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Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
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A playful twist on the classic candy apple, these treats combine the crispness of fresh apples with the bold, fruity flavors of melted Jolly Ranchers. Perfect for parties, holidays, or a fun snack, these candy apples deliver a glossy, hard candy shell that bursts with vibrant taste.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 6 medium apples (choose firm, crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 6–8 Jolly Rancher candies (variety of flavors or one flavor for a consistent taste)
  • Wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
  • Optional: Food coloring to enhance color, if desired

Instructions

  • Prepare the Apples:

    • Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Insert a wooden stick into the core of each apple, ensuring a secure grip.
    • Optionally, lightly coat apples with a thin layer of lemon juice to prevent browning.

  • Melt the Jolly Ranchers:

    • Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between intervals, until completely melted. Set aside.

  • Make the Candy Coating:

    • In a medium, heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar.
    • Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
    • Once boiling, stop stirring and continue cooking until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.

  • Combine Flavors:

    • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
    • Quickly mix in the melted Jolly Ranchers, and if desired, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the hue.

  • Coat the Apples:

    • Working one apple at a time, dip the apple into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat evenly. Allow excess coating to drip off before setting the apple on a greased or parchment-lined surface to cool.
    • Repeat with all apples.

  • Cool and Serve:

    • Let the candy coating harden completely (approximately 15–20 minutes) before serving. Enjoy these festive treats immediately or store in an airtight container for a day.

Notes

  • Exercise caution when working with hot sugar mixtures to prevent burns.
  • The coating can be flavored further by mixing different Jolly Rancher flavors or layering flavors with separate dips.
  • Coating thickness may vary; for a thicker shell, allow the first layer to harden slightly before dipping a second time.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.cookflash.com/jolly-rancher-candy-apples/