These Poison Apples are spooky, glossy, and wickedly delicious, perfect for Halloween, themed parties, or a fun fall treat! Made with a deep black or blood-red candy coating, these crunchy, caramelized apples have an eerie, dramatic look while remaining sweet and delicious inside.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Halloween – A gorgeous, glossy finish makes them hauntingly beautiful.
- Crunchy & sweet – A hard candy shell covers a juicy apple inside.
- Customizable colors – Make them black, deep red, or even purple!
- Simple ingredients – No fancy tools needed, just a candy thermometer.
- Great for parties – A unique edible decoration or spooky dessert!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ tsp black or red gel food coloring
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or cinnamon extract for extra flavor)
- Wooden sticks or skewers
Directions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly (remove wax by dipping in hot water for 10 seconds).
- Insert wooden skewers into the tops and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Candy Coating
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil.
- Use a candy thermometer and cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) (about 10-15 minutes).
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in food coloring and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Dip the Apples
- Carefully dip each apple into the hot sugar mixture, swirling to coat evenly.
- Let excess drip off, then place on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Allow to cool and harden for 15-20 minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Display on a Halloween dessert table, or wrap individually for gifting.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6 apples
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Cooling Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
Variations
- Blood-Red Apples – Use red gel food coloring for a sinister effect.
- Purple or Green Apples – Swap in neon green or deep purple food coloring.
- Glittery Apples – Add edible glitter for a magical finish.
- Caramel Poison Apples – Dip in black caramel instead of candy.
Storage
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Avoid humidity, as it can make the candy sticky.
FAQs
Can I use liquid food coloring instead of gel?
Gel is best for vibrant, deep colors, but liquid works with extra drops.
How do I prevent air bubbles in the candy coating?
Roll apples slowly and evenly while dipping.
What’s the best way to clean the pot after making candy apples?
Fill with hot water and boil to dissolve the sugar.
Can I make these apples without corn syrup?
Corn syrup helps prevent crystallization, but honey or golden syrup can work.
What’s the best apple variety for candy apples?
Tart apples like Granny Smith balance the sweet candy coating best.
How do I make poison apples extra spooky?
Drizzle with dark chocolate or black edible shimmer dust.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just use a bigger pot and work quickly.
What should I do if the candy coating hardens before I finish?
Reheat gently over low heat to loosen it.
Are these safe for kids?
Yes, but the candy shell is hard, so supervise younger children.
How do I keep them from sticking to the parchment paper?
Spray parchment with nonstick spray before placing apples.
Conclusion
These Poison Apples are spooky, dramatic, and perfect for Halloween! Whether you go for glossy black, blood-red, or eerie green, they’re guaranteed to be a hauntingly delicious centerpiece for any spooky gathering. Try them today and cast a wickedly sweet spell on your guests!
Print
Poison Apples
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 apples 1x
- Category: Dessert, Halloween Treats
- Method: Candy Coated
- Cuisine: American, Seasonal
Description
These Poison Apples are glossy, dark, and wickedly fun, making them the perfect Halloween treat! Crisp apples are coated in a shiny black or deep red candy shell, creating a sinister yet delicious caramel apple-style treat. They’re great for spooky parties, haunted gatherings, or fun seasonal desserts!
Ingredients
- 6 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (washed & dried completely!)
- 6 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup (for a glossy candy coating!)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/2 tsp black gel food coloring (or deep red for a blood-like effect!)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (or cinnamon extract for extra flavor!)
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar (helps with candy hardness!)
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples
- Wash apples in hot water to remove wax, then dry completely. (Any moisture will prevent the candy from sticking!)
- Insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
Step 2: Make the Candy Coating
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and vinegar over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Attach a candy thermometer and bring mixture to 300°F (150°C) (hard-crack stage), about 10-12 minutes. (Do not stir while boiling!)
- Remove from heat and quickly stir in food coloring and vanilla extract.
Step 3: Dip the Apples
- Carefully tilt the saucepan and dip each apple, twisting to coat evenly.
- Let excess candy drip off, then place apples on a greased parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let cool completely at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!
- Serve as-is or slice for easier eating.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Serving Suggestions
- With Dry Ice Mist: For an extra spooky effect!
- As a Party Favor: Wrap in clear bags tied with black ribbon.
- With Halloween Treats: Serve alongside pumpkin cupcakes or spooky cookies.
Notes
- Want a bloody effect? Use deep red gel food coloring.
- Glittery Poison Apples? Add edible shimmer dust to the candy mix.
- Cinnamon Candy Apples? Swap vanilla for cinnamon extract.
- Extra Glossy? Add ½ tsp edible black gel paint after cooling.