There’s something irresistibly nostalgic about candy apples. The shiny, sweet coating paired with the crisp crunch of the apple takes me back to autumn fairs and childhood memories. As I embarked on my journey towards veganism, I found myself missing these delightful treats. So, I decided to create my own version that is not only dairy-free but also rich in flavor and color. This recipe is simple, fun to make, and perfect for sharing with friends and family—even the skeptics!

Ingredients

  • 4 medium-sized apples (Granny Smith or Fuji work well)
  • 1 cup coconut sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1/4 cup light corn syrup (or agave syrup)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
  • Wooden sticks or skewers
  • Sprinkles or chopped nuts for decoration (optional)

Instructions

Begin by washing the apples thoroughly to remove any wax. Pat them dry and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple, ensuring it’s secure. Place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine the coconut sugar, water, corn syrup, and optional cinnamon. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely.

Increase the heat to bring the mixture to a boil. Do not stir once boiling, as this can cause the sugar to crystallize. Allow it to boil for about 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches a soft-ball stage (around 240°F or 115°C). You can check this by dropping a small amount of the syrup into a glass of cold water; if it forms a soft ball, it’s ready.

Once the syrup has reached the desired consistency, remove it from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Allow it to cool for a minute, as it will be extremely hot.

Carefully dip each apple into the syrup, swirling it to ensure an even coating. Let any excess syrup drip off before placing the coated apple back on the parchment paper.

If desired, decorate with sprinkles or chopped nuts while the coating is still warm, so they stick to the surface.

Let the candy apples cool completely at room temperature. Once set, they are ready to be enjoyed! These vegan candy apples make for a stunning centerpiece at gatherings or a sweet treat for any occasion.

As I savored these vibrant creations with my friends, I couldn’t help but smile. Their eyes widened in surprise at how deliciously satisfying these vegan treats turned out to be. It’s moments like these that remind me of the joy baking brings and the delightful conversations that follow. Enjoy your baking adventure!