Last Updated on December 31, 2022
Whether for Halloween or parties, candy apples make a great treat. They are simple to make at home, but oftentimes bubbles form on the candy coating. If you are making your own, you will want to know how to avoid bubbles in candy apples.
Their crunchy candy shell and sweet, crisp interior make for a delicious treat. The candy shell can be made in any color you like, which is great for your parties. However, the candy used for the shell can be a bit tricky to work with when dipping.
Fortunately, there are a few simple ingredients you have around the house that will help prevent bubbles from forming. With just a couple of additional steps, you can have smooth candy apples free of any bubbles.
What You Will Need to Avoid Bubbles in Candy Apples
Ingredients
- 12 apples (preferably organic)
- 3 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon of food coloring of choice
- 1-2 tablespoons baking soda
Equipment
- A large pot of boiling water
- Paper towels
- Candy thermometer
- Baking Tray
- Wax paper
- Medium saucepan
- 12 lollipops or popsicle sticks
Wilton Candy Thermometer, Ideal for Precisely Measuring Temperature of Hard Candy
Step by Step Instructions to Make Candy Apples without Bubbles
Step 1: Boil Water
Bring a large pot of water to steaming hot, just short of a boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir until combined.
Step 2: Add the Apples
Remove the stems and any stickers from the apples. Add them to the water and let them sit for one minute and turn them with a wooden spoon to make sure they are fully covered. This will thoroughly clean the apples and remove the wax coating.
Step 3: Dry the Apples
After removing the apples from the water, thoroughly dry them with a paper towel. You want them to be as dry as possible. Stick the lollipop stick in the apples and set them aside on a baking tray lined with wax paper.
Step 4: Make the Candy Covering
Mix the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the ingredients to a boil and cook until a candy thermometer reads 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the hard crack stage and it will likely take several minutes to get to this point.
Step 5: Remove Candy From the Heat
Remove the candy from the heat and add your food coloring. Mix to fully incorporate the food coloring in.
Step 6: Dip the Apples
Take your dried apples and dip them in the candy mix. Swirl them to ensure they get fully coated and then tap them on the side of the pan to remove any excess. Carefully placed the candy-coated apple on the baking sheet with wax paper.
Also, learn How To Make Pink Candied Apples
Tips and Tricks on How to Avoid Bubbles in Candy Apples
Dipping the apples in the hot water and baking soda mix works to remove the wax covering on apples. This wax coating is safe to eat and put on to extend the freshness. However, it is often what causes bubbles to form on candy coating when dipping.
If you don’t have baking soda on hand, you can also add one tablespoon of white vinegar to a large pot of boiling water. Simply dip the apple in the water and white vinegar mix for five seconds, turning to fully coat.
It is also very important to make sure you completely dry off your apples before dipping them, as water is another culprit that can cause bubbling. Make sure to dry every part of the apple. After wiping them with a paper towel, it is best to let them air dry for a bit to ensure they are completely dry.
Though you can use any kind of apple, it is recommended to use organic apples, as they won’t have the wax coating other apples do. However, you should still wash off your organic apples before dipping them. The best types of apples to use are Fiji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady.
Read more about Delicious Chocolate Covered Caramel Candy
How To Avoid Bubbles In Candy Apples
Equipment
- A large pot of boiling water
- Paper towels
- Candy thermometer
- Baking Tray
- Wax paper
- Medium saucepan
- 12 lollipop or popsicle sticks
Ingredients
- 12 apples preferably organic
- 3 cups of sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon food coloring of choice
- 1-2 tablespoons baking soda
Instructions
- Boil Water - Bring a large pot of water to steaming hot, just short of a boil. Add 1-2 tablespoons of baking soda to the water and stir until combined.
- Add the Apples - Remove the stems and any stickers from the apples. Add them to the water and let them sit for one minute and turn them with a wooden spoon to make sure they are fully covered. This will thoroughly clean the apples and remove the wax coating.
- Dry the Apples - After removing the apples from the water, thoroughly dry them with a paper towel. You want them to be as dry as possible. Stick the lollipop stick in the apples and set them aside on a baking tray lined with wax paper.
- Make the Candy Covering - Mix together the sugar, corn syrup, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring the ingredients to a boil and cook the mixture until a candy thermometer reads 300 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the hard crack stage and it will likely take several minutes to get to this point.
- Remove Candy From Heat - Remove the candy from the heat and add your food coloring. Mix to fully incorporate the food coloring in.
- Dip the Apples - Take your dried apples and dip them in the candy mix. Swirl them to make sure they get fully coated and then tap them on the side of the pan to remove any excess. Carefully placed the candy-coated apple on the baking sheet with wax paper.
Notes
How Do You Get the Bubbles Out of Candy Apples?
Bubbles may form for a few reasons in candy apples. Let’s take a look at some of the main ones. The first is too much movement when dipping them into the caramel. When the coating begins to cool, that is when bubbles may start to appear. As long as you’re stirring evenly and carefully, the likelihood of bubbles forming will dramatically decrease. There are a few tips to try to ensure no bubbles form in the first place. Besides gentle movements when dipping, these tricks also help:
- Use organic apples. Organic apples do not typically have a wax coating and the wax coating is one of the main culprits of the bubbles. Without the wax, you’ll have one less problem to worry about.
- Wash thoroughly. Wash your apples exceptionally well before use. It’s best to wash them the night before and then allow them to dry at room temperature. They need to be completely clean and completely dry for the best results.
- Room temperature. Ensure your apples are at room temperature when you begin, rather than in the refrigerator. This is to avoid problems like condensation causing bubbles.
What is the Best Apple For Caramel Apples?
There are many apples you can use for caramel apples, but there are a few important qualities to look out for when choosing your apples. The main things you should be looking for are medium-sized apples, apples that are round and not misshapen, and finally, apples that have no soft spots. I find that the best apples for this are either Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. I’ve found that you can never go wrong with a deliciously crisp and tart Granny Smith apple.
Who Has the Best Caramel Apples?
Nowadays, there is a huge selection of caramel apples and you can find them almost anywhere. However, some brands are better than others. Here are some of my top picks and the caramel apples I usually choose from each place:
- Amy’s Gourmet Apples – the Dunked Caramel Apple with Milk Belgian Chocolate is expensive at $23.99 per piece, but it’s luxurious, rich and my favorite candy apple in the world!
- Disney World – Disney’s Candy Cauldron in Disney World has so many incredible caramel apples, ranging from around $15 to much higher! They’re themed around Disney heroes and villains, and the humble Minnie Mouse with marshmallow ears and candied glitter has always been a favorite of mine.
- Mrs. Prindables – They have a great selection of gourmet apples and while their Happy Snowman Jumbo Caramel Apple retails for a little over $30, it’s worth the money as a well-deserved sweet treat!
- US Sweets – I’m a milk chocolate caramel apple kind of girl and the Milk Chocolate Lovers Caramel Apple Pack is absolutely incredible. As well as that, this pack of 3 is just $29.95, making it one of the more affordable options for gourmet apples.
How to Make Caramel Apples Without a Candy Thermometer?
It is possible to make caramel apples without a candy thermometer…it’ll just be slightly tricker! A candy thermometer usually helps you to identify the hard crack stage of your sugar and corn syrup. Rather than a thermometer, just add a drop of very cold water to the mixture. If it immediately hardens, your candy is at the hard crack stage.
The ingredients you’ll need to make caramel apples without a candy thermometer are 10 medium-sized apples, 3 cups of sugar, 1/2 cup of light corn syrup, 1 cup of water, 1 teaspoon of extract of your choice (and 2 tablespoons of white gel food coloring and 2-4 teaspoons of food coloring if coloring your caramel apples). You’ll also need popsicle sticks for your apples.
- Now all you need to do is completely clean your apples and dry them at room temperature for at least a few hours before you begin.
- Then remove any stems or stickers that may be on/in your apples and add your popsicle sticks in the center of each of your apples and line a pan with parchment paper.
- Add water, sugar, and corn syrup to a pan over medium heat and wait until the sugar dissolves.
- Keep stirring until you reach the hard crack stage using water (see above how to achieve this) – this should take around 10 minutes.
- If you choose to use food coloring, add the white food coloring and the color of your choice.
- Once you have the color you’d like, dip your apples into the mixture gently and then slowly pull out once completely covered.
- Leave to drip over the mixture for a few seconds and then place on your lined baking pan.
- Repeat for all apples and leave to dry.
- Enjoy!
Smooth and Delicious Candy Apples
No matter the occasion, candy apples can make a delicious treat. Both kids and adults alike love them, as they are a classic snack.
When making candy apples, it is not uncommon for bubbles to form on the candy coating. Fortunately, by placing the apples in hot water with baking soda or white vinegar you can rid of their wax coating. After carefully drying them, this will allow the candy to stick smoothly, free of bubbles.
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Ever since she was a young girl, Anna has been a lover of desserts. As an adult, she enjoys
baking a variety of desserts from cakes, cookies, brownies, bread, and more from scratch. She
enjoys sharing her passion for baking with others who also have a sweet tooth. From properly
measuring ingredients to making sure they are the correct temperature, Anna knows the
importance small details can make in baking. She wants to share her experience with others in
hopes they can make the most delicious baked goods. When she’s not busy blogging, Anna
enjoys trying new recipes in the kitchen.