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Dark Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

Close-up of a single, perfectly dipped dark jolly rancher candy apple with a wooden stick inserted, resting on a white surface.
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Make visually striking, gourmet candy apples using melted dark-colored Jolly Ranchers for a deep, opaque coating. This recipe provides clear steps for a perfect hard candy shell.

Ingredients

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  • 10 large, firm apples (Granny Smith recommended)
  • 2 cups dark colored Jolly Ranchers (Black, Cherry, or Grape)
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar
  • Optional: 1-2 drops black or deep purple gel food coloring
  • 10 wooden or paper lollipop sticks

Instructions

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems. Insert a stick firmly into the core of each apple.
  2. Place the dark Jolly Ranchers in a heavy-bottomed saucepan. Add the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar.
  3. Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring gently until the candies and sugar dissolve completely. Stop stirring once boiling begins.
  4. Insert a candy thermometer into the mixture, avoiding the bottom of the pan. Allow the mixture to boil without stirring until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit (Hard Crack Stage). This usually takes 15 to 25 minutes.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat immediately when 300 degrees is reached. If using gel coloring for a deeper color, stir it in quickly now. Let the bubbling subside for about one minute.
  6. Tilt the pan slightly. Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat completely. Lift the apple out and rotate it quickly to allow excess candy to drip off.
  7. Place the coated apples onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a silicone mat. Allow them to cool completely and harden, about 30 minutes, before serving.

Notes

  • For the best adhesion, wipe the washed apples with a small amount of white vinegar before inserting the sticks; this removes any wax residue.
  • If the candy coating becomes too thick while working, return the pan to low heat briefly to thin it, but do not let it boil again.
  • If you do not have enough dark Jolly Ranchers, you can supplement with clear sugar and black gel food coloring to achieve the desired deep color for your artisan toffee apples.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyjade.com/dark-jolly-rancher-candy-apples-recipe/