Description
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a fun and colorful twist on the classic autumn treat, featuring crisp apples dipped in a vibrant, melted Jolly Rancher candy coating. These easy-to-make candy apples are perfect for parties, Halloween, or any festive occasion, with customizable toppings like edible glitter, sprinkles, nuts, or chocolate drizzle for extra flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Candy Coating
- 2–3 bags of Jolly Rancher hard candies (assorted flavors)
- 1–2 tablespoons of water
Additional Toppings
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- Edible glitter for a sparkling effect
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut as desired
- A drizzle of white or dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. To remove any wax coating, soak them in hot water briefly and gently scrub each apple. Insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick firmly into the center of each apple to use as a handle.
- Melt the Jolly Ranchers on the Stovetop: Unwrap the Jolly Rancher candies and separate them by color if you like to create a layered or multi-flavored effect. Place the candies in a heavy-bottomed saucepan along with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring continuously until the candies have melted completely into a smooth syrup.
- Melt the Jolly Ranchers in the Microwave: Alternatively, place unwrapped candies in a microwave-safe bowl with a small splash of water. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring after each interval, until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip and Coat the Apples: Tilt the saucepan or bowl to gather the melted candy into a deep well for easy dipping. Submerge each apple in the candy, rotating it slowly to ensure it is evenly coated. Lift the apple and let any excess candy drip off. Immediately roll or sprinkle the coating with your choice of sprinkles, crushed nuts, shredded coconut, or edible glitter while the candy is still tacky.
- Cool and Set: Place the coated apples upright on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool. Let them set at room temperature for about 30 minutes until the candy hardens completely. Avoid refrigerating right away to prevent condensation that can make the coating sticky.
Notes
- Use firm, crisp apples to ensure the best texture and ease of dipping.
- Separating Jolly Ranchers by color can create a layered candy effect if melted in stages.
- Add toppings quickly after dipping before the candy hardens.
- Store candy apples at room temperature in a cool, dry place to maintain the candy coating’s crispness.
- Use caution when melting hard candies as they become very hot and can cause burns.
