If you’re looking for a fun and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of summer, look no further than Sweet Ocean Candy Apples! This delightful craft recipe combines juicy apples with a shimmering ocean-inspired candy coating, perfect for parties, family gatherings, or a creative afternoon project. The vibrant colors and delicious flavors will not only tantalize your taste buds but also make for a stunning centerpiece at any event. Plus, this recipe offers endless possibilities for customization, allowing you to get creative with toppings and flavors. Whether you’re a novice in the kitchen or a seasoned pro, these gorgeous candy apples are sure to impress friends and family alike. Get ready to dive into a world of sweetness, color, and creativity!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Ocean Candy Apples:
- Visually Stunning: The shimmering ocean colors create a striking visual appeal.
- Customizable: Mix and match colors and toppings to suit your taste!
- Fun Activity: A great project for kids and adults to craft together.
- Delicious Flavor: The sweetness of the candy coupled with the tartness of the apple is irresistible.
- Perfect for Events: A festive treat for birthdays, holidays, or summer gatherings.
Materials:
- Fresh apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work great)
- Candy sticks or wooden skewers
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring (blue, green, and white)
- Edible glitter (optional)
- Toppings (sprinkles, crushed candies, or sea salt)
Full Step-by-Step:
Preparing the Apples
- Wash and Dry: Clean and dry the apples thoroughly to remove any wax or impurities.
- Insert Sticks: Push a candy stick or wooden skewer into each apple, positioning it about halfway up.
Making the Candy Coating
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Heat Mixture: Cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Avoid boiling until the sugar has fully dissolved.
- Bring to a Boil: Once dissolved, allow the mixture to come to a boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature.
Color the Candy
- Add Color: When the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), remove it from the heat. Quickly add your food coloring and stir until combined – choose ocean hues like blue and green for a wave-like effect.
- Optional Glitter: If using, add edible glitter to the hot mixture for extra sparkle.
Dipping the Apples
- Dip Apples: Hold each apple by its stick and dip it into the candy mixture, turning to coat evenly.
- Drip Excess: Allow excess candy to drip off before placing it on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Set to Dry: Let the candy coating harden for about 30 minutes at room temperature.
Add Finishing Touches
- Toppings: While the candy is still warm but not sticky, sprinkle on your chosen toppings to create an oceanic look.
- Cool Completely: Allow the apples to fully cool and harden before serving.
Tips & Variations:
- Customize Colors: Use any food coloring to match your theme – think sunset colors or rainbow hues.
- Fruit Alternative: Try using pears or strawberries as an alternative to apples for a different flavor.
- Experiment with Flavors: Add flavors like vanilla or almond extract to the candy for added depth.
- Alternative Sweeteners: Substitute granulated sugar with coconut sugar for a less refined option.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Can I use caramels instead of candy coating?
Yes! Melt caramel candies and follow the same dipping procedure for a delicious caramel apple.
2. What can I use if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
You can use the cold water test: drop a small amount of the candy mixture into cold water. If it forms a hard ball, it’s ready!
3. How should I store the candy apples?
Store them in a cool, dry place, preferably in a single layer to avoid sticking together.
4. Is it okay to use artificial food coloring?
Yes, as long as they are food-safe. You can also explore natural alternatives if desired.
Suggestions:
- Pair these candy apples with a tropical-themed dessert table for added flair.
- Consider offering a variety of toppings in a ‘build-your-own’ candy apple station at parties.
- Use themed wrappers for individual serving sizes, making them perfect as party favors.
Final Thoughts
Sweet Ocean Candy Apples are not only a delightful treat but also a fun and creative endeavor to share with family and friends! We hope you enjoy making and decorating these charming treats. Don’t forget to share your versions and any unique ideas you come up with in the comments below. Your creativity might just inspire someone else! Happy crafting!
Print
Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Delightful candy apples with an ocean-inspired coating, perfect for parties and gatherings.
Ingredients
- Fresh apples (Granny Smith or Fuji)
- Candy sticks or wooden skewers
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- Food coloring (blue, green, and white)
- Edible glitter (optional)
- Toppings (sprinkles, crushed candies, or sea salt)
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
- Insert candy sticks or wooden skewers into each apple.
- In a saucepan, mix sugar, corn syrup, and water.
- Cook over medium heat until sugar dissolves; avoid boiling.
- Allow mixture to come to a boil without stirring.
- When mixture reaches 300°F, remove from heat and add food coloring.
- Dip each apple into the candy mixture to coat evenly.
- Allow excess candy to drip off and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let the candy coating harden for about 30 minutes.
- While still warm, sprinkle on chosen toppings.
- Let the apples cool completely before serving.
Notes
Experiment with different food colors and toppings to suit your preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg