Hello, Lovely Readers!
As October rolls in each year, I eagerly anticipate one of my favorite traditions: October Apple-Picking Month. It is the perfect time to gather fresh apples and dive into making DIY Candy Apples.
As the leaves begin to fall, my family and friends grab our coziest jackets and head to our favorite apple orchards. Walking among the rows of apple trees is a cherished tradition. Whether I’m reaching for the highest branch or spotting a hidden gem down low, the thrill of finding that shiny, perfect apple never gets old.
But the excitement doesn’t end once we leave the orchard. The real fun starts back at home. I like to think of each apple as a blank canvas, waiting for our creative touch. We fill bowls with melted caramel and chocolate for dipping. Some of us opt for the classic candy apple covered with a hard, sweet layer made from boiling sugar and water, while others get artsy.
We set out bowls overflowing with colorful sprinkles, crushed cookies, nuts, and edible glitter. Watching the younger kids get creative with their apple designs is a treat.
A lot of people love October because of Halloween. But for me, it’s about these apple-picking adventures and the lasting memories we create with our loved ones.
DIY Classic Apple Recipe:
Ingredients
- 8-10 small to medium-sized apples
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
- Wooden sticks or skewers
Instructions:
- Start by washing and drying the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert wooden sticks or skewers into the tops of each apple.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring until the mixture reaches 300 degrees (hard crack stage).
- Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the food coloring if desired.
- Quickly dip each apple into the candy mixture, ensuring coating completely, and place them on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet to cool.
DIY Caramel Apple Recipe:
Ingredients:
- 8-10 small to medium-sized apples
- 1 cup unsalted butter
- 2 cups packed brown sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- Wooden sticks or skewers
Instructions:
- Start by washing and drying the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert wooden sticks or skewers into the tops of each apple.
- In a medium-sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the brown sugar, corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Bring the mixture to a boil and cook until it reaches the “soft ball” stage (around 238 to 240 degrees).
- Once it reaches this temperature, remove it from the heat and stir in the pure vanilla extract.
- Quickly dip each apple into the caramel mixture, thoroughly coat them, and place on a parchment or silicone-lined baking sheet to cool.
**Note: If adding toppings, do it right after dipping and before the caramel sets.
DIY Chocolate Drizzle Candy Apples:
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of chocolate chips (milk, dark or white)
- 1 tablespoon shortening or coconut oil
Instructions:
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and shortening or coconut oil at 30-second intervals, stirring until entirely melted.
- Using a fork or spoon, drizzle the melted chocolate over the coated apple in a zigzag motion.
- Let them cool and set before serving.
The team at CompassOhio wants to hear from you! Drop a comment below and let us know your favorite candy apple flavor. Is it the classic red? Or the caramel? We’re excited to see your choices.
Be sure to check out the recipe for Wendy’s Apple Crisp.
