Chef Mitchell preparing Glitter Candy Coated Apples
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I first discovered Glitter Candy Coated Apples at a local fair and was instantly captivated by their beauty. After several attempts to recreate the perfect candy coating, I finally perfected the technique. Now, they are a staple at my gatherings and a hit every time. Sharing this recipe brings me joy as I watch others fall in love with these stunning treats!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, Chef Mitchell specializes in creating delightful snacks and desserts. His passion for cooking is matched only by his love for sharing recipes that bring people together. He believes that cooking should be fun and accessible, showcasing the joy of home-cooked meals.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Glitter Candy Coated Apples served on a plate

Why This Glitter Candy Coated Apples Recipe Works

This Glitter Candy Coated Apples recipe stands out because of its unique and visually appealing presentation. The combination of sweet candy coating and vibrant edible glitter creates a treat that's not only delicious but also a feast for the eyes. It's an excellent way to turn a simple apple into a festive dessert that will impress your guests.

The technique of using a candy thermometer ensures that the coating achieves the perfect consistency for dipping. This guarantees a smooth, shiny finish that hardens beautifully, making each bite a delightful experience. The ability to customize with various colors and glitters makes this recipe versatile and fun for any occasion.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, make sure your apples are thoroughly dried before dipping. Any moisture can cause the candy coating to seize up and not adhere properly. Also, work quickly when dipping, as the candy coating can harden fast. Use a candy thermometer to monitor temperature accurately for perfect results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can make Glitter Candy Coated Apples a few hours ahead of time. Once the candy coating has set, store them in a cool, dry place to maintain their shine. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can affect the texture. Enjoy them within a day or two for the best taste and appearance.

If you'd like to experiment, you can substitute pears or even bananas for a different flavor profile. Just ensure that the fruit is firm enough to hold the candy coating without falling apart. For a more adventurous treat, try dipping strawberries or marshmallows in the candy coating instead.

You can tell the coating is done when it reaches the hard crack stage at 300°F on a candy thermometer. The candy should be shiny and will harden when cooled. Additionally, the apples should be completely coated and not dripping with syrup before cooling on parchment paper.

Freezing Glitter Candy Coated Apples is not recommended, as the candy coating may become sticky or lose its texture after thawing. It's best to enjoy them fresh to appreciate their crisp coating and vibrant appearance. If you must store them, keep them in a cool place, avoiding moisture.

Glitter Candy Coated Apples pair beautifully with caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, or whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. You can also serve them alongside a fresh fruit platter or a selection of festive snacks for a delightful dessert table.

If stored properly in a cool and dry environment, Glitter Candy Coated Apples can last for about 1-2 days. However, refrigeration is not advisable as it may cause the candy coating to sweat and lose its shine. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature for the best results.

Yes, you can prepare Glitter Candy Coated Apples a few hours in advance, as they are best enjoyed soon after coating. Allow them to cool completely before storing in a cool, dry place. This will help maintain their texture and appearance, ensuring they remain festive and delicious.

Reheating is not advised as it can ruin the candy coating. If they have hardened and become too difficult to bite into, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving. If necessary, you can lightly warm them in a microwave for a few seconds, but watch carefully to avoid melting the coating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the candy coating is too dry or cracked, it may not have been cooked to the right temperature.

Solution: Ensure you're using a candy thermometer and cooking the syrup to the hard crack stage at 300°F for the best results.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: If the candy coating isn't crispy, it may not have cooled properly or was too thick.

Solution: Make sure to dip quickly and allow excess syrup to drip off before placing on parchment paper. Thin layers will ensure a crisp finish.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: If the candy coating is overly dark or hard, it may have been overcooked.

Prevention: To prevent this, closely monitor the temperature and remove the mixture from heat as soon as it reaches 300°F.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the center of the apple seems undercooked, the candy coating may not have set properly.

Recovery: Ensure that the candy was cooked long enough and the apples were well-coated with syrup for adequate coverage.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the candy coating burns, it may have been exposed to too high heat for too long.

Prevention: Control the heat level and stir the mixture gently to prevent hot spots during cooking.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the apples are too sweet, you may serve them with a side of tart dipping sauce.

Too Salty: To offset too salty candy, consider adding a touch of sweet chocolate or frosting.

Bland: If the flavor is bland, try adding a hint of cinnamon or nutmeg to the candy coating mixture.

Fresh ingredients for Glitter Candy Coated Apples

Essential Ingredients for Glitter Candy Coated Apples

The key ingredients for Glitter Candy Coated Apples include fresh, crisp apples, which serve as the base for this delightful treat. Selecting a firm variety, such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, will enhance the overall texture. The candy coating requires granulated sugar and corn syrup, which create a glossy finish when cooked to the right temperature.

Quality matters when it comes to ingredients. Use high-quality, vibrant edible glitter to ensure a dazzling finish. Fresh apples without blemishes will yield the best results, providing a perfect contrast to the sweet candy coating. Opt for pure vanilla extract for a richer flavor in the syrup.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Fresh Apples: Choose apples that are firm and crisp for the best coating. Avoid any with blemishes or soft spots to ensure a good bite. The tartness of green apples pairs wonderfully with the sweetness of the candy coating.
  • Granulated Sugar: Using granulated sugar is essential for creating the hard candy coating. Make sure it’s fresh and not clumped for optimal dissolving in the syrup.
  • Edible Glitter: Select high-quality edible glitter for a stunning finish. Ensure that it's food-safe and comes in a variety of colors to customize your apples. A little goes a long way, so sprinkle lightly for a beautiful effect.
Cooking process for Glitter Candy Coated Apples

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Creating Glitter Candy Coated Apples is a fun and straightforward process. Start by preparing your apples and creating the candy syrup, following the steps carefully for the best results. The key is to have all ingredients ready and maintain the right temperature throughout cooking.

Achieving perfect results relies on proper dipping technique and timely application of glitter. Make sure to coat each apple quickly and allow them to cool correctly on parchment paper. With practice, you’ll master the art of candy coating and impress everyone with your beautiful creations.

Key Technique for Perfect Glitter Candy Coated Apples

The key to achieving a perfect candy coating lies in cooking the syrup to the hard crack stage. This stage ensures the candy becomes hard and glossy as it cools. Monitoring the temperature with a candy thermometer is crucial; it allows you to dip the apples at just the right consistency, ensuring a beautiful, satisfying crunch.

Glitter Candy Coated Apples

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1 cup heavy cream
    For a creamy texture
  • 1 cup brown sugar
    For extra sweetness
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 tsp salt
    To balance sweetness

For the Sauce

  • 6 medium apples
    Any firm variety
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
    For candy coating
  • 1 cup water
    For syrup
  • 1 cup corn syrup
    For shiny finish
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
    For flavor
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    To enhance flavor
  • 2 cups edible glitter
    For decoration
  • 1 cup dark chocolate chips
    For drizzling
  • 1/2 cup sprinkles
    For extra color
  • Wooden sticks
    For dipping
  • Parchment paper
    For cooling
  • Food coloring (optional)
    For color variation

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Insert a wooden stick into the stem end of each apple.

  2. Make the candy coating

    In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, salt, and vanilla over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

  3. Cook the syrup

    Bring the mixture to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature, aiming for 300°F (hard crack stage).

  4. Add food coloring

    If desired, add food coloring to the syrup once it reaches the correct temperature and mix well.

  5. Coat the apples

    Quickly dip each apple into the candy syrup, rotating to coat evenly. Allow excess syrup to drip off.

  6. Sprinkle with glitter

    Immediately roll the coated apples in edible glitter and/or sprinkles before the coating hardens.

  7. Cool the apples

    Place the coated apples on parchment paper to cool completely.

  8. Serve

    Once cooled, display the glitter candy coated apples on a platter and enjoy!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

Store Glitter Candy Coated Apples in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. To maintain their texture and appearance, avoid refrigerating them. If properly stored, they can last for 1-2 days.

Serving Suggestions

These apples are perfect for serving at parties or gatherings. Pair them with a selection of dipping sauces like caramel or chocolate to enhance the experience. They also make great edible centerpieces!

Recipe Variations

For a fun twist, try using different fruits like pears or strawberries. You can also experiment with flavored coatings by adding extracts like almond or mint to the syrup for unique flavor profiles.