Candy apples are a delectable treat that has been around for over a century. These shiny, sweet treats are popular at fairs, carnivals, and cozy autumnal gatherings. However, traditional red candy apples have now given way to modern variations like gold and pink candy apples. These candy apples are not only visually appealing but they taste amazing too. But how are they made?
If you’re a fan of candy apples and want to indulge in something fancier, then read on as we explore the process of making gold and pink candy apples. From the ingredients and tools needed to the step-by-step process, we’ll take you through everything you need to know to make these delicious treats at home.
Ingredients and Equipment Needed to Make Gold and Pink Candy Apples
To create the perfect golden and pink candy apples, having the right ingredients and equipment is crucial. For the gold candy apples, you will need to gather granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, food coloring gel in yellow/gold, and edible gold glitter. As for the pink candy apples, the ingredients list includes granulated sugar, light corn syrup, water, and pink food coloring gel.
In terms of equipment, you will need a sturdy saucepan with a thick bottom, a candy thermometer, apple sticks, parchment paper, and a baking tray. It’s important to ensure that your equipment is thoroughly cleaned and ready to use before you begin making the candy apples. Once you have all your ingredients and equipment ready to go, you can then start to prepare your candy apples recipe.
Preparing Your Apples for the Candy Coating
The first step in making gold and pink candy apples is to properly prepare the apples for the candy coating. Start by washing and drying the apples thoroughly, then insert a wooden stick straight through the center of each apple. Make sure the stick is securely in place to ensure the apples don’t fall off during the candy coating process.
Once the apples are prepared, it’s important to remove any wax coating they may have. You can do this by dipping the apples in boiling water for a few seconds or by rubbing them with a mixture of equal parts vinegar and water. This step ensures the candy coating will adhere properly to the apple. With your apples prepared and ready to go, you’re one step closer to creating delicious and visually stunning candy apples that are sure to impress.
The Art of Making Candy Coating
The secret to making perfect gold and pink candy apples lies in the candy coating. To start, you’ll need a candy thermometer, which will help you monitor the temperature of your sugar mixture.
First, combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a saucepan and heat on high until the mixture is fully melted. Once it’s melted, reduce the heat to medium and let the mixture boil until it reaches 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This stage is also known as the hard crack stage. Be sure to stir constantly to prevent burning or crystallization. Once the sugar syrup reaches this stage, you’ll add in your desired food coloring and flavoring. Then, quickly dip your apples into the warm candy mixture using a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature. Twirl the apple around to let the excess drip off and set them on a sheet of parchment paper to cool. Voila! You now have perfectly coated gold and pink candy apples.
Creating the Perfect Shade of Gold and Pink for Your Apples
Creating the perfect shade of gold and pink for your candy apples is essential to achieving a visually stunning and delicious treat. To get the right color, you must first select the food coloring of your choice. You can mix red and yellow food coloring to achieve the perfect shade of gold. For pink, you can mix red and white food coloring. Be sure to mix the colors slowly, adding more food coloring as needed until you reach the desired shade.
It is also essential to note that the color of the candy coating may appear lighter before it dries. As such, it is best to add more color than you think you’ll need. To ensure an even distribution of color, swirl the apple around the mixture while holding it by the stick, allowing the excess coating to drip off. With these tips, you’re sure to create stunning gold and pink candy apples that will leave everyone craving more!
Techniques for Dipping and Twirling the Apples in the Candy Coating
Once you have prepared your candy coating, it’s time to start dipping the apples. To achieve a smooth and flawless coating, it’s important to use the right technique. First, clean and dry your apples thoroughly before dipping them. Hold the apple by the stem and carefully dip it into the candy coating. Make sure the entire surface is covered, but avoid letting the coating touch the bottom of the pot or it can burn and ruin the candy.
Once the apple is coated, hold it upside down over the pot and let the excess candy drip off for a few seconds. Then, twirl the apple to help evenly distribute the candy coating. Using a twist motion, carefully remove any excess candy from the bottom of the apple. You can place the apple on a silicone mat or wax paper to dry and harden, or if you want a smoother finish, you can use a tool like a spoon or scraper to remove any excess candy clinging to the bottom. Repeat the process with each apple, and you’ll soon have a beautiful batch of golden or pink candy apples ready to enjoy.
Decorating and Finishing Your Candy Apples with Edible Glitter and Sprinkles
When it comes to decorating your gold and pink candy apples, there’s nothing quite like the shimmer and sparkle of edible glitter and sprinkles. These simple additions can take your candy apples to the next level and make them even more visually appealing.
To apply edible glitter, simply dip your candy apple in caramel and allow it to dry for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle the glitter over the caramel and gently press it in with your fingers. For additional sparkles, you can also spray your candy apples with edible glitter spray. Sprinkles are another fun and easy way to decorate your candy apples. You can add them while the caramel is still wet or you can dip your dried caramel apple in melted chocolate and then sprinkle the sprinkles on top. With these simple decorating techniques, you can make your gold and pink candy apples look as good as they taste.
Storing and Serving Your Homemade Gold and Pink Candy Apples
After successfully making your gold and pink candy apples, it’s essential to store and serve them correctly to maintain their shape and flavor. Firstly, make sure you allow the candy apples to cool at room temperature before storing them. Once they are completely cool, wrap them individually in plastic wrap and store them in an airtight container. You can store the apples at room temperature for up to four days. However, they will last longer in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
When it’s time to serve your delicious candy apples, remove them from the refrigerator and allow them to come to room temperature. This process ensures they don’t sweat and maintain their texture. Before serving, ensure the apples have no condensation or moisture, which can affect the candy coating’s texture. You can also add a bit of sparkle by dusting the apples with edible gold or pink glitter for a festive touch. Overall, by following these simple steps, you can serve your candy apples beautifully and enjoy their sweet flavor.
Conclusion
Gold and pink candy apples are an excellent addition to any party, event, or holiday season. Making them at home can be a fun and creative activity that you can enjoy with your friends and family. As you have learned, it’s essential to follow certain steps to ensure that your candy apples have that vibrant and metallic finish. You don’t have to be a professional candy maker to whip up these delicious treats; you just need to have the right ingredients, tools, and a little patience.
In summary, the key to making gold and pink candy apples is attention to detail and precision. Following the recipe closely, preparing the ingredients correctly, and timing the cooking process accurately can make all the difference between a perfect candy apple and a ruined one. With practice and experimentation, you can create your combinations of colors and designs for the candy apples, making them uniquely yours. Whether you want to impress your guests at a party or just indulge in a sweet treat, making gold and pink candy apples is an excellent way to satisfy your cravings and show off your creativity.