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There’s something truly magical about biting into a red hot candy apple—a treat that evokes nostalgia and a touch of mystery with its vibrant, glossy coat and irresistible sweet-spicy kick. These dazzling delights are perfect for adding a splash of color and fun to any fall gathering or Halloween party. 

Imagine a table adorned with these crimson beauties, catching the eye of every guest and inviting them to indulge in a classic treat with a twist.

Whether you’re planning a festive get-together or simply looking for a playful snack to share with family and friends, red hot candy apples are the perfect way to celebrate the season. 

What are Red Hot Candy Apples?

Red Hot Candy Apples are a delightful twist on the traditional candy apple. They feature a glossy, bright red coating made from a mixture that often includes cinnamon candies or cinnamon flavoring, giving them a spicy kick alongside the usual sweetness. 

This combination creates a unique flavor profile that’s both sweet and spicy, making them a popular treat during fall festivities, especially around Halloween. They’re not only delicious but also visually striking, making them a fun and festive addition to any gathering! 

Consider pairing them with creamy vanilla ice cream to create a dreamy contrast that soothes and enhances the fiery cinnamon flavor. For a savory twist, try serving these vibrant apples alongside a sharp cheddar cheese platter; the robust flavors of the cheese beautifully counterbalance the sweetness of the apples, creating a sophisticated snack. 

And let’s not forget about beverages—sip on a chilled apple cider or a sparkling cranberry mocktail to refresh your palate and add a touch of zing to your fall festivity.

Red Hot Candy Apples Ingredients

1 dozen Apples -Whether you’re using Red Delicious Apples or Pink Lady Apples, the key is to have them at room temperature. These give a tart, juicy, and crisp bite to contrast with the sweet candy coating.

1 dozen Lollipop Sticks or cut and cleaned twigs – These are used to hold your candy apples. You can use either store-bought lollipop sticks or cleaned twigs for a rustic touch.

3 cups Granulated Sugar – This sweetens the candy coating, making your apples truly indulgent.

3/4 cups Light Corn Syrup – Corn syrup provides a smooth texture to your candy coating, ensuring it clings to your apples without crystallizing.

1-1/2 cups Water – This is necessary in the candy-making process to dissolve the sugar, creating a perfect syrup.

3/4 cups Cinnamon Imperial Candies – These give your candy apples their unique spicy kick and red-hot appearance.

1 tsp. Vanilla – The addition of vanilla enhances the overall flavor profile, making the candy coating richer and more well-rounded, while complementing the tartness of the apples.

1-1/2 tsp. Ground Cinnamon – Adding this extra hint of cinnamon brings a warm, comforting flavor that pairs wonderfully with the sweet and spicy coating.

3/4 tsp. Red Food Color – This gives your candy apples their vibrant, enticing color. A definite crowd-pleaser.

How to Make Red Hot Candy Apples

Now that you have the ingredients, it’s time to start making these red-hot treats!

1. First, wash your room-temperature apples thoroughly, remove their stems, and lay them on paper towels to dry. 
2. Cover a large baking sheet with wax paper, and give it a good coating of cooking spray.
3. Next, we have to dry off our apples completely using a soft cloth or paper towel. It’s vital that you don’t skip this step, as any remaining moisture could cause the hot candy to splatter. 
4. Once your apples are dry, insert a lollipop stick or a cleaned twig into the stem end of each apple, pushing it about halfway through.
5. In a medium saucepan, combine your granulated sugar and ground cinnamon, followed by the corn syrup, water, cinnamon imperials, and vanilla. 
6. On medium heat, stir this mixture consistently until the sugar is completely dissolved. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of your saucepan and bring your mixture to a boil, continuing to stir until all the candies are dissolved and the thermometer reads 285⁰.
7. Once your mixture is at the right temperature, remove it from the heat and let it sit for about one minute to let some of the bubbles go away. 
8. Now, you’ll have to work fast. Dip each apple into the hot syrup, spinning them to ensure full coverage. Let any excess syrup drip back into the saucepan, then move your freshly coated apple onto the wax paper-covered baking sheet.
9. Finally, let your beautiful cinnamon candy apples cool down to room temperature. 
10. If you’re not eating them right away, remember to store them in an airtight container and enjoy them within a couple of days. 

Tips for Making This Recipe

1. Choose the Right Apples: The apple variety you choose can make a difference in the final taste. Red Delicious Apples are the traditional choice, but Pink Lady Apples offer a tart, juicy, and crisp alternative.
2. Preparation is Key: Make sure you thoroughly dry the apples after washing. Any remaining water can cause the hot candy to splatter when dipping, which could be potentially dangerous.
3. Monitoring the Temperature: The use of a candy thermometer is crucial to achieving the perfect candy coating. The mixture should be boiled until it reaches 285 degrees.
4. Be Patient with Coating: Dip each apple into the syrup and spin to coat, allowing excess to drip back into the pan. This helps to achieve a smooth, even layer of candy on each apple.
5. Storage is Essential: These candy-coated apples are best enjoyed within a couple of days of making. Keep them in an airtight container at room temperature to preserve their freshness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if my candy coating is too thick or sticky?

If the coating is too thick, it might not have reached the right temperature. Reheat it gently until it reaches 285-300°F. For stickiness, ensure your apples are dry before dipping, and allow ample time for the coating to harden.

What if I don’t have cinnamon candies?  

Use cinnamon extract for flavor, adding a few drops to the candy mixture until you achieve the desired spice level.

How can I make this recipe suitable for kids to help with?

Kids can assist with washing the apples, inserting the sticks, and decorating the finished apples. Just be cautious with the hot candy mixture—adult supervision is a must!

Can I store Red Hot Candy Apples, and if so, how?  

Yes, you can store them! Wrap each apple individually in plastic wrap and store them in a cool, dry place. They can last up to three days if properly stored.

Conclusion

And that wraps up our delicious Cinnamon Candy Apple recipe! Whether you’re an avid baker or just starting out, we hope you’ve enjoyed making these fun and flavorful treats. If you’ve tried this recipe, we would love to see your creations! 

Snap a picture and share it with us. And if you enjoyed this recipe, don’t forget to leave a rating. Every feedback helps us deliver better recipes for everyone.

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Thank you for sharing!