Description
Transform ordinary apples into stunning cotton candy-flavored masterpieces with dreamy pastel swirls that create mesmerizing Halloween treats.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples (washed, dried, stems removed)
- 3 cups (600g) granulated sugar
- 1 cup (237mL) water
- 1/2 cup (118mL) light corn syrup
- 3/4 teaspoon (3.75mL) cotton candy flavoring oil
- 2 tablespoons bright white soft gel food coloring
- 2–3 additional pastel gel food colors (sky blue, violet, electric pink)
- Cotton candy for topping
- Edible glitter or sprinkles
- 8-inch cookie sticks
- Decorative paper straws (optional)
Instructions
- Line baking sheet with silicone mat or grease with shortening. Position near stovetop for quick access.
- Pierce apples with metal skewer first, then insert cookie sticks 3/4 way through without piercing bottom.
- Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in heavy saucepan. Brush sides with damp pastry brush to remove crystals.
- Attach candy thermometer and heat on medium-high until mixture reaches 302°F without stirring.
- Remove from heat immediately. Stir in cotton candy flavoring oil with heatproof spatula.
- Blend in white coloring completely, then add drops of pastel colors without stirring to maintain swirl effect.
- Tilt pan to pool coating. Dip and swirl each apple until coated, allowing excess to drip back.
- Place on prepared sheet. Add cotton candy and sprinkles just before serving. Insert decorative straws if desired.
Notes
- Use a candy thermometer that clips to the pan side without touching the bottom for accurate temperature readings
- Work quickly once candy reaches 302°F as it continues cooking and can become too thick to work with
- Swirl the pan gently rather than stirring to maintain distinct color ribbons in your pastel design
- Keep apples at room temperature before dipping to prevent cracking from temperature shock
- Add cotton candy only right before serving as it dissolves quickly when exposed to moisture
- Candy coating reaches extremely high temperatures that can cause severe burns – exercise extreme caution
- Store at room temperature for up to 3 days in a cool, dry place
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 68g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 72g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candy apples, cotton candy flavored treats, Halloween desserts, pastel candy coating, homemade candy apples, fall treats, party desserts, colorful apple treats