Description
These eerie Witch’s Grip Candy Apples are the perfect Halloween showstopper — glistening red apples coated in a blood-red candy shell, dripping with black sugar “claws,” and finished with a sinister bow.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium red apples (Gala or Honeycrisp)
- 6 black or silver candy sticks
- 2 cups (400 g) granulated sugar
- ½ cup (120 ml) light corn syrup
- ¾ cup (180 ml) water
- ½ tsp red gel food coloring
- Optional: ¼ tsp cinnamon oil
- ½ cup (100 g) black sanding sugar
- ¼ cup (30 g) black sprinkles or edible glitter
- 2 tbsp melted black candy melts (or black chocolate)
- Edible black nail decorations (made from fondant or modeling chocolate)
- Red fondant bows or ribbon bows
Instructions
- Wash the apples thoroughly and dry completely to remove any wax (the candy won’t stick otherwise). Insert a sturdy black or silver stick into each apple. Set aside on a parchment-lined tray.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high until the mixture reaches 300°F (150°C) (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer. Remove from heat and stir in red food coloring (and cinnamon oil, if using).
- Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple, swirling to coat evenly. Let excess drip off and place the apple on the parchment to set for about 10–15 minutes.
- Once the red coating is firm, drizzle melted black candy around the top of each apple to create a dripping “grip” effect. Before it hardens, sprinkle with black sanding sugar and sprinkles for a textured look. Press in fondant black claws while still tacky.
- Once everything has set, tie or attach a red fondant bow around each stick. Arrange the apples on a dramatic black or gold tray for that spooky-elegant effect.
Notes
- Ensure apples are completely dry before dipping.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature.
- Be cautious with hot sugar mixture to avoid burns.
- Customize the decorations to fit your Halloween theme.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candy Making
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg