Introduction to Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples
Hey there, fellow sweet tooth enthusiasts! If you’re looking for a delightful treat that brings back childhood memories, you’ve landed in the right place. These Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples are not just a feast for the eyes; they’re a nostalgic journey wrapped in a glossy candy shell. Perfect for parties, family gatherings, or just a fun afternoon project, this recipe is a quick solution for busy days when you want to impress your loved ones. Trust me, every bite is a creamy, fruity explosion that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Why You’ll Love This Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples
These Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples are a dream come true for anyone who loves a sweet treat! They’re incredibly easy to make, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish. The taste? Oh, it’s like biting into a creamy strawberry cloud! Plus, they’re visually stunning, making them perfect for impressing guests or simply enjoying at home. You’ll find that they bring smiles and joy to every occasion!
Ingredients for Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to creating these delightful Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: Choose medium-sized apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. Their crispness balances the sweetness of the candy coating.
- Wooden sticks: These are essential for dipping and enjoying your candy apples. Cake-pop sticks work great too!
- Granulated sugar: The star of the candy syrup, it creates that irresistible glossy finish.
- Light corn syrup: This helps prevent crystallization, ensuring a smooth candy coating.
- Water: Used to dissolve the sugar and corn syrup, creating the perfect syrup consistency.
- Strawberry-flavored gelatin powder: This gives the candy its signature strawberry flavor. If you prefer, you can use strawberry extract instead.
- Vanilla extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the overall flavor, making it even more delicious.
- Heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk: This adds a creamy swirl to the candy coating, reminiscent of the beloved Strawberry Crème Savers.
- Gel food coloring: A few drops of pink or red will give your candy apples that eye-catching hue.
- Optional decorations: Get creative! Edible pink glitter, sanding sugar, or luster dust can add sparkle. A drizzle of melted white chocolate can elevate the look and flavor.
For exact measurements, check the bottom of the article where you can find everything listed for easy printing. Happy cooking!
How to Make Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples
Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s dive into the fun part: making these Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples! Follow these simple steps, and you’ll be on your way to creating a sweet masterpiece.
Step 1: Prep the Apples
First things first, we need to prep our apples. Wash them thoroughly to remove any wax. I like to dip them in hot water mixed with a splash of vinegar for a few seconds. This helps get them squeaky clean!
Once they’re clean, dry them completely. Moisture is the enemy of a smooth candy coating. Insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops of the apples and set them on a parchment-lined tray. This will be their cozy resting place while we make the candy syrup.
Step 2: Make the Candy Syrup
Next, let’s whip up that glossy candy syrup! In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir it gently over medium-high heat until the sugar dissolves. Once it’s all mixed, stop stirring and let it boil.
Keep an eye on it! You want to cook the mixture until it reaches 300 °F (150 °C) on a candy thermometer. This is the hard-crack stage, which gives our candy apples that perfect crunch.
Step 3: Flavor + Color
Once your syrup reaches the right temperature, remove it from the heat. Now comes the fun part! Quickly add the strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (or extract), vanilla extract, and a few drops of gel food coloring. Stir gently to combine.
For that creamy swirl, drizzle in the heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk. But don’t mix it completely! Just give it a light swirl to create a beautiful marbled effect.
Step 4: Coat the Apples
Now it’s time to coat those apples! Working quickly, dip each apple into the hot candy syrup. Turn it to coat evenly, making sure every inch is covered in that luscious candy.
Let any excess syrup drip off before placing the apple back on the parchment paper. This step is crucial for achieving that perfect candy shell!
Step 5: Decorate
Before the coating sets, let your creativity shine! Sprinkle edible pink glitter or sanding sugar on top for a sparkling finish. If you’re feeling extra fancy, drizzle some melted white chocolate over the apples for a delightful “strawberries & cream” look.
Step 6: Cool & Serve
Finally, let your candy apples cool at room temperature for about 15–20 minutes. This allows the candy coating to harden perfectly.
Once they’re set, enjoy them right away or wrap them individually for gifts. They stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature. Trust me, these Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples will be a hit!
Tips for Success
- Make sure your apples are completely dry before dipping to ensure a smooth candy coating.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement; it’s key to achieving that perfect crunch.
- Work quickly when dipping the apples; the syrup cools fast!
- Feel free to experiment with different food coloring for unique looks.
- Have fun with decorations! They can really elevate your candy apples.
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan: A sturdy pot for making the candy syrup. A large skillet can work too!
- Candy thermometer: Essential for checking the syrup temperature. If you don’t have one, a regular kitchen thermometer can suffice.
- Parchment paper: For cooling the apples. Wax paper is a good alternative.
- Wooden sticks: For dipping the apples. Skewers or chopsticks can also do the trick!
Variations
- Chocolate Drizzle: Swap the white chocolate for dark or milk chocolate for a richer flavor.
- Nutty Crunch: Roll the coated apples in crushed nuts like almonds or pecans for added texture.
- Fruit Flavors: Experiment with different flavored gelatin powders, like raspberry or peach, for a unique twist.
- Vegan Option: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and ensure the gelatin is plant-based.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the candy syrup for a surprising heat that complements the sweetness.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair these candy apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Serve alongside fresh strawberries to enhance the fruity flavor.
- For drinks, a chilled strawberry lemonade complements the sweetness perfectly.
- Present them on a colorful platter for a festive touch at parties.
FAQs about Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are my favorites, feel free to experiment with any apple variety you enjoy. Just remember, a crisp apple balances the sweetness of the candy coating beautifully!
How long do Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples last?
These delightful treats stay fresh for up to two days at room temperature. Just make sure to wrap them individually if you’re saving them for later. They make great gifts!
Can I make these candy apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Just prepare them a day in advance. They’ll still taste amazing, and the candy coating will remain glossy and delicious. Just store them in a cool, dry place.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
No worries! If you don’t have a candy thermometer, you can use the cold water test. Drop a small amount of syrup into cold water; if it forms a hard ball, it’s ready for dipping!
Can I customize the flavors of my candy apples?
Definitely! You can use different flavored gelatin powders or extracts to create unique variations. Think raspberry, peach, or even a mix of flavors for a fun twist on these Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples!
Final Thoughts
Making Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples is more than just a recipe; it’s a delightful experience that brings joy to both the cook and the lucky eaters. Each bite is a sweet reminder of carefree childhood days, filled with laughter and fun. The vibrant colors and glossy finish make them a feast for the eyes, while the creamy strawberry flavor dances on your taste buds. Whether you’re sharing them at a party or enjoying them at home, these candy apples are sure to create sweet memories. So grab your ingredients and let the candy-making adventure begin!
Print
Strawberry Crème Savers Candy Apples: A Sweet Delight!
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy apples 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These stunning pink candy apples capture the nostalgic flavor of Strawberry Crème Savers — creamy, fruity, and irresistibly glossy! Each apple has a crisp candy shell that melts into smooth strawberry-vanilla bliss with every bite.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- Wooden sticks or cake-pop sticks
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- ½ cup light corn syrup
- ¾ cup water
- 1 tbsp strawberry-flavored gelatin powder (or ½ tsp strawberry extract)
- ½ tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup heavy cream or sweetened condensed milk (for the creamy swirl)
- Few drops pink or red gel food coloring
- Optional decorations: Edible pink glitter, sanding sugar, or luster dust; Melted white chocolate drizzle
Instructions
- Prep the apples: Wash apples thoroughly to remove wax (dip in hot water with vinegar for a few seconds, then dry). Insert sticks firmly into the tops and set on a parchment-lined tray.
- Make the candy syrup: Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Stir until sugar dissolves, then stop stirring and let it boil. Cook until the mixture reaches 300 °F / 150 °C (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
- Flavor + color: Remove from heat and quickly add the gelatin powder (or extract), vanilla, and food coloring. Gently stir to combine. For the creamy effect, drizzle in the heavy cream or condensed milk and lightly swirl — don’t mix completely!
- Coat the apples: Working fast, dip each apple into the hot candy syrup, turning to coat evenly. Let excess drip off, then place on parchment paper to cool.
- Decorate: Before the coating sets, sprinkle pink glitter or sanding sugar on top for sparkle. Optionally drizzle with melted white chocolate for a “strawberries & cream” look.
- Cool & serve: Allow apples to harden at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. Enjoy immediately or wrap individually for gifts — they stay fresh up to 2 days at room temperature.
Notes
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping to achieve a smooth coating.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.
- Experiment with different food coloring for unique looks.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 45g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
