Homemade Toffee Apples: A Bonfire Night Delight
Toffee apples, also known as candy apples, are a beloved treat, especially during Bonfire Night. They combine the sweetness of toffee with the crisp, tartness of apples, resulting in a delightful flavor and a satisfying crunch. Making them at home is easier than you might think. Here’s a simple recipe to create this classic, sticky, and utterly delicious treat.
Ingredients
6 medium-sized apples (e.g., Granny Smith or Gala)
2 cups granulated sugar
1⁄2 cup water
1⁄3 cup light corn syrup
1⁄2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
1⁄2 teaspoon white vinegar
Wooden skewers or lollipop sticks
Instructions:
Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any stems and insert wooden skewers or lollipop sticks into the top of each apple. Ensure they’re secure but not poking through the bottom.
Lay Out Parchment Paper:
Place a sheet of parchment paper on a baking tray or a clean, heatproof surface where you can leave the toffee apples to cool.
Cook the Toffee:
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, corn syrup, and white vinegar. If you’d like, add the red food coloring for a traditional toffee apple look.
Over medium heat, stir the mixture until the sugar dissolves, then stop stirring.
Allow the mixture to boil. Use a candy thermometer to monitor the temperature; you’re aiming for about 300°F (150°C). This will take about 10 – 15 minutes.
Dip and Coat:
Once the toffee reaches the desired temperature, remove it from the heat.
Carefully dip each apple into the toffee, swirling it to ensure an even coating. Allow any excess to drip off.
Cool and Set
Place the coated apples on the prepared parchment paper. Let them cool and harden for about 10 – 15 minutes. The toffee will set relatively quickly.
Enjoy:
Your homemade toffee apples are now ready to be enjoyed! They can be served immediately or wrapped in cellophane or wax paper for later.
Remember that the toffee becomes very hot while cooking, so exercise caution and keep children away from the stovetop. Toffee apples are a nostalgic and delightful treat that’s perfect for Bonfire Night or any autumn gathering. Enjoy the crisp, sweet, and sticky goodness as you celebrate this festive occasion.
