Caramelized Candy Apple: A Traditional Delight with a Modern Twist

Candy apples are a traditional dessert, much appreciated at parties, fairs and celebrations around the world. Their origins date back to Halloween and fall festivities in the United States, and they are also popular at Italian festivals, such as “Carnevale di Venezia”. The recipe is simple but delightful, combining the natural sweetness of the apple with a crunchy layer of caramel or sugar.

Fun facts:

Candy apples are a symbol of luck and prosperity in many cultures.Traditionally, red apples are used, which represent passion, but green or yellow varieties can also be used.In addition to being caramelized, they can be covered with chocolate, sprinkles or nuts, creating varied and irresistible versions.

Ingredients (For approximately 8 units):

8 medium apples (red, green or yellow)
Ice cream or barbecue sticks
1 cup (200 g) sugar
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
1 tablespoon corn syrup (optional, prevents sugar crystals)
1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
Milk or semisweet chocolate (for topping)
Candy, nuts, or sprinkles, for decoration

Preparation:

Wash the apples well, remove the stems and stick a toothpick in each one, in the center, on the stem.
Prepare the caramel: In a deep pan, place the sugar, water, and corn syrup (optional) and cook over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Then, let it boil without stirring, until it reaches a golden or amber color, about 8-10 minutes. If desired, add drops of food coloring to give it a vibrant color.
Coat the apples: Dip each apple in the caramel, tilting the pan to help coat evenly. Remove and let the excess drip off.

Cool: Place the apples on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or silicone, and let cool until the caramel hardens, approximately 10 minutes.

Optional – chocolate coating: After the caramel hardens, melt the chocolate in a double boiler or in the microwave. Dip the apples in the melted chocolate and decorate with sprinkles or nuts. Let harden at room temperature or in the refrigerator.

Tips for variations and flavors:

Chocolate: A layer of white, milk or semisweet chocolate goes very well. You can apply a layer of chocolate on top of the caramel or make a double coating.
Sprinkle sprinkles and nuts: Sprinkle colorful sprinkles or pieces of nuts on the chocolate coating to give it a crunchy touch and an attractive appearance.
Different flavors: Add spices such as cinnamon or a pinch of coarse salt to the melted chocolate for different flavors.

Preparation time: Approximately 30 minutes
Servings: 8 units

Calories:
A medium candied apple (with caramel and chocolate coating) contains approximately 150 to 200 calories. This estimate may vary depending on the additional ingredients and toppings.

Tip: If you want a healthier recipe, you can replace the sugar with honey or use yogurt toppings. Since you like to innovate, try creative combinations of flavors and colors to make your candied apples even more irresistible!