Poison Apples Recipe! It looks amazing and is perfect for Halloween or parties. It’s easy to make, even for beginners. We use fresh apples, making it a fruity treat inside a candy shell. Sharing these apples with friends and family and seeing their reactions is wonderful.
How to Make Poison Apples Recipe
Making these poison apples involves preparing the apples, cooking a candy coating, and then dipping the apples.
Ingredients of Poison Apples Recipe
For the Poison Apple Coating
Sugar: Granulated sugar * Corn Syrup: To prevent crystallization and add shine * Water: To dissolve the sugar * Food Coloring: Black or dark purple liquid or gel food coloring * Flavor Extract (Optional): Raspberry, cherry, or cinnamon extract
For the Apples
Apples: Small to medium-sized, firm apples (Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp) * Sticks: Popsicle sticks, sturdy twigs, or decorative skewers
Directions of Poison Apples Recipe
Preparing Your Apples
1. **Wash and Dry:** Wash and dry your apples. Moisture stops the candy from sticking. 2. **Insert Sticks:** Put a stick firmly into the stem end of each apple, halfway through.
Mixing the Elixir (Candy Coating)
1. **Combine Ingredients:** In a heavy pot, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water. 2. **Heat Gently:** Stir over medium heat until all the sugar dissolves. 3. **Boil Without Stirring:** Stop stirring once sugar dissolves. Turn heat to medium-high and let it boil. 4. **Add Color:** Carefully add your food coloring. 5. **Monitor Temperature:** Use a candy thermometer. The mix needs to reach hard crack stage (300-310°F or 149-154°C). This is important for the perfect shell. 6. **Remove from Heat:** Take the pot off the heat right away when it reaches the right temperature. If using, stir in flavor extract now.
Dipping Your Forbidden Fruit
1. **Prepare Surface:** Lay a silicone mat or parchment paper on a baking sheet. Grease parchment lightly. 2. **Dip Apples:** Tilt the pot. Dip each apple into the candy mix. Turn it to cover completely. Let extra drip back into the pot. 3. **Cool:** Put the coated apples on your prepared surface. Let them cool and harden completely. This takes 20-30 minutes.
Finishing Touches
1. **Optional Decorations:** When still slightly sticky, sprinkle edible glitter or add edible eyes for extra fun. 2. **Serve and Enjoy:** Once hard, your poison apples are ready to show off!
How to Serve Poison Apples Recipe
Arrange your finished poison apples on a platter with dry ice for a smoky look (make sure there is good airflow!). You can also put them on a tiered stand or in a basket for a charming, spooky display. Serve these with other Halloween treats like spiderweb cupcakes or ghostly meringue cookies. They also make great gifts for party guests.
How to Store Poison Apples Recipe
Store your poison apples at room temperature in a sealed container for up to 2-3 days. Do not put them in the refrigerator, as this can make the candy sticky.
Tips to Make Poison Apples Recipe
- Humidity is the Enemy: Do not make these on humid days. Moisture makes candy sticky.
- Cleanliness: Make sure your pot is clean. Do not stir the candy once it starts boiling to stop crystals from forming.
- Temperature Accuracy: A good candy thermometer is very helpful for this recipe.
Variation
- Different Hues: Try deep reds, greens, or swirl colors for a marbled look.
- Flavor Boosts: Use almond, mint, or a hint of chili powder for a different taste in your Poison Apples Recipe.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this **Poison Apples Recipe** ahead of time for a party?
A1: Yes, you can make them 1-2 days before. Store them at room temperature in a sealed container to keep them from getting sticky.
Q2: What kind of food coloring works best for this **Poison Apples Recipe**?
A2: Gel food coloring or liquid food coloring in black or very dark purple gives the best color for the “poison” effect.
Q3: My candy coating turned out cloudy or sticky. What went wrong?
A3: This often happens because of humidity, not reaching the right temperature (hard-crack stage), or stirring the candy after it started boiling, which can cause sugar crystals. Always use a candy thermometer for exact temperatures.
Print
Poison Apples Recipe
A deliciously wicked Classic Poison Apples Recipe that’s sure to enchant and delight. Perfect for a spooky treat!
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
6 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji)
6 wooden skewers or lollipop sticks
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 cup water
1 teaspoon red food coloring gel
1/4 teaspoon black food coloring gel (optional, for darker effect)
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
Wax or parchment paper for cooling
Instructions
1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples; moisture prevents the coating from sticking. Insert a skewer firmly into the stem end of each apple.
2. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir gently over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
3. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to a boil without stirring. If crystals form on the pan sides, brush with a wet pastry brush.
4. Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (149°C), the hard-crack stage, 10–15 minutes depending on your stove.
5. Remove from heat; carefully stir in red food coloring, plus black and cinnamon extract if using, until evenly tinted.
6. Tilt the pan and dip each apple, rotating to fully coat; let excess drip back into the pan.
7. Set dipped apples onto the prepared wax/parchment paper to cool and harden, 30–60 minutes.
8. Serve once the shells are firm and glossy. Handle with care—hard candy is fragile (and hot when freshly dipped!).
Notes
For the most dramatic look, use vivid gel coloring and coat completely.
Use a reliable candy thermometer—guessing the hard-crack stage risks sticky apples.
Hot syrup can cause severe burns; work carefully and keep kids at a distance.
Best enjoyed the day they’re made; humidity can make the shells tacky. Store at room temperature up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 65g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 90g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg