Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon

Name: Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 medium apples (red or green); 2 cups granulated sugar; 1 cup water; 1/2 cup light corn syrup; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; Red food coloring (optional); Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks

Highlighted under: Celebration Meals

I absolutely love making Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon during the fall season. The vibrant red color and the sweet, cinnamon-infused candy coating remind me of visiting autumn fairs when I was a child. Each bite is a delightful crunch followed by a burst of sweet flavor, reminiscent of the holidays. Plus, they make for a stunning centerpiece at any festive gathering. This recipe is simple and brings back so many memories every time I prepare it!

Created by

Belinda Fraser

Last updated on 2026-02-16T07:27:36.781Z

When I first made these Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon, I was amazed at how easy it was to recreate that classic fair treat at home. The candy coating crystallizes perfectly around the apples, and the cinnamon adds a lovely warmth that complements the sweetness. I experimented with using different types of apples and found that tart apples like Granny Smith work wonderfully to balance the sugary coating.

I also discovered that a quick dip in boiling water before coating helps the candy stick better. It's a little trick that takes just a moment but makes all the difference for a shiny, beautiful finish!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Bright and festive appearance that captures the essence of fall
Perfectly balanced sweetness with a hint of warm cinnamon
Fun to make and a hit with kids and adults alike

Choosing the Right Apples

When making candy apples, selecting the right apples is crucial for achieving the best texture and flavor. Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji are ideal as they hold up well during the candying process. Their tartness balances the sweetness of the candy coating, providing a delightful contrast. I recommend avoiding softer apples, like Red Delicious, as they may not stay crisp after being coated in candy, leading to an unsatisfactory texture.

Before dipping, it’s essential to clean the apples thoroughly. Wax coating can prevent the candy from adhering properly. A quick soak in warm water or a gentle scrub with a fruit brush can help remove any waxy residue. This step is often overlooked but can make a significant difference in how well the candy coating sticks and tastes.

Mastering Candy Coating Techniques

Achieving the perfect candy coating requires careful attention to temperature. You must heat the mixture until it reaches 300°F, the hard crack stage. This temperature is vital for forming a hard, crisp shell around the apples. If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the mixture by dropping a small amount into cold water; it should form hard, brittle threads. Remember to stop stirring once it reaches a boil to prevent crystallization, which can lead to a grainy texture.

Once the candy reaches the right temperature, dipping the apples quickly is essential to ensure a smooth, even coating. Swirl the apples in the candy mixture to get a good coverage, and allow any excess to drip off before setting them down. Make sure to work quickly, as the candy will start to harden as it cools, making it challenging to get that shiny finish.

Ingredients

For the Candied Apples

4 medium apples (red or green)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup water
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Red food coloring (optional)
Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks

Make sure to wash the apples thoroughly to remove any wax before starting!

Instructions

Prepare the Apples

Wash the apples and remove any wax. Insert a wooden skewer into the top of each apple for easy handling. Set them aside.

Make the Candy Coating

In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, water, corn syrup, cinnamon, and vanilla extract. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. If using, add food coloring to achieve the desired shade of red.

Candy the Apples

Once the mixture reaches a boil, stop stirring and allow it to cook undisturbed until it registers 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer.

Dip the Apples

Remove the saucepan from heat. Carefully dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat evenly. Let excess candy drip off.

Cool and Serve

Place the coated apples onto a greased baking sheet or parchment paper and let them cool completely before serving.

Enjoy your beautiful Red Candy Apples With Cinnamon as a snack or festive treat!

Pro Tips

For a fun twist, try adding different flavor extracts to the candy coating, such as almond or maple, for a unique taste.

Storage and Serving Tips

Candy apples are best enjoyed fresh on the day they are made, but if you need to store them, place them in a cool, dry area. Avoid refrigeration, as the moisture can cause the coating to lose its crunch. If you live in a humid climate, consider wrapping them in parchment paper to help maintain the crispness without affecting the visual appeal. They can last for up to three days at room temperature, but the quality may decline as they sit.

When serving, you can slice the apples into wedges for easier consumption at parties or gatherings. This can also help people avoid breaking their teeth on the hard candy shell! For a creative twist, consider drizzling melted chocolate over the cooled apples or rolling them in crushed nuts for additional texture and flavor.

Flavor Variations

While the classic red candy apples are a delight, there are countless variations you can explore to create unique flavor profiles. For example, swapping out ground cinnamon for other spices like nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice can add exciting autumnal notes. Additionally, you can experiment with flavored extracts such as almond or caramel, enhancing the candy coating with a delightful twist.

You can also try adding sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the hot candy coating for a festive touch, especially if you're serving these at a party. Consider mixing in other ingredients such as crushed graham crackers or candy corn to the coating for added crunch and flavor depth. The possibilities are endless, and each variation brings a new life to this timeless treat.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different apple varieties. Tart apples like Granny Smith are great for balancing the sweetness.

→ How can I store leftover candy apples?

Store any leftover candy apples in a cool, dry place for up to two days. Avoid refrigerating them to maintain their texture.

→ What do you suggest for food coloring?

Use gel food coloring for a vibrant red color. Liquid food coloring can work too, but it may require more for the same effect.

→ Can I make these in advance?

These treats are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the apples in advance and coat them just before serving.