Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with flavor: The fruity taste of Jolly Ranchers makes each bite extra delicious.
- Bright and colorful: These apples have a beautiful, shiny candy coating in various colors.
- No need for food coloring: Jolly Ranchers already contain vibrant hues, so no artificial dyes are needed.
- Super easy: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create stunning candy apples in no time!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 2–3 bags of Jolly Rancher hard candies (assorted flavors)
- 1–2 tablespoons of water
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor and Texture
- Edible glitter for a sparkling effect
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut
- A drizzle of white or dark chocolate
Directions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax coating by soaking them in hot water and scrubbing gently.
- Insert sticks. Push a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the center of each apple.
Step 2: Melt the Jolly Ranchers
Stovetop Method
- Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers and separate them by color if you want distinct flavors.
- Place them in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with 1–2 tablespoons of water.
- Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until fully melted.
- Be careful not to overheat, as burnt sugar can ruin the flavor.
Microwave Method
- Place unwrapped Jolly Ranchers in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Add a small splash of water to help with melting.
- Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until fully melted.
Step 3: Dip and Coat the Apples
- Tilt the saucepan or bowl to create a deep well of melted candy.
- Dip each apple, rotating it to ensure an even coating.
- Let excess candy drip off before placing the apple on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- If adding toppings like sprinkles or nuts, roll the apple in them while the coating is still wet.
Step 4: Cool and Set
- Place coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Let them cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes.
- Avoid refrigerating immediately, as condensation can make the candy sticky.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Mix Jolly Rancher Flavors: Create unique flavor combinations by melting two or more Jolly Rancher flavors together.
- Add Sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter onto the apples for a shimmering effect.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After the candy coating hardens, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the apples for extra sweetness.
- Sour Twist: Sprinkle citric acid or crushed sour candies on the coating for a tangy kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap individually in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: These apples do not need reheating. Keep them at room temperature for the best texture.
FAQs
1. Can I make Jolly Rancher candy apples without corn syrup?
Yes! Since Jolly Ranchers naturally contain sugar and color, you don’t need additional corn syrup.
2. How do I prevent the candy coating from becoming sticky?
Store the apples in a cool, dry place. Avoid humidity, as it can cause the candy shell to become tacky.
3. What’s the best way to store leftover candy apples?
Wrap each apple in wax paper and keep them in an airtight container at room temperature.
4. Can I use sugar-free Jolly Ranchers for this recipe?
Yes, but sugar-free Jolly Ranchers may melt differently, so stir frequently to prevent burning.
5. What’s the best apple variety to use?
Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweet candy coating. Honeycrisp and Fuji apples are also good choices.
6. Can I make these in advance for a party?
Yes! You can make them a day in advance, but be sure to store them properly to prevent the coating from becoming sticky.
7. Can I use different hard candies instead of Jolly Ranchers?
Yes! Any hard fruit-flavored candy can work, but Jolly Ranchers melt well and provide strong flavor and color.
8. How do I clean my saucepan after melting Jolly Ranchers?
Soak it in hot water for 10-15 minutes to dissolve the candy residue, then scrub with a sponge.
9. Can I use candy molds to create fun shapes?
Yes! Pour the melted Jolly Ranchers into molds for candy decorations before dipping apples.
10. How do I get a perfectly smooth candy coating?
Make sure your apples are completely dry and free from wax, and rotate them evenly when dipping to avoid uneven spots.
Conclusion
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a fun, flavorful, and colorful treat that’s perfect for parties and special occasions. The combination of tart apples and fruity, crunchy candy makes them a hit with both kids and adults. Whether you’re making them for Halloween, a birthday party, or just for fun, these easy-to-make candy apples will steal the show!
Print
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are a colorful and fun twist on the classic treat, perfect for parties, holidays, or any special occasion. Coated in vibrant, fruit-flavored candy, these apples are a show-stopping treat that’s both sweet and sour with a glossy finish. With the use of Jolly Ranchers, they are easy to make and will add a pop of color and flavor to your celebrations!
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
- 2–3 bags of Jolly Rancher hard candies (assorted flavors)
- 1–2 tablespoons of water
- Wooden skewers or popsicle sticks
Optional Additions for Extra Flavor and Texture
- Edible glitter for a sparkling effect
- Sprinkles, crushed nuts, or shredded coconut
- A drizzle of white or dark chocolate
Instructions
-
Prepare the Apples:
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax coating by soaking them in hot water and gently scrubbing the apples. Insert a wooden skewer or popsicle stick into the center of each apple. -
Melt the Jolly Ranchers:
- Stovetop Method: Unwrap the Jolly Ranchers and separate them by color if desired. Place them in a heavy-bottomed saucepan with 1–2 tablespoons of water. Heat over low-medium heat, stirring constantly until fully melted.
- Microwave Method: Place unwrapped Jolly Ranchers in a microwave-safe bowl, adding a small splash of water. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until fully melted.
-
Dip and Coat the Apples:
Tilt the saucepan or bowl to create a deep well of melted candy. Dip each apple, rotating it to ensure an even coating. Let any excess candy drip off before placing the apple on a parchment-lined baking sheet. If adding toppings like sprinkles or nuts, roll the apple in them while the coating is still wet. -
Cool and Set:
Place the coated apples on the parchment-lined baking sheet and allow them to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes. Avoid refrigerating immediately, as condensation can cause the candy coating to become sticky.
Notes
Variations
- Mix Jolly Rancher Flavors: Combine two or more flavors for a fun, multi-flavored candy apple experience.
- Add Sparkle: Sprinkle edible glitter onto the apples for a shimmering effect.
- Chocolate Drizzle: After the candy coating hardens, drizzle melted white or dark chocolate over the apples for extra sweetness.
- Sour Twist: Add citric acid or crushed sour candies to the coating for a tangy flavor kick.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Wrap each apple in wax paper or plastic wrap to prevent sticking.
- Reheating: These apples do not need reheating. Keep them at room temperature for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Party Food
- Method: No-Bake, Dipping
- Cuisine: American, Candy
