Introduction to Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Ah, Sweet Ocean Candy Apples! These pretty little numbers aren’t just pleasing to the eye but pack a pretty big punch of happiness with every boy and girl like treat. I get it- I’m a mom on the go and sometimes, even just looking to impress to snack for my kids and their friends is a struggle. This super easy recipe is perfect for those times you want to make something extra special but don’t want to spend all day in the kitchen. Just imagine the sheer blue smiles that will spread across your little one’s face as he takes a bite out of these treats. Get ready to have some magical memories so these candy apples will steal the show at your next gathering!
Why You’ll Love This Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Sweet Ocean Candy Apples are those you love for their simplicity and their yummy taste. They take only 25 minutes to assemble, hence being perfect if you are in need of a quick snack or any festive treat. Of course, the taste of this tart ‘n juicy apple paired with a super sweet sugary ocean blue coating is way too inviting. Whether you’re hosting a birthday celebration or planning a family movie night – these candy apples will shine on your crew leaving everyone asking for more.
Ingredients for Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Making Sweet Ocean Candy Apples is an adventure filled with delightful ingredients! Let’s dive into what you’ll need to create these tasty treats:
- Medium Apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp varieties bring the perfect tartness to balance the sweetness of the candy coating.
- Lollipop Sticks or Wooden Skewers: These serve as the magical handles, allowing guests to enjoy the apples easily without sticky fingers.
- Granulated Sugar: The star of our sweet concoction! It forms the crunchy candy coating that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- Light Corn Syrup: This helps to create a smooth consistency and prevents the sugar from crystallizing. You can swap it for glucose syrup if needed.
- Water: This helps to dissolve the sugar before boiling it up to a lovely candy stage.
- Blue Gel Food Coloring: An essential for achieving that oceanic hue! Feel free to explore other colors for fun variations.
- Edible Blue Glitter: Optional, but who can resist a touch of sparkle? It adds a fun visual element to your candy apples!
- Vanilla Extract: A dash of this enhances the flavor, creating a more complex taste. If you’re feeling adventurous, try different extracts!
You’ll find exact measurements for these ingredients listed at the bottom of the article, ready for printing whenever you’re prepared to dive in!
How to Make Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Now comes the fun part—making your Sweet Ocean Candy Apples! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be rewarded with beautiful, delicious treats. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
First things first, wash your apples well under running water.
Make sure to dry them completely, too. This is super important!
If your apples have any wax coating, dunk them in hot water for a few seconds and wipe them clean.
By doing this, your candy coating will stick beautifully!
Once they’re clean, insert the lollipop sticks firmly into the tops of each apple.
Place them on a parchment-lined tray, and we’re ready for the next step!
Step 2: Create the Candy Coating
Grab a heavy-bottom saucepan and add the sugar, corn syrup, and water.
Set it over medium-high heat and let it do its magic without stirring.
Watch carefully as the sugar dissolves—this part is like watching a pot of water boil!
Let the mixture bubble away until it reaches 150°C (300°F)—this is the hard crack stage.
Once it reaches that magical temperature, carefully remove it from the heat and quickly stir in the blue food coloring and vanilla extract.
If you’re using glitter, add a pinch of it here for that extra ocean sparkle!
Step 3: Dip the Apples
Now, tilt the pan slightly so the candy coating pools.
Grab an apple and dip it into the syrup, twirling it gently for an even coat.
Lift the apple and let the excess coating drip back into the pan.
It’s all about that perfect, glossy finish!
Place the dipped apple on the parchment paper, and repeat the process for the rest.
Step 4: Add Finishing Touches
While the candy coating is still warm and sticky, sprinkle on some edible blue glitter.
This is where your apples come to life, creating that stunning “sparkling ocean” effect!
Let your lovely candy apples cool completely on the parchment paper before serving them up.
Trust me, the wait will be worth it when everyone sees and tastes your Sweet Ocean Candy Apples!
Tips for Success
- Ensure your apples are completely dry to achieve a smooth coating. Don’t skip this step!
- Use a candy thermometer for precise temperature readings. It’s your secret weapon for perfect candy!
- If the candy hardens too quickly, gently reheat it over low heat to soften it.
- Let the coating cool slightly before dipping for a thicker layer.
- Experiment with flavors by swapping vanilla for other extracts!
Equipment Needed
- Heavy-bottom saucepan: Essential for even heat distribution. A regular saucepan works, too!
- Candy thermometer: A must for accurate temperature readings. An instant-read thermometer can be used as an alternative.
- Parchment paper: For easy cleanup. Wax paper is a suitable substitute.
- Lollipop sticks or wooden skewers: Ideal for holding the apples. You can use chopsticks in a pinch!
Variations
- Colorful Candy Apples: Swap blue food coloring for red, green, or even rainbow colors for a festive twist!
- Flavor Variations: Add a hint of coconut extract for a tropical vibe or almond extract for a nutty undertone.
- Dairy-Free: Keep the recipe as is, as all ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
- Healthy Twist: Use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, although this may require adjustments in cooking time.
- Nut Toppings: After coating, roll your candy apples in crushed nuts for added crunch and flavor!
Serving Suggestions
- Serve your Sweet Ocean Candy Apples on a colorful platter for a stunning display!
- Pair them with vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast of flavors.
- For a fun twist, offer a selection of dips like caramel or chocolate.
- Enjoy with fizzy drinks or fruit juices for a refreshing treat.
FAQs about Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are my favorites for their tartness, you can use Fuji or Gala apples if you prefer a sweeter treat. Just remember, the flavor contrast between the sweet candy coating and the tart apple is what makes these Sweet Ocean Candy Apples so special!
How should I store the candy apples?
To keep your candy apples fresh, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid refrigerating, as humidity can cause the candy coating to become sticky. Place them in a single layer in an airtight container, making sure they’re not touching each other to prevent any damage to the beautifully glossy coating!
Can I make these candy apples ahead of time?
Yes! You can make Sweet Ocean Candy Apples a day in advance. Just ensure they’re stored properly as mentioned above. They’ll still look and taste fantastic the next day, making them perfect for party prep!
What if the candy coating doesn’t harden?
If your candy coating isn’t hardening, it might not have reached the hard crack stage during cooking. Next time, keep an eye on the thermometer and ensure it hits at least 150°C (300°F). If you’re in a pinch, put the apples in the fridge for a few minutes to help set the coating!
Can I use sugar substitutes in the candy coating?
While I love the classic taste of granulated sugar, you can experiment with sugar substitutes. However, keep in mind that different sweeteners have different properties, which may affect the texture and flavor. If you’re going for a healthier version, you might need to adjust cooking times and techniques!
Final Thoughts
Making Sweet Ocean Candy Apples is so much fun! Each and every process starting from washing the apples to dipping them in that bright candy coating is just about an adventure. These yummy delights not only excite but bring more fun and create fond memories with the people you love and care for. Imagine children laughing as they look at their glittering ocean blue creations! And yet, for all its appeal, the most appealing factor of this recipe is its stunning simplicity when the day is too busy or on the occasion itself. So, gather your wits and ingredients, let these candy apples be a sweet and fun part of your household.
PrintSweet Ocean Candy Apples: A Fun, Delicious Treat!
Sweet Ocean Candy Apples are a fun and delicious treat, perfect for parties or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy apples 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
- 6 lollipop sticks or wooden skewers
- 400 g (2 cups) granulated sugar
- 120 ml (½ cup) light corn syrup (or glucose syrup)
- 120 ml (½ cup) water
- ½ tsp blue gel food coloring
- Edible blue glitter (optional, for sparkle)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional, for flavor)
Instructions
- Wash apples thoroughly and dry completely (remove wax coating if store-bought by dipping apples in hot water briefly, then wiping dry). Insert sticks firmly into the tops. Set aside on a parchment-lined tray.
- In a heavy-bottom saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat without stirring until sugar dissolves. Allow mixture to boil until it reaches 150°C (300°F / hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer. Once at temperature, remove from heat. Quickly stir in blue food coloring, vanilla, and a pinch of edible glitter if using.
- Tilt the pan slightly and dip each apple, twirling to coat evenly. Lift and allow excess to drip off. Place on parchment paper to set.
- While still sticky, sprinkle extra edible glitter on top for a “sparkling ocean” effect. Let apples cool completely before serving.
Notes
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to achieve a smooth coating.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.
- Experiment with different colors of food coloring for variety.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 65g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg