Ingredients:
4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
4 wooden sticks or lollipop sticks
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
1/2 cup water
Black, purple, and blue gel food coloring
White food coloring or white edible paint
Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for flavoring)
Candy thermometer
A small clean paintbrush (for stars)
Directions:
1. Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove the stems and insert the wooden sticks into the tops of the apples.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium-high heat and stir until the sugar dissolves.
3. Once the sugar is dissolved, stop stirring and let the mixture come to a boil. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the pan. Allow the mixture to reach 300°F (hard crack stage).
4. While waiting for the candy mixture to reach 300°F, prepare your gel food coloring. In separate bowls, mix black, purple, and blue food coloring.
5. Once the mixture reaches 300°F, remove it from heat and carefully add the black food coloring. Stir gently until the candy turns a deep black color.
6. Immediately dip each apple into the black candy coating, turning it to ensure it’s evenly covered. Set the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet to cool.
7. After the black coating sets, use a spoon to drizzle purple and blue candy melts in swirling patterns over each apple, creating the galaxy effect. If desired, lightly sprinkle edible glitter or shimmer dust over the apples for a sparkling finish.
8. Dip a clean paintbrush into the white food coloring or edible paint. Flick small droplets onto the apples to mimic stars. You can also use the brush to paint some larger white swirls for a nebula effect.
9. Let the decorated apples sit for at least 30 minutes to fully harden. Once the candy coating is firm, your galaxy candy apples are ready to enjoy!
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Yield 4 apples
