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I completely changed my fall treat lineup when I found these Jolly Rancher candy apples. A few years ago, I was stuck without the usual hard candy for coating apples. Then I spotted some Jolly Ranchers in my cupboard and gave them a try! They make such bright, fruity-flavored treats that look amazing and taste even better – they've got so much more pizzazz than the boring red apples from childhood.
When I made these in different colors for my niece's Halloween bash last year, the kids couldn't take their eyes off these jewel-colored snacks. The grown-ups grabbed them too! My sister-in-law messaged me later saying several parents wanted to know how I made them.
Essential Components
- Apples: I always pick Granny Smith since their sourness works well against the candy sweetness, but you can't go wrong with Honeycrisp or Fuji too. Just pick ones that aren't soft or bruised.
- Jolly Rancher candies: These make all the difference! Stick to one flavor or mix them up for variety. Green apple candies on green apples look really cool together.
- Water: You only need a splash to help melt the candy smoothly. Don't go overboard or your shell won't harden right.
- Wooden skewers: These help you dip without mess and give that classic fair food look.
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Sweet Creation Tips
- Get apples ready first
- Your apples must be totally dry before dipping or the candy won't stick properly.
- Melt with care
- Go slow when melting the candies and keep stirring them. The water helps everything melt smoothly.
- How to dip right
- Tip your pot a bit and spin the apple for even coverage. Let it drip for a moment so you don't get puddles.
- Move fast
- The candy hardens quickly, so have your apples all ready and work swiftly once your candy reaches the right texture.
- Smart cooling
- Set dipped apples on parchment paper to avoid sticking. You can also use a lightly oiled surface.
- Wait it out
- You really need that half hour of cooling time for the perfect crunch. If you rush, they'll end up sticky instead of crisp.
I learned how to make these through plenty of mistakes. My first try had too much water, so the coating stayed soft. Then I tried adding corn syrup from another recipe, but that just made things harder. Turns out, just candies with a tiny bit of water works perfectly. Switching to wooden skewers was a game-changer too - much better than trying to hold slippery apple stems!
Ways To Present
Show off these bright treats on a plain white dish for the best look. At parties, line up different colored apples to make a rainbow. They're perfect party gifts when wrapped in clear bags with matching ribbons.
Fun Variations
Dip half the apple in Jolly Rancher candy and the other half in melted chocolate after the first layer hardens. For extra crunch, roll the wet candy coating in smashed nuts or cookie bits. Make cool stripes by drizzling a different Jolly Rancher color over the main coat.
Keeping Them Fresh
Eat these apples within a day for the best mix of crunchy coating and juicy apple. Keep them out on the counter instead of in the fridge, since moisture can make the candy get sticky. If you're making them ahead of time, don't slice the apples until you're ready to eat them so they won't turn brown.
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I've brought these Jolly Rancher candy apples to so many fall events, Halloween gatherings, and made them just because my kids kept asking for them. There's something special about that mix of hard, sweet candy shell with the juicy, tart apple inside. The fruity kick from the Jolly Ranchers makes them way more exciting than regular candy apples, and those bright colors turn any dessert table into something magical.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Can I switch out Jolly Ranchers for other candies?
- Yes! Use any meltable hard candies like Lifesavers or butterscotch for unique flavors. Just ensure they melt smoothly.
- → How do I stop my candy from getting grainy?
- Don’t over-stir, work quickly, and consider mixing in a teaspoon of corn syrup to help prevent that from happening.
- → What should I do if the candy coating feels too thick?
- Add a few drops of water (a little at a time) and stir gently until it’s smoother. Avoid adding too much or it won’t set properly.
- → Can I prepare these apples in advance?
- Yes, up to a day or two ahead. Keep them in a cool, dry spot. Don’t wrap them until the coating is fully hardened.
- → How do I make them look marbled or multi-colored?
- Use separate bowls for different Jolly Rancher colors. Dip partially or drizzle colors over the apples as you turn them for a cool design.