How to Make Toffee Apples, Candy Apples and Easy to Make Toffee Recipe

Toffee apples, also known as candy apples in North America, probably date from the late 19th century. While the toffee or candy coating varies throughout the world, toffee apples have a similar appearance - red or green apples are covered in a hard sugar candy coating, that is colored red.

Commonly a stick is inserted into the core of the apple to make them easier to eat. The most common 'toffee' or 'candy' is a hard, shiny, brittle coating of toffee, tinted red. The sugar syrup, sometimes with added butter, is heated to the 'brittle crack' stage before the apple is dipped into it coating the apple with syrup which hardens as it cools. Toffee apples are a common treat at school fetes, farmer markets, fairs and at events such as Guy Fawkes Night in Britain and Halloween in North America. Everyone has enjoyed them in the past. The good news is that they are easy to make at home using this guide and the recipes shown below.

The process of coating various fruits in sugar syrup was developed in ancient times. Both sugar and honey were commonly used as preserving agents. Both toffee and caramel were made early in the 18th century. Toffee Apples (Candy Apples) were probably first made in the late 19th century.

The classic toffee apple that everyone loves is easy to make using this simple recipe
The classic toffee apple that everyone loves is easy to make using this simple recipe. Source: Public Domain

Toffee Apple Recipe

Ingredients

Method

Firstly you need to remove the wax coating that is present on most bought apples. Place the apples in a large bowl, pour in boiling water to cover the apple. After about 30 seconds remove the apples, dry and clean. Cut out any tiny blemishes and remove the stalks. Push a wooden skewer, lolly stick or half a wooden chopstick into the core of each apple so the end stays inside. Lay a sheet of baking paper on your kitchen bench near the stove.

To make the toffee pour the sugar into a saucepan. Add 100ml water and set over a medium heat. Heat for about 5 minutes until the sugar dissolves, and then add the golden syrup and vinegar. Insert a candy, sweet or sugar thermometer in the saucepan and heat to 140 degrees C (285 degrees F) , which is the 'hard crack' stage.

If you don't have a candy or kitchen thermometer, you can try the toffee to test for brittleness as it is heating to test when it reaches the right stage. Using a spoon, by pouring a little toffee into a bowl of cold water. When it is ready it should harden instantly and be easy to break and brittle when cooled and removed from the water. If the test toffee is still soft, continue to heat it.

Switch the hotplate to low. Working carefully and quickly, pick up each apple using the stick and dip it into the toffee. Rotate each apple in the hot toffee until fully covered, drain for a few seconds and then place on the baking paper, or greased baking dish to harden, with the sticks facing up and vertical. For large batches you may need to reheat the toffee if the temperature drops and it starts to feel viscous and thick.

Leave the toffee to cool before eating, stored in a dry place and eat within a couple of days. If you want to keep them for several days or dress them up, wrap the toffee apples in cellophane and tie with a ribbon.

Variations

There are a many of variations in the toffee ingredients. These include the amount of butter and the type of sugar. Molasses can also be used. Tiny variations in temperature produce differences in the texture of the toffee from sticky and soft, to brittle and hard.

One interesting variation is called 'cinder toffee', sponge toffee or honeycomb toffee. This toffee has fine bubbles in it like honeycomb. The bubbles are made by including vinegar and baking soda in the mixture. In New Zealand, this honeycomb toffee is called 'hokey pokey'.

You can add a base of white or brown chocolate to the finished toffee apples
Simply melt some chocolate in a pan suspended over a simmering pot of water. Dip the bottom half of each apple in chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Drain off excess and place each coated apple onto a sheet of baking paper or a greased baking sheet. You can dip the chocolate into chopped nuts for added taste. Refrigerate until chocolate is set.

See More Articles about Apples and Great Dessert Recipes

=> Stuffed Apple Recipe Collection: Savory and Sweet 

=> Classic, Easy Tarte Tatin Recipes with Pears, Apples, Cherries 

=> Best Ever Homemade Apple Fritters Recipes - Easy and Delicious 

=> Best Ever Apple Pie Recipes in the World - Easy, Simple and Homemade 

=> Quick Apple Dessert Recipes - Simple Easy to Make Apple Desserts 

=> Best Ever Galette Recipes - Apple, Blueberry, Potato, Fruit, Savory 





There are many variations to try - Discover how to make these using this guide and recipes
There are many variations to try - Discover how to make these using this guide and recipes. Source: Public Domain
Toffee apple wedges are a delightful variation suitable for young children - see the recipe here
Toffee apple wedges are a delightful variation suitable for young children - see the recipe here. Source: Public Domain
Apples are healthy and toffee apples is a good way to get children to eat them
Apples are healthy and toffee apples is a good way to get children to eat them. Source: Public Domain
You can make toffee apples at home using these recipes
You can make toffee apples at home using these recipes. Source: Public Domain
Poison Toffee Apples for Halloween - Learn how to make it here
Poison Toffee Apples for Halloween - Learn how to make it here. Source: Public Domain
Bonfire Toffee Apples Recipe - See a wonderful range of variations in this article
Bonfire Toffee Apples Recipe - See a wonderful range of variations in this article. Source: Public Domain
Halloween toffee apples with white chocolate - see how to make them here
Halloween toffee apples with white chocolate - see how to make them here. Source: Public Domain
Dipping toffee apples into crushed nuts, sprinkles and other options is easy to do and creates delightful variations
Dipping toffee apples into crushed nuts, sprinkles and other options is easy to do and creates delightful variations. Source: Public Domain
Lovely toffee apples are easy to make and are a great party treat
Lovely toffee apples are easy to make and are a great party treat. Source: Public Domain