Description

These Jolly Rancher Candy Apples offer a fun and colorful twist on the classic candy apple. Using melted Jolly Rancher hard candies, this recipe creates a vibrant, flavorful coating that’s easy to make and perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime you crave a sweet, tart treat. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you can enjoy a crunchy apple enveloped in a glossy, fruity shell.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

6 medium apples (preferably tart varieties like Granny Smith)
6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks

Coating

1 bag (approximately 11 oz) of Jolly Rancher hard candies (mix of colors/flavors)
1/4 cup of water (for melting the Jolly Ranchers)
1 tablespoon butter (optional, for a smoother coating)

Other

Wax paper or parchment paper (for setting the apples)

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Instructions

Prepare the apples: Wash the apples thoroughly and dry them completely to ensure the coating adheres well. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the top center of each apple. Place the apples on a sheet of wax or parchment paper to prepare for dipping.
Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers: Remove all wrappers from the Jolly Rancher candies and place the unwrapped candies into a microwave-safe bowl, ready for melting.
Melt the Jolly Ranchers: Add 1/4 cup of water to the bowl containing the candies. Microwave the mixture in 30-second intervals, stirring in between each interval to help the candies melt evenly. Once fully melted, optionally add 1 tablespoon of butter and stir until the coating is smooth and glossy, which will give a better texture and shine.
Dip the apples: Holding each apple by the stick, carefully dip it into the melted candy mixture. Rotate the apple to coat it evenly with the melted candy. Allow any excess to drip off back into the bowl to avoid thick clumps.
Cool the apples: Place the coated apples onto the prepared wax or parchment paper. Let them sit undisturbed for 15 to 30 minutes, or until the candy hardens completely, forming a crisp, colorful shell around the apple.
Serve and enjoy: After the coating has set, your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are ready to be enjoyed. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Notes

Using tart apples like Granny Smith balances the sweetness of the candy coating.
Make sure apples are dry before dipping to ensure the coating sticks well.
If the candy mixture thickens too much while melting, warm it briefly again to keep it workable.
Butter is optional but recommended for a smoother, shinier coating.
Use caution when handling melted candy as it is very hot and can cause burns.
Store candy apples at room temperature for best crunch; refrigeration can cause the coating to become sticky.