How to Make Delicious Purple Candy Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide

Hello, fellow crafters! Today, I’m excited to share with you one of my favorite sweet treats that never fail to impress at parties, fairs, and festive gatherings: Purple Candy Apples. These vibrant delights aren’t just grandma’s nostalgic candy apples; they’re a modern twist that pops with color and flavor. As a passionate crafter, I believe that everyone should experience the joy of making and sharing these beautiful, tasty creations.

Why Purple Candy Apples?

Candy apples have been a popular treat for decades. Traditionally made with glossy, hard candy shells, they evoke childhood memories of county fairs and autumn festivities. But why purple, you may ask? Well, purple represents creativity and fun; it’s also a favorite color for many! Plus, with the resurgence of royal grape and lavender flavorings in the food industry, purple candy apples are not just visually appealing—they’re packed with deliciousness.

In this detailed tutorial, I’ll walk you through the entire process of crafting these eye-catching candy apples, perfect for Halloween, birthday parties, or any occasion that calls for a sweet and whimsical touch. Let’s dive in!

What You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• 6 medium-sized apples: Granny Smith or Fuji apples work beautifully.
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup light corn syrup
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lavender or grape flavoring (optional, for added taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon purple gel food coloring
• Candy sticks or wooden skewers

Equipment:

• Candy thermometer: This is essential for achieving the right candy texture.
• Heavy-bottomed saucepan
• Baking sheet lined with parchment paper
• Brush and water (for cleaning the apples)
• Wooden spoon

Safety Warnings:

• Be careful while working with hot sugar syrup, as it can cause serious burns. Always keep children and pets at a safe distance while cooking.

Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Preparing the Apples

Before we get started with the candy, it's crucial to prep the apples properly.

1. Wash the Apples: Rinse your apples under warm water to remove any wax. It's essential because any residue will prevent the candy coating from sticking properly.
2. Dry the Apples: Use a clean kitchen towel to dry them thoroughly. Moisture is the enemy of candy coatings, so ensure they are completely dry.
3. Insert Sticks: Push a candy stick or wooden skewer into the stem end of each apple, about ¾ of the way in. This will act as your handle.

Step 2: Making the Purple Candy Coating

With your apples ready, let’s move on to the candy coating!

1. Combine Ingredients: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir together until the sugar is fully dissolved.

Tip: Mixing these three ingredients well at the outset will help create a smoother candy without crystallization.

1. Heat the Mixture: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Insert the candy thermometer into the pot, making sure it doesn't touch the bottom of the pan (as this would give you an inaccurate reading).

1. Boil the Mixture: Allow the mixture to come to a boil without stirring. This step is critical as stirring can cause sugar crystals to form. Watch the thermometer closely until it reaches the hard crack stage, which is about 300°F (149°C).

What could go wrong: If the mixture doesn't reach the right temperature, it may not harden properly. Conversely, if it goes above that temperature, it can burn—so keep a close eye!

1. Add Flavor and Color: Once you hit the right temperature, remove the saucepan from the heat. Carefully stir in the lavender or grape flavoring and purple gel food coloring to achieve your desired shade and flavor.

Step 3: Dipping the Apples

Now comes the fun part—dipping the apples!

1. Dip the Apples: Quickly dip each apple into the candy coating, swirling it around for an even coating. Allow any excess candy to drip back into the pot.

Tip: If the candy coating begins to harden while you’re dipping, gently reheat it on low without boiling.

1. Cool the Apples: Place dipped apples onto the prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Allow them to cool at room temperature until the candy hardens completely.

Step 4: Presentation and Variations

Oh, the fun doesn’t end with just dipping! Let’s talk about how to present your stunning purple candy apples.

1. Decorate: You can drizzle white chocolate or sprinkle edible glitter over the candy coating for an extra festive touch.

1. Flavor Variations: Feel free to explore using different kinds of flavorings like raspberry or blueberry for a fun twist, and change the food coloring accordingly.

1. Add Toppings: Chopped nuts, crushed cookies, or even colored sprinkles could be another excellent way to personalize each apple.

Final Thoughts and Tips

Cooking candy apples can seem daunting, but I hope my experience and insights help you feel more confident in your crafting journey. A couple of final pointers:

• If you experience any crystallization issues, you might consider adding a little lemon juice during the cooking process to help keep the sugar smooth.
• Store your completed apples in a cool dry place. They’re best enjoyed within 2-3 days.

Conclusion

And there you have it! You've crafted beautiful purple candy apples that will not only delight your taste buds but also wow party guests with their stunning appearance. I encourage you to experiment, add your personal touch, and most importantly, have fun with it! Making candy apples is more than just a baking task; it's a creative adventure that brings joy to both the maker and the enjoyers. Happy crafting, and don’t forget to share your creations!