Description
Easy Kool-Aid Swirl Candy Apples are glossy, colorful, and crunchy. Perfect for fall parties, Halloween, and holiday gifting.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples, washed and dried
6 lollipop sticks or sturdy craft sticks
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
1 packet unsweetened Kool-Aid (cherry, tropical punch, grape, etc.)
Optional: Sprinkles, edible glitter, or chopped nuts for decorating
Instructions
- Prep Your Apples: Make sure your apples are super clean and completely dry. Firmly insert a lollipop stick into the stem end of each apple, pushing it about halfway in. Set them aside on parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Stir just until moistened. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil without stirring too much. Cook until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard-crack stage), about 8–12 minutes. Carefully remove from heat.
- Add the Kool-Aid Magic: Gently stir in the packet of unsweetened Kool-Aid. Be careful, as it will steam and bubble up. Stir just until the color is evenly distributed.
- Dip and Swirl: Tilt the saucepan and dip each apple into the hot candy coating, rotating to cover evenly. Let excess drip off and place back on the prepared baking sheet. Immediately add any desired sprinkles, nuts, or glitter. For swirls, drizzle a different color or use a toothpick to swirl before it sets.
- Let Them Set: Allow the candy apples to cool and harden completely, about 15–20 minutes. Do not touch until firm.
Notes
- For a marbled effect, mix two different Kool-Aid flavors.
- If making ahead, wrap individually in plastic wrap or cellophane bags and store in an airtight container at room temperature in a cool, dry place.
- Avoid refrigeration, which causes stickiness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Seasonal/Holiday
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: ~320 kcal
- Sugar: 77g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: ~82g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: Easy Kool-Aid Swirl Candy Apples, Kool-Aid apples, candy apples, holiday candy apples, colorful apples