These delectable Black Candy Apples offer a delightful twist on the classic treat, combining the sweet crunch of apples with a captivating, dark candy shell. This recipe is not only easy but also creates that show-stopping dessert you’ll want to make for family gatherings or special occasions. Picture a plate of shiny, black candy apples sitting pretty , perfect for harvest celebrations or Halloween parties!
Walking into my kitchen on a crisp fall day, I’m reminded of those wonderfully cozy moments spent with loved ones, swirling molten sugar around apples. There’s something magical about that transformation, as a simple apple becomes a glossy, sweet creation that can instantly bring smiles to faces of all ages. Let me share with you how to bring this little piece of candy magic into your home.
PrintBlack Candy Apples
Delightful Black Candy Apples offer a visually stunning twist on the classic treat, perfect for harvest celebrations or Halloween parties.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 Granny Smith Apples (washed and dried thoroughly)
- 2 cups raw caster sugar (or regular caster sugar)
- ½ cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 tsp food grade activated charcoal powder (or ½ tsp of black food color)
Instructions
- Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper.
- Gently insert a stick into the top of each apple.
- In a medium-sized, heavy-based saucepan, combine all the toffee ingredients and place it over low to medium heat.
- Stir the mixture and slowly bring it to a gentle boil.
- Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring and allow the toffee to bubble until it hits 150 degrees C (the cracking point).
- Use a wet pastry brush to wipe away any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan.
- Once your toffee is ready, lower the heat and carefully swirl each apple in the shiny black toffee until coated.
- Allow excess toffee to drip off before placing it back onto the lined tray.
- Let the apples sit for around ten minutes to completely set before serving.
Notes
Make sure apples are completely dry before dipping. Use a heavy-bottomed pan to prevent scorching. For a sweet-and-salty twist, sprinkle coarse sea salt before the candy sets.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 40g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 65g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why Embrace the Joy of Making Black Candy Apples
In just under an hour, you can create this timeless treat that’s not only visually stunning but also incredibly satisfying. Each bite is a mix of tangy apple and sweet, crunchy candy that feels like a celebration with every crunch!
The Process Behind These Black Candy Apples
Ingredients:
- 8 Granny Smith Apples (washed with a wet cloth and dried thoroughly)
- 2 cups raw caster sugar (or regular caster sugar)
- ½ cup boiling water
- 1 teaspoon white vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon cream of tartar
- 1 tsp food grade activated charcoal powder (or ½ tsp of black food color)
Directions:
- Line a baking tray with greaseproof paper, ready to catch the sweetness.
- Gently insert a stick into the top of each apple , this is where the fun begins!
- In a medium-sized, heavy-based saucepan, combine all your toffee ingredients and place it over low to medium heat.
- Stir the mixture and slowly bring it to a gentle boil. Watch as the sugar melts, transforming away from its solid state.
- Once it reaches a boil, stop stirring and allow the toffee to bubble, keeping an eye on it until it hits 150 degrees C (the cracking point). This can take about 10 to 20 minutes, so patience is key! Use a wet pastry brush to wipe away any sugar crystals from the sides of the pan during this time.
- If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can test the toffee’s readiness by dropping a small dollop into a cup of cold water—if it hardens and cracks, it’s perfect!
- Once your toffee is ready, lower the heat and carefully tip the saucepan. Holding the apple by its stick, gently swirl it in the shiny black toffee until evenly coated. Allow excess toffee to drip off before placing it back onto the lined tray.
- Repeat this with the remaining apples and let them sit for around ten minutes to completely set before serving or packaging.
Serving Up Your Candy Wonderland
These inviting Black Candy Apples are best enjoyed fresh. Serve them on a festive platter for gatherings or surprise your family with a magical treat after dinner! They also make for fabulous party favors wrapped in cute cellophane bags.
Storing Leftover Sweetness
If you happen to have any left (which is rare!), store them in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just be cautious , they might lose their initial sheen over time!
Helpful Tips for Perfecting Your Black Candy Apples
- Make sure your apples are completely dry before dipping them into the candy.
- Use a heavy-bottomed pan to ensure even heat distribution and prevent scorching.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle in some coarse sea salt over the candy before it sets for a delightful sweet-and-salty twist.
A Peek into Variations
Want to spice things up? Try using different fruits like pears or even strawberries! You can also experiment with food colorings to create themed candies for various celebrations.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tartness, feel free to experiment with your favorites.
2. What can I do if my toffee hardens too quickly? Keep the pan on low heat to gently re-melt it for dipping.
3. How can I make these apples less sweet? You can adjust the sugar by mixing in a bit of sea salt for balance or using less sugar in the candy mix.
Gather your loved ones and make a batch of these magical Black Candy Apples! With each crunchy bite, you’re not just enjoying a treat but creating new memories around the kitchen table.

