Black Poison Candy Apples Recipe

Introduction

Black poison candy apples are a spooky and delicious treat perfect for Halloween or any eerie-themed celebration. These apples, coated in a hard, black candy shell, are not only visually striking but also deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. With their glossy, dark exterior, they add a dramatic flair to your dessert table, making them a perfect party centerpiece.

In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to create these hauntingly beautiful treats, including tips on preparation, serving suggestions, and some fun variations to customize your recipe. Whether you’re preparing for a Halloween party or just want to try your hand at candy-making, these black poison candy apples will be a hit.

Overview of the Recipe

Black poison candy apples are a fun and straightforward recipe, combining the tartness of fresh apples with the sweet crunch of a homemade candy coating. With a few basic ingredients like sugar, corn syrup, water, and food coloring, you can transform simple apples into a dark and glossy treat that looks like it’s straight out of a fairytale.

This recipe requires a candy thermometer to ensure that the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature for that perfect candy shell. The black gel food coloring gives the apples their signature “poisoned” appearance, while the optional cinnamon flavoring adds a warm spice note.

These candy apples can be made in about 35 minutes from start to finish, making them a quick and impressive dessert option.

History and Origin

Candy apples, also known as toffee apples in some regions, have been a favorite fall treat since the early 1900s. They are often associated with autumn festivals, Halloween, and carnival fairs. The first candy apples were created by coating fresh apples in a sugar syrup, making use of the abundance of apples in the fall season.

The addition of black food coloring to candy apples is a modern twist, giving the traditional treat a darker, more sinister appearance. This “poisoned” look draws inspiration from classic fairy tales like “Snow White,” where the evil queen presents Snow White with a poisonous apple. Black candy apples have since become a popular choice for Halloween celebrations, where their eerie appearance adds a touch of drama to the dessert table.

Ingredients

To make 8 black poison candy apples, you will need the following ingredients:

• 3/4 cup water
• 8 small apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or any tart apple works well)
• 8 wooden sticks (such as popsicle sticks or sturdy skewers)
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 1/4 teaspoon black gel food coloring
• 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon flavoring (optional, for a spiced flavor)

Equipment Needed:

• Candy thermometer
• Medium saucepan
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Wooden spoon or heat-resistant spatula

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash and Dry the Apples: Rinse the apples thoroughly under cold water to remove any wax coating or residue. It’s essential to dry them completely, as moisture can prevent the candy coating from sticking.
2. Insert the Wooden Sticks: Push a wooden stick firmly into the top of each apple, right through the stem area. Ensure that the stick is secure, as it will serve as the handle when you dip the apples in the candy coating. Set the apples aside on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Step 2: Make the Candy Coating

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the granulated sugar, 3/4 cup water, and 1/2 cup light corn syrup. Stir gently with a wooden spoon or spatula until the sugar is fully dissolved.
2. Boil the Mixture: Once the sugar has dissolved, stop stirring. Allow the mixture to come to a rolling boil. If you’re adding cinnamon flavoring, now is the time to add 1/4 teaspoon for a warm, spicy twist.
3. Monitor the Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature of the syrup. Continue boiling the mixture until it reaches 300°F (149°C), which is known as the “hard crack stage.” This is the critical point where the candy coating will harden and become crunchy.

   Tip: Be patient, as this step can take several minutes. Avoid stirring during this time to prevent crystallization.

Step 3: Color the Candy

1. Remove from Heat: Once the syrup reaches 300°F, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to sit for a few seconds until the bubbles subside.
2. Add the Black Gel Food Coloring: Carefully stir in 1/4 teaspoon of black gel food coloring. Continue stirring until the color is evenly distributed throughout the syrup. The black gel food coloring gives the apples their spooky “poisoned” look.

   Caution: The mixture will be extremely hot, so handle with care.

Step 4: Coat the Apples

1. Dip the Apples: Working quickly, take each apple by the stick and dip it into the hot syrup. Tilt the saucepan slightly to ensure that the entire surface of the apple is coated. Turn the apple in the syrup to cover it evenly, and let any excess syrup drip back into the saucepan.
2. Set the Apples: Place the coated apples on the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Ensure they are spaced out so they don’t touch each other while cooling.

Step 5: Cool and Harden

1. Allow to Cool: Let the coated apples sit at room temperature until the candy shell hardens completely. This typically takes about 10-15 minutes.
2. Serve: Once the candy has hardened, the black poison candy apples are ready to serve. You can enjoy them immediately or store them for later.

Serving

These black poison candy apples make for a perfect treat at Halloween parties or spooky-themed events. Arrange them on a platter, and if you’re feeling extra creative, you can add a few creepy decorations like spider webs or toy spiders around them.

They can also be individually wrapped in cellophane bags and tied with a ribbon for a great party favor or gift.

Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Candy apples pair well with a variety of autumnal treats. Here are some pairing ideas to consider:

• Serve them alongside caramel apples for a fun color contrast.
• Offer a platter of mixed candies and popcorn for a Halloween snack table.
• Pair with hot beverages like apple cider, spiced hot chocolate, or warm herbal teas for a cozy autumn treat.

Variations of the Recipe

1. Colored Candy Apples: You can switch up the food coloring to create a variety of candy apple designs. Try red, green, or even purple food coloring for different themes.
2. Flavored Candy Apples: In addition to cinnamon, you can experiment with other flavor extracts like vanilla, peppermint, or even root beer for a unique twist.
3. Decorated Apples: After coating the apples in the candy syrup, sprinkle them with edible glitter, candy sprinkles, or crushed nuts before the candy hardens for added texture and visual appeal.

Health Benefits Notes

While candy apples are primarily a sweet treat, they do offer some health benefits due to the apple itself:

• Apples are rich in fiber, which aids digestion and promotes heart health.
• They also contain vitamins like vitamin C and various antioxidants, which help boost the immune system and protect cells from damage.

However, it’s important to note that candy apples are high in sugar, so they should be enjoyed in moderation.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of apple for this recipe? Yes, you can use any apple variety you like. Tart apples, such as Granny Smith, contrast nicely with the sweet candy coating. However, sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala also work well.

2. How long do candy apples last? Candy apples can last up to three days if stored at room temperature. Be sure to keep them in a cool, dry place and avoid refrigerating them, as this can cause the candy coating to become sticky.

3. Can I make candy apples without a candy thermometer? While it’s possible, using a candy thermometer ensures that the sugar syrup reaches the correct temperature for a crunchy candy shell. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the syrup by dropping a small amount into a bowl of cold water. If it hardens into a brittle strand, it’s ready.

4. Why didn’t my candy coating stick to the apples? If your candy coating didn’t stick, it could be due to excess moisture on the apples. Make sure the apples are completely dry before dipping them in the syrup. Also, any waxy residue on the apples can prevent the candy from adhering properly.

Conclusion

Black poison candy apples are a bewitching twist on the classic candy apple, perfect for Halloween and other spooky celebrations. With their shiny, dark coating and satisfying crunch, they are sure to impress both kids and adults alike. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, these candy apples are a fun and delicious way to embrace the spooky season.

Whether you’re new to candy-making or a seasoned pro, this recipe offers a fantastic opportunity to get creative in the kitchen. Enjoy making these eerie treats and share the fun with family and friends at your next Halloween bash!

Print