Description
6 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup light corn syrup
½ cup water
1 tsp vanilla extract
½ tsp citric acid (for extra tartness, optional)
2-3 drops of blue food coloring
2-3 drops of pink food coloring
1 tsp glow-in-the-dark food powder (available at candy supply stores)
Wooden sticks (for dipping)
Directions:
Prep the Apples: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly, removing any wax. Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple. Set aside on a parchment-lined baking
sheet.
Make the Candy Coating: In a medium saucepan, combine granulated sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir until the sugar dissolves and the mixture
comes to a simmer.
Cook the Syrup: Let the mixture simmer, without stirring, for about 5-8 minutes or until it reaches 300°F (150°C) on a candy thermometer (hard crack stage).
Add Flavor & Color: Once the syrup reaches the right temperature, remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and citric acid (optional). Divide the syrup
into two bowls. Add blue food coloring to one and pink food coloring to the other, stirring to incorporate.
Glow-in-the-Dark Touch: Mix the glow-in-the-dark food powder into one of the syrup bowls. For a magical glow effect, use the blue syrup for the
glow-in-the-dark dip.
Dip the Apples: Dip each apple into one of the syrup mixtures, swirling gently to coat evenly. For a striped cotton candy look, dip each apple halfway in the
blue syrup and halfway in the pink syrup, swirling the apple as you go.
Set the Apples: Place the dipped apples on the prepared baking sheet and allow them to cool and harden, about 15-20 minutes.
Serve & Enjoy: Once cooled, the apples will glow in the dark under UV light. Serve and enjoy these magical, sweet treats at your next party or event!
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cooking Time: 20 minutes Total Time: 35 minutes Kcal: 250 per apple Servings: 6 servings
Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed instructions for perfect glowing cotton candy apples every time.
- Prepare Your Workspace: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it. Have your candy thermometer, wooden sticks, and all measured ingredients ready. This process moves quickly.
- Prep Apples: Wash apples in hot water with a splash of vinegar to remove wax. Dry completely. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the stem end. Any moisture will cause the candy coating to slide off.
- Cook the Syrup: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water over medium heat. Stir only until the sugar dissolves. Once simmering, stop stirring and attach the candy thermometer. Cook without stirring to 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Color and Flavor: Immediately remove from heat. Stir in vanilla and citric acid. Carefully pour half the syrup into a heatproof bowl. Add pink food coloring to one portion and blue to the other. Stir the glow powder into the blue syrup.
- Dip and Swirl: Working quickly, tilt the bowl and rotate an apple to coat it. For a cotton candy effect, dip one side in pink, let it set for 30 seconds, then dip the opposite side in the glowing blue syrup, twisting as you lift.
- Set and Harden: Place the coated apple on the parchment. Repeat. If the syrup thickens, reheat gently for a few seconds. Let apples cool completely for 20 minutes before handling.
Serving Suggestions
These apples are a show-stopping centerpiece. Serve them at a Halloween party under a UV black light to make the glow effect truly pop. For a fun twist, set up a dipping station with other toppings like edible glitter or sprinkles to press into the candy coating before it hardens. Pair them with other themed treats for a cohesive dessert table.
How-to Summary
Insert sticks into wax-free, dry apples. Cook sugar, corn syrup, and water to 300°F. Remove from heat, add flavorings, and divide. Color one portion pink and the other blue mixed with glow powder. Dip and swirl apples in the syrups, then let harden on parchment paper.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these without a candy thermometer?
It is not recommended. Achieving the precise 300°F “hard crack” stage is critical for the coating to set properly and be safe to handle. Without a thermometer, the syrup will likely not harden.
My coating is sliding off the apple. What went wrong?
The apples likely had residual wax or moisture. Ensure you wash them in hot, vinegar-water and dry them thoroughly. The syrup temperature may also have been too low.
Is the glow powder safe to eat?
Only use food-grade, FDA-compliant glow-in-the-dark food powder from reputable candy supply stores. Do not use craft or non-edible glow products.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them a day ahead. Store them in a single layer in a cool, dry place. Do not refrigerate, as moisture will cause the candy to become sticky.
What can I use instead of corn syrup?
Golden syrup or agave nectar can be substituted in a pinch, but corn syrup provides the best consistency and shine for the hard candy shell.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Stirring the Boiling Syrup: This introduces sugar crystals and creates a grainy, cloudy coating.
- Undercooking the Syrup: Not reaching 300°F results in a tacky, soft coating that never fully hardens.
- Using Wet Apples: Even a small amount of water will prevent the candy from adhering.
- Reheating Syrup Too Many Times: Repeated reheating can cause the sugar to burn or discolor.
- Skipping the Parchment: The hot syrup will bond permanently to an unlined surface.
Conclusion
Creating glowing cotton candy apples is a fun and rewarding project that combines classic candy-making with a magical twist. By carefully controlling the syrup temperature and ensuring your apples are perfectly dry, you can achieve a professional, glossy finish that wows any crowd. Remember to use only edible, food-safe glow powder for a treat that’s as safe as it is spectacular. Enjoy the creative process and the delicious, glowing results!
