If you’re looking to dazzle your friends and family with a treat that’s bursting with color, shine, and a nostalgic twist, Jolly Rancher Candy Apples are an absolute must-try! These gleaming apples are coated in a glossy, jewel-toned shell of melted Jolly Rancher candies, delivering both crunch and a punch of fruity flavor in every bite. Perfect for parties, holidays, or just a playful afternoon in the kitchen, this recipe transforms classic candy apples into a vibrant, crowd-pleasing dessert that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Apples
- 6 small to medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala work well)
Candy Coating
- 1 (14-ounce) bag of Jolly Rancher hard candies (about 60–70 pieces)
Equipment and Prep
- 6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for prepping the parchment)
- Parchment paper
How to Make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by giving your apples a good wash and making sure they are thoroughly dried—any moisture left on the skin can prevent the candy from sticking properly. Remove the stems and firmly insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, making sure it’s secure. This will be your handle for dipping and eating!
Step 2: Prepare Your Station
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then lightly grease it with nonstick spray or a bit of butter. This simple step will save you from the heartbreak of sticky apples stuck to the tray after all your hard work.
Step 3: Unwrap and Melt the Jolly Ranchers
Unwrapping the Jolly Ranchers is a fun, hands-on activity—get the kids involved! Place all the candies into a heavy-bottomed saucepan and set it over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally, and watch as the candies slowly melt into a glossy, liquid pool. This will take about 10 to 12 minutes, and the aroma is positively mouthwatering.
Step 4: Dip and Coat the Apples
Once the Jolly Ranchers have melted into a smooth, bubbling syrup, you’re ready for the main event! Carefully tilt the pan and dip each apple, twirling to coat it evenly with the candy glaze. Let any excess drip back into the pan before placing your apple on the prepared parchment. If the candy starts to harden while you’re dipping, just pop the pan back on the heat for a moment.
Step 5: Cool and Set
Arrange your freshly dipped Jolly Rancher Candy Apples on the greased parchment paper and let them cool at room temperature for about 20 minutes. As they set, the candy coating will harden into a glassy shell that’s irresistibly crisp and shiny—get ready for some serious “oohs” and “aahs!”
How to Serve Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
Garnishes
Sprinkle your apples with extra flair while the candy coating is still tacky—think colorful sprinkles, edible glitter, or even a dusting of crushed Jolly Ranchers for a sparkling finish. This simple step turns each apple into a one-of-a-kind edible gem.
Side Dishes
Pair these sweet treats with a platter of fresh fruit, bowls of popcorn, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The tartness of apples and the bold candy shell play beautifully with light, creamy, or salty sides, making your dessert table truly unforgettable.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange your Jolly Rancher Candy Apples on a tiered cake stand or nestle them in cupcake liners for easy grabbing. For parties, tie a ribbon around each stick or add a personalized tag—these apples also make fabulous party favors or show-stopping centerpieces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Jolly Rancher Candy Apples at room temperature, uncovered or loosely tented with wax paper, for up to two days. Avoid the refrigerator, as the humidity can make the candy shell sticky and cause it to lose its lovely shine.
Freezing
Freezing is not recommended for these candy apples. The drastic temperature changes can crack the candy coating and leave your apples with an unappealing texture once thawed. Enjoy them fresh for the best crunch and flavor.
Reheating
If the melted candy hardens in your saucepan before you’ve finished dipping, simply reheat it gently over low heat until it liquefies again. However, once the apples are coated and set, there’s no need to reheat—just bite in and enjoy!
FAQs
Can I use other types of candy instead of Jolly Ranchers?
Absolutely! While Jolly Ranchers give the apples their signature vibrant colors and fruity flavors, you can experiment with other hard candies for different effects. Keep in mind that melting times and flavors will vary.
Why is my candy coating sticky or not setting properly?
If the apples aren’t completely dry or if there’s too much moisture in the air, the candy coating can turn sticky. Make sure apples are bone-dry before dipping, and avoid refrigerating the finished apples, as this can also cause stickiness.
Can I make Jolly Rancher Candy Apples ahead of time?
Yes! You can make them up to two days in advance. Just store them at room temperature and avoid any humidity or refrigeration for the best results.
How do I achieve a swirled or marbled effect?
Try melting different Jolly Rancher flavors together or pouring small amounts of different colored melted candy into the pan before dipping. Give the pan a gentle swirl and dip your apple for a stunning marbled appearance.
Are Jolly Rancher Candy Apples safe for young kids?
The hard candy shell can be quite firm, so supervise little ones when they’re enjoying this treat. You might consider slicing the apples into wedges before serving to make them easier and safer for small children to eat.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something magical about Jolly Rancher Candy Apples that brings out the kid in everyone. Whether you’re crafting them for a festive gathering or simply craving a playful kitchen adventure, these candy apples are sure to delight. Give them a try, and watch your dessert spread sparkle with color and excitement!
Print
Jolly Rancher Candy Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 candy apples
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Jolly Rancher Candy Apples recipe is a colorful and fun twist on classic candy apples, featuring a vibrant, hard candy coating made from melted Jolly Rancher candies. Perfect for Halloween or any festive occasion, these apples offer a crunchy, sweet exterior with a crisp, juicy apple inside. Easy to make on the stovetop with just a few ingredients, they are sure to delight both kids and adults alike.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 small to medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala work well)
Candy Coating
- 1 (14-ounce) bag of Jolly Rancher hard candies (about 60–70 pieces)
Equipment and Prep
- 6 wooden sticks or candy apple sticks
- Nonstick cooking spray or butter (for prepping the parchment)
- Parchment paper
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and thoroughly dry the apples to ensure the candy coating sticks well. Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple securely for easy handling when dipping.
- Prep the Work Surface: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray or butter. This prevents the candy apples from sticking once coated.
- Melt the Candy: Unwrap all the Jolly Rancher candies and place them in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally as the candy melts, which will take about 10 to 12 minutes. Continue stirring until the candy is completely smooth and liquid.
- Dip the Apples: Once the candy has melted, carefully tilt the pan and dip each apple into the melted candy. Turn the apple to coat it evenly, then allow any excess candy to drip off before placing the coated apple on the prepared baking sheet.
- Cool and Harden: Let the candy apples cool and the coating harden at room temperature for about 20 minutes. Once fully set, they are ready to serve.
Notes
- For a fun twist, use different Jolly Rancher flavors or mix colors for a swirled effect.
- If the melted candy starts to harden while dipping, gently reheat it over low heat to keep it smooth.
- Store candy apples at room temperature for up to 2 days. Avoid refrigeration as it may cause sweating and stickiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 35 g
- Sodium: 25 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 54 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
