Description
Create the best flavor Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples with our step-by-step easy to bake recipe. Perfect for a sweet treat!
Ingredients
- 8–10 medium firm apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 8–10 candy apple sticks or skewers
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon strawberry emulsion (or 1.5 tsp strawberry extract)
- 1/4 teaspoon red or pink gel food coloring
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (optional, for smoothness)
- 1.5 cups crushed vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, or homemade shortcake crumbs
- 2 tablespoons freeze-dried strawberry powder (optional, for crumbs)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry apples. Insert skewers firmly. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare Crumbles: In a shallow dish, combine crushed cookies/crumbs and freeze-dried strawberry powder (if using). Set aside.
- Cook Candy Coating: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Insert a candy thermometer. Increase heat to medium-high and boil without stirring until the mixture reaches 300-310°F (149-154°C) (hard crack stage).
- Flavor & Color: Immediately remove from heat. Stir in strawberry emulsion, gel food coloring, and butter (if using) until well combined.
- Dip Apples: Working quickly, tilt the saucepan. Dip one apple into the hot candy, rotating to coat evenly. Lift, allowing excess to drip back into the pan.
- Apply Crumbles: Immediately roll or sprinkle the dipped apple with the prepared shortcake crumbs, gently pressing them to adhere.
- Set: Place the coated apple on the parchment-lined baking sheet. Repeat with remaining apples.
- Cool & Serve: Allow candy apples to cool completely at room temperature (30-60 minutes) until the coating is hard and crisp. Enjoy!
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins