Mini Candy Apples Sticks (Printable Version)

Bite-sized apples coated in a shiny, crunchy candy shell—great for kids and parties.

# What You'll Need:

→ Apples

01 - 8 small apples such as Gala or Fuji, or 16 crabapples

→ Candy Coating

02 - 2 cups granulated sugar
03 - 1/2 cup light corn syrup
04 - 1/2 cup water
05 - 1/2 teaspoon red gel food coloring

→ For Assembly

06 - 16 wooden sticks lollipop or popsicle sticks
07 - Nonstick cooking spray or parchment paper

# How To Make It:

01 - Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. If using large apples, cut each in half and scoop out the seeds with a small melon baller. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end of each apple or apple half.
02 - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease, or spray a silicone mat with nonstick spray.
03 - In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
04 - Increase heat to high, bring the mixture to a boil without stirring, and cook until it reaches 290°F on a candy thermometer at the hard crack stage, approximately 8 to 10 minutes.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the red food coloring until evenly distributed throughout the mixture.
06 - Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot candy coating, swirling to coat evenly. Let the excess drip off, then place the apple on the prepared baking sheet.
07 - Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating hardens, approximately 10 minutes.
08 - Serve and enjoy the finished candy apples.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Quick and easy with minimal ingredients needed
  • Perfect portion size for kids and party guests
  • Beautifully glossy candy coating that hardens to a satisfying crunch
  • Customizable with different colors and toppings
  • Nut-free, dairy-free, and gluten-free for allergen-conscious celebrations
  • Fun activity to make with children under supervision
02 -
  • Use a candy thermometer and monitor closely—a few degrees can make the difference between perfect and burnt
  • Tilt the saucepan slightly while dipping to create a deeper pool of coating
  • If bubbles form in the candy, let it sit for 30 seconds before dipping to allow them to dissipate
  • Store finished candy apples at room temperature, never in the refrigerator
  • Make these the day you plan to serve them for the best texture and appearance
  • Adult supervision is required when working with hot candy syrup
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