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Poison Apples

Poison Apples

These spooky poison apples are perfect for Halloween! Tart apples are coated in a glossy black candy shell, creating an eerie yet delicious treat that’s sure to impress. Easy to make and visually stunning, these poison apples are ideal for parties or family gatherings.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium-sized apples (any variety)
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup light corn syrup
  • 1 cup water
  • Black gel food coloring
  • Candy sticks or wooden skewers
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: First things first, wash and dry the apples thoroughly. It’s important to remove any waxy coating that may be on the apples, as this can prevent the candy from sticking properly. Once the apples are clean and dry, insert a candy stick or wooden skewer into the top of each apple. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Make the Candy Coating: Next, you’ll make the candy coating that will transform these apples into poison apples. In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir the mixture over medium heat until the sugar has dissolved completely. Once it’s dissolved, stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. You’ll need to cook it until it reaches 300°F (150°C), which is known as the hard crack stage. This is the point where the sugar mixture will set into that glossy, hard coating.
  3. Add the Black Food Coloring: Once the candy reaches the correct temperature, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in a few drops of black gel food coloring, and if you’re feeling fancy, add a dash of vanilla extract for a hint of flavor. Stir until the color is fully incorporated, making sure the candy is evenly black.
  4. Coat the Apples: Now comes the fun part—coating the apples! Working quickly (because the candy will start to harden), dip each apple into the candy mixture. Twist the apple to ensure an even coating and let the excess candy drip off before placing the apple onto your prepared parchment paper. Repeat this process with all the apples.
  5. Let Set and Serve: Allow the coated apples to cool and harden at room temperature. Once they’ve set, you’ll have a batch of beautifully spooky poison apples ready to serve! They’re the perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, and eerie—guaranteed to impress your guests.

Notes

  • Temperature is key: If you don’t cook the sugar mixture to 300°F, it won’t harden properly. A candy thermometer is essential for this recipe!
  • Work quickly: Once you remove the candy from the heat, it begins to harden. Be prepared to dip your apples right away.
  • Black gel food coloring: Gel coloring works best because it doesn’t water down the mixture like liquid food coloring might. It also gives that deep, dark black hue that’s perfect for poison apples.
  • Use caution: Hot sugar can burn, so take care while working with the candy mixture. Keep kids and pets away from the cooking area.
  • Author: Elina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Stovetop, Candy-Making
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 apple
  • Calories: 350 kcal
  • Sugar: 80g
  • Sodium: 15mg
  • Fat: 0g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 90g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: Halloween treats, Candy apples recipe, Spooky desserts, Black candy apples