Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

If you’re looking for a fun, colorful twist on a classic treat, these Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are about to become your new favorite. Crisp, tart apples are coated in a vibrant, sticky candy shell made from the iconic Jolly Rancher candies, making for a super sweet and tangy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing for a fall gathering, a Halloween party, or just want something playful and delicious, these candy apples will steal the show. Trust me, the kids (and adults!) won’t be able to get enough of them.

Why You’ll Love Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

Here’s why these Jolly Rancher Candy Apples will be your new go-to:

• Colorful and Fun: With the rainbow of colors from the Jolly Ranchers, these apples are as fun to look at as they are to eat.
• Sweet and Tart: The combination of a tart, juicy apple with the ultra-sweet Jolly Rancher candy shell is pure magic. It’s a balance of flavors that’s so irresistible.
• Customizable: Want to change things up? You can experiment with different flavors of Jolly Ranchers or add sprinkles or toppings to customize each apple.
• Perfect for Parties: These apples make a showstopping treat at any event, especially for kids’ parties, holiday festivities, or fun fall treats.
• Easy to Make: This recipe might look a bit fancy, but it’s incredibly easy to make. No baking required—just melt and dip!

Ingredients

For these Jolly Rancher Candy Apples, here’s what you’ll need:

For the Apples:

• 6 medium apples: Granny Smith apples work best for their tartness and crisp texture, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
• Sticks or skewers: Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks are perfect for holding the apples while you dip them in candy.

For the Candy Coating:

• 1 bag (12 oz) of Jolly Rancher candies: Choose a mix of flavors (like watermelon, blue raspberry, and cherry) for vibrant colors and variety.
• 1/2 cup water: Helps dissolve the candy into a syrup.
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar: Adds extra sweetness to the candy coating.
• 1 tablespoon light corn syrup: Gives the candy coating a smooth, glossy finish.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Let’s make these gorgeous and delicious Jolly Rancher Candy Apples:

1. Prepare the Apples

• Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them completely. Make sure to remove any wax coating if necessary.
• Insert a stick or skewer into the stem of each apple, making sure it’s sturdy enough to hold the apple while dipping.

2. Prepare the Candy Coating

• Unwrap the Jolly Rancher candies and place them into a heatproof saucepan.
• Add the water, sugar, and corn syrup to the saucepan and heat over medium heat. Stir occasionally to help dissolve the candy.
• Once the candy is melted and the mixture is smooth, turn the heat to low and keep stirring for another 1-2 minutes to ensure the candy coating is completely smooth and glossy.

3. Dip the Apples

• Hold the apple by the stick and dip it into the melted Jolly Rancher candy syrup, swirling it to coat the apple evenly. Be sure to cover the apple completely, but leave a small border near the top to make it easier to handle.
• Allow the excess candy to drip off, then place the coated apple on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet or wax paper to set.

4. Let the Apples Cool

• Let the apples cool and harden for about 10-15 minutes. The candy shell will firm up as it cools, giving you that perfect crunchy exterior.

5. Serve and Enjoy

• Once the candy coating is set and firm, your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are ready to serve! Enjoy them as they are or get creative with toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, or drizzles of chocolate.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 6
Calories per serving: 220
Total Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
Sodium: 20mg
Total Carbohydrates: 57g
Dietary Fiber: 5g
Sugars: 54g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin A: 0%
Vitamin C: 6%
Calcium: 2%
Iron: 0%
Potassium: 150mg

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

These candy apples are vibrant and colorful on their own, but you can make them even more fun with a few extra touches:

• Toppings: After dipping in the Jolly Rancher candy, roll the apples in crushed nuts, sprinkles, or mini chocolate chips for added texture and flavor.
• Drizzle: Drizzle melted chocolate over the top for an extra touch of indulgence.
• Serve on a Platter: Present them on a fun platter with some candy or a few colorful decorations to make them pop.

Additional Tips

• Use Different Jolly Rancher Flavors: Experiment with different flavor combinations like watermelon and cherry or blue raspberry and apple for unique looks and tastes.
• Don’t Overheat the Candy: If you cook the candy mixture too long, it could become too hard to dip the apples properly. Keep the heat at medium to low for the best results.
• Keep the Apples Chilled: If you’re not eating them right away, store the apples in the fridge to keep the candy shell fresh and crisp. Just make sure they’re placed on parchment paper so they don’t stick.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use other types of candy for the coating?
A1: Yes! You can experiment with other hard candies like Lifesavers or Werther’s Originals, but Jolly Ranchers give you the best color and flavor combinations.

Q2: Do I need to use corn syrup?
A2: The corn syrup helps make the candy coating smooth and glossy, but if you don’t have any, you can omit it. The candy will still set, but it may not be as shiny.

Q3: Can I add sprinkles or other decorations?
A3: Absolutely! After dipping in the candy coating, roll the apples in crushed sprinkles, nuts, or drizzle chocolate on top to make them even more festive.

Q4: How long do these candy apples last?
A4: They are best eaten within 2-3 days. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature to keep the candy coating crisp.

Q5: Can I make these ahead of time?
A5: Yes! You can make them a day or two in advance, just make sure to store them properly in a cool, dry place.

Q6: What kind of apples should I use?
A6: Crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith are ideal because they provide a nice contrast to the sweet candy coating. However, you can use any apple variety you like!

Q7: Can I make these without a stick?
A7: Yes! If you prefer, you can skip the stick and simply serve the apples as slices dipped in the candy coating.

Q8: How can I prevent the candy from becoming too sticky?
A8: Let the apples cool completely and set the candy coating properly. You can also refrigerate them briefly to firm up the candy shell.

Q9: Can I use sugar-free Jolly Ranchers?
A9: Yes! You can use sugar-free Jolly Ranchers if you want to reduce the sugar content, but the candy shell might not be as vibrant.

Q10: Can I freeze these candy apples?
A10: Freezing is not recommended as it may cause the candy shell to crack or become too soft. It’s best to enjoy them fresh.

Conclusion

These Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are the perfect treat for adding a little fun and flair to your day. They’re sweet, tangy, and oh-so-colorful, making them the ultimate indulgence for kids and adults alike. Whether you’re making them for a party, holiday, or just for yourself, they’re sure to be a hit. Go ahead, take a bite—this nostalgic treat is just what you need!

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