MSG Free Candy Apples
Few treats hit the nostalgia button quite like a glossy, jewel-red candy apple on a stick. This version keeps things refreshingly straightforward — just sugar, water, corn syrup, a pop of color, and an optional hint of cinnamon for that classic fairground warmth. Because the ingredient list is so clean and intentional, there's no need to scan labels or second-guess what's hiding in a premade coating mix. The real secret is patience at the stove: letting the syrup climb all the way to the hard-crack stage is what gives you that satisfying, glass-like shell that shatters with the first bite. A tart Granny Smith or a sweeter Fuji both work beautifully, since the bold candy coating plays off whichever apple you choose. Once you pull the pan off the heat, speed is your best friend — the syrup sets fast, so having your apples prepped and your baking sheet ready makes the whole process feel effortless. Best enjoyed the same day, these are the kind of homemade treat that genuinely impresses people without requiring any special equipment beyond a thermometer and a little confidence.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 6 medium apples (such as granny smith or fuji), washed and thoroughly dried
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ½ tsp red gel food coloring
- ¼ tsp cinnamon extract or flavoring (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly coat it with nonstick spray. Push a wooden skewer or lollipop stick firmly into the stem end of each apple, pressing straight down through the core about halfway. Set the prepared apples nearby — once the syrup is ready, you'll need to work quickly.
- 2
Combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir gently just until the sugar is moistened, then clip a candy thermometer to the side of the pan, making sure the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom.
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