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.
Table of Contents
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 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 lollipop 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 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.
Step 5: Remove Candy From 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 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.
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, 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
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 smooth, free of bubbles.
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