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- 4 medium-sized apples (choose between tart Granny Smith or sweet Red Delicious) - 2 cups granulated sugar - 1/2 cup light corn syrup - 1/2 cup water - 1 cup assorted Jolly Rancher candies, unwrapped - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - Wooden sticks (for skewering) - Optional: Food coloring to match the vibrant colors of the Jolly Ranchers Choosing the right apple is key. I love using Granny Smith for a tart kick. Their crispness pairs well with the sweet candy. Red Delicious apples offer a sweeter taste. They are softer, so be gentle when dipping them in hot candy. You can also try other apples. Fuji or Honeycrisp can add their unique flavor. Just remember, firmer apples hold up best against the candy coating. You will need a few simple tools to make these candy apples. Here’s what I recommend: - Medium-sized saucepan for cooking the candy mixture - Candy thermometer to check the temperature - Parchment paper to line the baking sheet - Ziplock bag for crushing the Jolly Ranchers - Rolling pin or meat mallet for crushing the candies - Clean towel for drying the apples Having these tools ready makes the process smooth and fun. Each step is easier when your kitchen is organized! Start by washing the apples under cold water. This step removes any wax or dirt. Use a clean towel to dry them completely. A dry surface helps the candy stick better. Next, take a wooden stick and push it into the top of each apple. Push it about two-thirds in for a strong grip. Place the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Leave some space between them to avoid sticking. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Set the heat to medium and stir gently. You want to dissolve the sugar completely. Once clear, turn the heat to medium-high. Let the mixture boil without stirring. Use a candy thermometer to check the temperature. You need it to reach 300°F (150°C). This takes about 10-15 minutes. While you wait, prepare your Jolly Rancher candies. Put the unwrapped candies in a ziplock bag. Crush them into smaller bits using a rolling pin or meat mallet. This helps them stick to the apples better. After the sugar mixture reaches the right temperature, take it off the heat. Stir in the vanilla extract for flavor. If you want, add a few drops of food coloring for fun. Now comes the fun part! Carefully dip each apple into the hot candy mixture. Make sure the apple is coated evenly. Be careful; the candy is very hot! After dipping, sprinkle the crushed Jolly Ranchers on top of the warm candy coating. Turn the apple to cover it well. Let any extra candy drip off. Place the decorated apples back on the baking sheet. Allow them to cool for about 10-15 minutes. This lets the candy harden. Once set, your colorful Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are ready to enjoy! For complete details, check out the full recipe. To get the best candy coating, keep these tips in mind: - Use fresh apples for a crisp bite. - Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping. - Heat the candy mixture to 300°F for a firm shell. - Dip apples quickly to avoid cooling the mixture. - Rotate the apple while dipping for an even coat. Hot candy can burn, so be careful. - Always use a heavy pot to prevent hot spots. - Wear oven mitts when handling the pot. - Keep kids away from the hot mixture. - Use a candy thermometer for accurate readings. - If you spill, let it cool before cleaning. You can make your candy apples unique and fun! - Try different flavors of Jolly Ranchers for variety. - Add food coloring to the candy for a vibrant look. - Use toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles. - Drizzle melted chocolate over the finished apples. - Create themed apples for holidays or parties. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections of this article. Enjoy making your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples! {{image_4}} You can mix and match Jolly Ranchers for fun flavors. Try using blue raspberry and watermelon together. This combo creates a sweet and tangy treat. For a fruity twist, use cherry and green apple. The colors will pop and taste great! Add crunch to your candy apples with toppings. Chopped nuts like peanuts or almonds work well. You can also sprinkle colorful candy sprinkles on top. This adds both texture and fun colors to your apples. Get creative and use crushed cookies too! Make your candy apples festive for the season. For Halloween, use orange and black sprinkles. In winter, add white chocolate drizzles and festive sprinkles. For birthdays, you can use multi-colored sprinkles or edible glitter. These small details make your treats even more special. You can find the full recipe to get started on these fun variations. Enjoy making your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples! After making Jolly Rancher Candy Apples, let them cool completely. Place each apple in a single layer in a container. Use parchment paper or wax paper to separate layers if needed. This keeps the candy from sticking. To keep your candy apples fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid direct sunlight or heat. The candy coating can melt or become sticky. If you live in a warm area, consider using the fridge. Just remember, the candy may lose some crunch. Jolly Rancher Candy Apples can last for about 3-5 days if stored well. They taste best when fresh. Serve them at room temperature for the best flavor and texture. For parties, display them on a platter. They are sure to catch everyone's eye! Enjoy your sweet and colorful treat! I recommend using tart Granny Smith or sweet Red Delicious apples. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness that balances the sweet candy. On the other hand, Red Delicious apples offer a mild sweetness. Both types hold up well and create a nice crunch. Yes, you can use other candies! Try using Skittles or even gummy candies. They can add different flavors and textures. Just remember to crush them up like the Jolly Ranchers for good sticking. Each candy brings its own fun twist to the apples. If the candy coating doesn't stick, it may be due to wax on the apples. First, rinse the apples well in warm water. This helps remove any wax. Pat them dry completely before dipping. Another tip is to dip the apples while the candy coating is hot. This ensures a better cling. If needed, you can reheat the candy mixture to help it stick too. In this blog, we covered how to make Jolly Rancher candy apples. We started with the best apple types and the tools you'll need. Then, we went through the steps to prep, cook, and dip the apples. I shared tips for a perfect coating and how to customize your treats. We also explored fun flavor combos and seasonal ideas. Lastly, I explained how to store your candy apples to keep them fresh. Enjoy making these sweet treats, and have fun experimenting with your favorite flavors!

Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

Get ready to impress with these vibrant Jolly Rancher Candy Apples! Perfect for parties or a fun treat, these colorful delights combine juicy apples with a sweet candy coating and a sprinkle of crushed Jolly Ranchers for a burst of flavor. With easy-to-follow steps, you'll create a stunning presentation that wows guests. Click through for the full recipe and indulge in this deliciously fun dessert today!
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Ingredients
  

4 medium-sized apples (choose between tart Granny Smith or sweet Red Delicious)

2 cups granulated sugar

1/2 cup light corn syrup

1/2 cup water

1 cup assorted Jolly Rancher candies, unwrapped

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Wooden sticks (for skewering)

Optional: Food coloring to match the vibrant colors of the Jolly Ranchers

Instructions
 

Prep the Apples: Rinse the apples thoroughly under cold running water to eliminate any wax or residue. Pat them dry completely using a clean towel to ensure the candy sticks properly.

    Insert Sticks: Push a wooden stick into the top of each apple, driving it about two-thirds of the way in to create a sturdy handle. Arrange the prepared apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, leaving space between them.

      Create Candy Mixture: In a medium-sized saucepan, blend the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Set the saucepan over medium heat, stirring gently to dissolve the sugar completely.

        Bring to a Boil: Once the sugar solution is fully clear, increase the heat to medium-high. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches the hard crack stage on a candy thermometer (300°F or 150°C). This should take approximately 10-15 minutes.

          Prepare the Jolly Ranchers: While the sugar mixture heats, place the unwrapped Jolly Rancher candies into a ziplock bag. Using a rolling pin or a meat mallet, gently crush the candies into smaller pieces for easier adhesion to the apples.

            Flavor the Mixture: After the sugar mixture reaches the hard crack stage, promptly remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. If you wish, add a few drops of food coloring to enhance the visual appeal.

              Dip the Apples: Carefully dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Take extra caution, as the candy mixture is extremely hot!

                Add Jolly Rancher Topping: While the candy coating is still warm, generously sprinkle the crushed Jolly Ranchers over the surface of each apple. Rotate the apple to ensure even coverage and allow any extra candy mixture to drip off.

                  Set the Apples: Transfer the candy-coated apples back to the parchment-lined baking sheet. Let them cool and harden for about 10-15 minutes until the candy coating is firm.

                    Enjoy Your Treats: Once fully set, indulge in your colorful Jolly Rancher Candy Apples as a delightful and fun treat!

                      Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4

                        - Presentation Tips: For a stunning display, arrange the finished candy apples on a decorative platter, or wrap them individually in clear cellophane tied with colorful ribbons for gifting or party favors.