Colorful Candy Apples with Cotton Candy

These Colorful Candy Apples with Cotton Candy are the ultimate whimsical treat! Vibrant, fun, and perfect for any carnival-themed event, they bring a playful twist to the classic candy apple. The cotton candy adds a sweet and airy finish that’s sure to delight both kids and adults.

Ingredients:

• For the Candy Apples:
  • 6 small apples (Granny Smith or Gala work great)
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • ½ cup light corn syrup
  • ¾ cup water
  • Gel food coloring in pink, blue, and purple
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Sprinkles (pastel-colored for a fun finish)
  • Lollipop sticks
• For the Cotton Candy Garnish:
  • Cotton candy in various colors (store-bought or homemade)

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:
   • Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove the stems and insert lollipop sticks into the center of each apple.
   • Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the Candy Coating:
   • In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
   • Stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil. Let it cook until it reaches 300°F (hard-crack stage) on a candy thermometer.
   • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract, if using.
   • Divide the candy mixture into three bowls and add pink, blue, and purple gel food coloring to each bowl. Mix until the color is evenly distributed.
3. Dip the Apples:
   • Working quickly, dip each apple into one color of the candy coating, making sure to coat it evenly. Allow any excess candy to drip off before placing the apple onto the prepared baking sheet.
   • Before the candy coating sets, sprinkle each apple with pastel-colored sprinkles for a fun touch.
4. Add Cotton Candy:
   • Once the candy coating has fully hardened (about 10 minutes), wrap each apple with a tuft of cotton candy, securing it near the base of the lollipop stick.
   • Be gentle when applying the cotton candy, as moisture from the apple can cause it to dissolve quickly.

Additional Tips for Colorful Candy Apples:

1. Serving:
   • Serve these candy apples fresh for the best texture and appearance. The cotton candy can start to melt if left out for too long, so it’s best to prepare them close to serving time.
2. Storage:
   • If you need to store the apples, keep them in an airtight container at room temperature. Store the cotton candy separately and add it just before serving.
3. Customization:
   • Get creative with different colors and flavors! You can swap the cotton candy colors and use any variety of sprinkles to match your party theme.

FAQs About Colorful Candy Apples with Cotton Candy:

1. Can I make these candy apples in advance?
   • You can make the candy-coated apples a day ahead, but add the cotton candy just before serving, as it tends to melt quickly when in contact with moisture.
2. What type of apples should I use?
   • Tart apples like Granny Smiths work great as they balance the sweetness of the candy coating, but Gala or Honeycrisp are also excellent choices for a sweeter option.
3. Can I skip the cotton candy?
   • Yes, if you prefer a simpler treat, you can omit the cotton candy and still have beautiful candy apples with colorful sprinkles.
4. How do I prevent the candy coating from becoming too thick?
   • Make sure the candy mixture stays at the right temperature (around 300°F). If it cools too much, it can thicken, so work quickly when dipping the apples.

Colorful Candy Apples with Cotton Candy are the ultimate carnival-inspired dessert! Fun, bright, and oh-so-sweet, they make a playful addition to any celebration. The combination of the crunchy candy shell and soft cotton candy creates a delightful texture that’s sure to impress.