Sweet Ocean Candy Apples are a delightful treat that combines the tartness of crisp apples with a vibrant, glossy candy coating, reminiscent of sparkling blue ocean waves. Perfect for summer parties, beach-themed gatherings, or any celebration that calls for a touch of whimsy, these candy apples are not only visually stunning but also a nostalgic blast from the past. Each bite offers a satisfying crunch, followed by the sweet, sugary crunch of the candy shell. This recipe is sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike!
Why You’ll Love This Dish
Making Sweet Ocean Candy Apples is not just about enjoying a tasty treat; it’s an experience! These apples are visually striking, making them perfect for special occasions or just as a fun dessert to recreate family memories from fairs and carnivals. Here are a few reasons why you should gather your ingredients and give these a try:
Creative Fun: Crafting candy apples can be a fun activity with family or friends. You can get creative with colors and decorations, allowing each person to personalize their apple.
Eye-Catching Centerpiece: Their vibrant colors make these apples a stunning centerpiece for dessert tables. You will enjoy the compliments from your guests.
Versatility: While the main recipe features an ocean theme, you can easily switch up colors and decorations for other occasions—think Halloween, Thanksgiving, or even birthdays.
Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Remove stems and firmly insert sticks into the center of the apples, going halfway down. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Stop stirring and clip your candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage), about 15-20 minutes.
- Remove from heat immediately and let it rest for 30 seconds before adding royal blue gel food coloring. Add optional extracts and swirl gently.
- Working quickly, tilt your pan and dip each prepared apple. Rotate to ensure an even coating and allow excess candy to drip off for a few seconds.
- Place the coated apples on the prepared parchment paper and let them cool completely; about 10-15 minutes.
- Melt your white chocolate in intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle over the apples and before the chocolate sets, sprinkle with edible pearls, blue sanding sugar, and other decorations.
- Consider creating an ombre effect with the candy coating and dusting with edible glitter.
- Store in a cool, dry place, avoiding direct sunlight. These can last up to a week if stored properly.
Notes
“These Sweet Ocean Candy Apples were a hit at my summer party! Everyone loved the colors and they tasted amazing. Definitely a recipe I’ll return to.”
Preparing Sweet Ocean Candy Apples
Creating Sweet Ocean Candy Apples might sound daunting, but with a step-by-step approach, you’re bound to come out successful. The process involves a few key steps: preparing the apples, creating the candy coating, dipping the apples, and finally decorating them splendidly. Following the outlined steps will ensure you have that beautiful candy shell without the fuss. Let’s dive right in!
What You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is essential for perfect results. Here are the items you will need for Sweet Ocean Candy Apples:
- 6 medium Granny Smith apples (or any crisp, tart apple)
- 6 wooden candy apple sticks or sturdy lollipop sticks
- Cooking spray or butter for the pan
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- Royal blue gel food coloring (NOT liquid—this is important!)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 tsp coconut extract (for that beachy vibe)
- White chocolate chips or candy melts
- Edible pearls in white, silver, or iridescent
- Blue sanding sugar or edible glitter
- White nonpareils or sprinkles
- Edible gold leaf (if you’re feeling extra fancy)
- Blue rock candy pieces (optional but gorgeous)
- Candy thermometer (non-negotiable!)
- Parchment paper
- Small piping bag or ziplock bag
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s break down the preparation into manageable steps to ensure your Sweet Ocean Candy Apples turn out perfectly.
Step 1: Apple Prep
Start by washing and thoroughly drying your apples. Any moisture can cause the candy coating to slide off. Use a clean towel to ensure they are dry. Remove stems and firmly insert sticks into the center of the apples, going halfway down. Prepare a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray. Set it aside.
Step 2: Candy Coating Magic
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely. Stop stirring and clip your candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Let the mixture cook undisturbed until it reaches 300°F (the hard crack stage). This should take about 15-20 minutes.
When it hits 300°F, remove from heat immediately. Let it rest for 30 seconds before adding your royal blue gel food coloring. Start with a small amount and add more if you’d like a deeper color. Optional extracts can now be added; swirl gently, as over-stirring can cause crystallization.
Step 3: Dip Like a Pro
Working quickly (the candy hardens fast), tilt your pan and dip each prepared apple. Rotate to ensure an even coating and allow excess candy to drip off for a few seconds. Place the coated apples on your prepared parchment paper and let them cool completely, which should take about 10-15 minutes. The coating ought to be hard and glossy.
Pro Tip: If the candy seems too thick, gently reheat it over low heat. If it feels too thin, ensure it didn’t reach the correct temperature.
Step 4: Decoration Station
Melt your white chocolate in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between bursts until smooth. Pour it into a piping bag or ziplock bag with a tiny corner cut off. Drizzle this over the apples to mimic ocean foam. Before the chocolate sets, sprinkle your edible pearls, blue sanding sugar, and any additional decorations like nonpareils.
Step 5: Final Touches
For extra ocean vibes, consider creating an ombre effect by dipping the bottom third of the apple in a darker blue candy coating. You can also dust the apples with edible glitter for that glistening water effect. Add crushed blue rock candy at the base for a beautiful sea glass look. Let everything set completely before wrapping or serving.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Sweet Ocean Candy Apples are wonderfully versatile and can be served in various ways. Here are some ideas on how to plate and present them:
As Favors: Individually wrap each candy apple in clear cellophane and tie with a pretty ribbon for a charming party favor.
Dessert Table Centerpiece: Display your apples on a decorative tiered cake stand so that they truly stand out as the highlight of your dessert table.
Themed Parties: For a beach party or summer gathering, consider serving these with tropical drinks or other beach-themed desserts to complete the vibe.
How to Store
To keep your Sweet Ocean Candy Apples fresh longer, store them in a cool, dry place. Here are some tips:
When storing: Place them in a cool area, ideally not in direct sunlight, as heat can make the candy coating sticky.
Avoid sogginess: To prevent moisture from affecting the candy coating, do not refrigerate the apples, as that may cause condensation.
Longevity: These treats can last for up to a week if stored properly, making them perfect for party prep.
Helpful Cooking Tips
Here are some extra tips to ensure your Sweet Ocean Candy Apples turn out beautifully:
Candy Thermometer: Always use a candy thermometer for accuracy. This is crucial for reaching the hard crack stage.
Coloring: Gel food coloring is recommended over liquid because it doesn’t affect the consistency of the candy coating.
Temperature Checks: If your candy cools and hardens before you’re done dipping, simply reheat it gently over low heat to restore a workable consistency.
Recipe Variations
While the Sweet Ocean Candy Apples are fantastic as is, consider these variations:
Different Colors: Change the color of the candy coating to match any occasion. You can create red candy apples for holidays or pink for birthday parties.
Flavor Twists: Experiment with flavored extracts like almond or peppermint instead of vanilla or coconut to change the profile of each apple.
Toppings: Try adding crushed nuts, coconut shavings, or even different types of sprinkles to switch things up.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare Sweet Ocean Candy Apples?
The preparation typically takes about 30-40 minutes, including cooling time for the candy coating.
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and crispness, feel free to use any firm apple that you prefer.
What if I don’t have a candy thermometer?
While it’s best to have one for accuracy, if not available, aim for the texture of the candy when it has turned golden and becomes crackly between your fingers.
Get ready to recreate a bit of sweet nostalgia by making Sweet Ocean Candy Apples! Don’t forget to share your colorful creations with us. For more fun recipes, check out our Cottage Cheese Pizza Crust or Mini Bento Cake Recipe.
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