Description
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a fun and colorful twist on the classic caramel apple, featuring a vibrant, hard candy coating made from melted Jolly Rancher candies. Perfect for parties or festive occasions, these apples offer a sweet, crunchy exterior with a juicy apple center. Finished with optional edible glitter, sprinkles, nuts, or a drizzle of chocolate, this recipe is easy to make and sure to impress kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Hard Candy Coating
- 2–3 bags of Jolly Rancher hard candies (assorted flavors)
- 1–2 tablespoons of water
Additional Items
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
- Edible glitter for a sparkling effect (optional)
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut (optional)
- A drizzle of white or dark chocolate (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. To remove any wax coating, soak the apples in hot water and gently scrub them. Once clean and dry, insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the center of each apple to prepare for dipping.
- Melt the Jolly Ranchers (Stovetop Method): Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers and separate them by color if you want a specific flavor combination. Place the candies in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with 1 to 2 tablespoons of water. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring constantly until the candies are completely melted and smooth.
- Melt the Jolly Ranchers (Microwave Method): Alternatively, place the unwrapped candies in a microwave-safe bowl and add a small splash of water. Microwave the candies in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until fully melted and smooth.
- Dip and Coat the Apples: Tilt the saucepan or microwave bowl to create a deep well of melted candy. Dip each apple into the melted candy, rotating it thoroughly to ensure an even coating. Let any excess candy drip off before placing the apple onto a parchment-lined baking sheet. If desired, roll the still-wet candy-coated apples in sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut for extra texture and flavor.
- Cool and Set: Place the coated apples on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid refrigerating immediately, as condensation can cause the candy coating to become sticky. Optionally, add a drizzle of white or dark chocolate and edible glitter for a sparkling finish once the candy has set.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance to the sweet candy coating.
- Removing the wax coating helps the candy stick better to the apple surface.
- Melting candy at low heat prevents burning and ensures a smooth coating.
- For best results, avoid refrigerating candy apples immediately to prevent stickiness.
- Customize your apples by mixing candy colors or adding fun toppings.
