Candy apples are a classic fall treat, but they can be tricky to store. If you don’t store them properly, the apples can become soft and mushy, or the candy coating can become sticky and gooey. However, with a little care, you can keep your candy apples fresh and delicious for weeks.
The first step to storing candy apples is to choose the right apples. Look for apples that are firm and blemish-free. Avoid apples that are bruised or soft, as these will not store well. Once you have selected your apples, wash them thoroughly and dry them completely. This will help to prevent the apples from becoming moldy.
The next step is to dip the apples in candy. To do this, you will need to make a candy coating. There are many different recipes for candy coatings, but the most common ingredients include sugar, corn syrup, and water. Once you have made your candy coating, dip the apples into the coating and then place them on a wax paper-lined baking sheet. Allow the candy coating to cool completely before storing the apples.
Selecting the Right Apples
Choosing the ideal apples for candy apples is crucial for achieving a perfect treat. Consider the following attributes when selecting your apples:
Size: Large, uniform-sized apples with smooth, unblemished surfaces are ideal. Red Delicious, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp varieties offer a classic and visually appealing option for candy apples.
Firmness: Apples should be firm and ripe, with no soft or bruised spots. Avoid apples that are excessively firm or have dents, as they may not hold the caramel well.
Stems: The stem should be sturdy and long enough to provide a good grip for dipping and holding the apple. A broken or wobbly stem can make dipping difficult and potentially cause the apple to fall off the stick.
Variety: While Red Delicious and Granny Smith apples are popular choices, other varieties can also yield delicious candy apples. Honeycrisp apples have a sweet-tart flavor and crisp texture, while Pink Lady apples offer a distinct floral note and vibrant color.
| Attribute | Ideal Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Size | Large, uniform-sized, smooth |
| Firmness | Firm and ripe, no soft or bruised spots |
| Stem | Sturdy, long enough for dipping and holding |
| Variety | Red Delicious, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady |
Preparing the Apples
To prepare the apples, you will need to first wash them thoroughly and remove any stems or leaves. Once the apples are clean, you can use a sharp knife to remove the cores. Be careful not to cut yourself, and make sure to cut the cores out in one piece. Once the cores are removed, you can cut the apples into slices, or you can leave them whole. If you are cutting the apples into slices, be sure to cut them evenly so that they cook evenly. Once the apples are prepared, you can dip them in the candy coating.
Tips for Preparing the Apples:
- Use a sharp knife to remove the cores from the apples. This will help to prevent the apples from breaking apart when you dip them in the candy coating.
- Cut the apples into even slices so that they cook evenly.
- If you are using whole apples, be sure to remove any stems or leaves before dipping them in the candy coating.
Additional Tips for Preparing the Apples:
| Tip | Reason |
|---|---|
| Use a melon baller to remove the cores from the apples. | This will help to create a clean, round hole in the apple, which will make it easier to dip in the candy coating. |
| Dip the apples in a mixture of water and lemon juice before dipping them in the candy coating. | This will help to prevent the apples from browning and will also help the candy coating to adhere to the apples. |
| Place the apples on a wire rack to dry before dipping them in the candy coating. | This will help to prevent the candy coating from running off the apples. |
Dipping the Apples
1. **Clean the apples thoroughly**. Rinse the apples under cold running water and remove any dirt or debris. Use a clean kitchen towel to pat the apples dry.
-
Remove the stem end. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut out the stem end of each apple, leaving a small hole at the top.
-
Insert the sticks. Insert a lollipop stick or popsicle stick into the hole at the top of each apple. Make sure the stick is securely inserted and will hold the apple steady when dipped into the candy.
-
Caramelize the candy. In a large saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, corn syrup, water, and butter. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture has thickened slightly.
| Temperature | Appearance |
|---|---|
| 235°F (113°C) | Soft-crack stage: The candy forms a soft, pliable ball when dropped into cold water. |
| 240°F (116°C) | Hard-crack stage: The candy forms a hard, brittle ball when dropped into cold water. |
| 300°F (149°C) | Hard-ball stage: The candy forms a hard ball when dropped into cold water. This is the recommended temperature for dipping candy apples. |
Using a candy thermometer, continue cooking the candy until it reaches 300°F (149°C), or the hard-ball stage. This is the ideal temperature for dipping candy apples.
Cooling and Setting the Apples
1. Preparation
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and have a few toothpicks and a glass of water nearby.
2. Dip and Set
Carefully dip each apple into the hot candy coating, using a spoon to help it set evenly. Gently tap off any excess candy and insert a toothpick into the top of each apple.
3. Cool in Air
Leave the candy apples to cool and set in the air for 5-10 minutes. This helps to firm up the candy coating and prevent it from running or melting.
4. Transfer to Sticks
Once the apples have cooled slightly, use a sharp knife to slice them into 1-inch thick rings. Insert the sticks into the center of each ring and secure them by gently pressing down.
5. Dry and Set in Refrigerator
Arrange the candy apples on a wire rack and let them dry completely at room temperature for about 1-2 hours. This will help to ensure that the candy coating is thoroughly set and hardened. For longer-term storage, transfer the candy apples to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week.
Storing in a Cool Place
Choose a Dark Location:
Candy apples should be stored in a dark, cool place to prevent fading and discoloration. Keep them away from direct sunlight or bright lights, which can cause the apples to lose their vibrant color.
Maintain a Temperature of 50-60°F (10-15°C):
The ideal temperature range for storing candy apples is between 50-60°F (10-15°C). This temperature helps maintain the candy’s texture and prevents it from melting or becoming sticky.
Humidity Considerations:
Excessive humidity can cause the candy apples to become soft and sticky. Aim for a relative humidity of around 50-60% to prevent this. A dehumidifier can be used to control humidity levels if necessary.
Ventilation and Circulation:
Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Ensure the storage area has adequate air circulation to prevent stale air from accumulating.
Avoid Storing Near Heat Sources:
Keep candy apples away from heat sources like radiators, stoves, or fireplaces. Extreme heat can melt or distort the candy, ruining its appearance and taste.
Positioning and Protection:
Place candy apples on a flat surface, ensuring they don’t get damaged or bumped. If the stems are long, you can support them with straws or skewers to prevent breakage.
| Ideal Storage Conditions | Recommended Actions |
|---|---|
| Temperature: 50-60°F (10-15°C) | Store in a cool, dark location |
| Humidity: 50-60% | Use a dehumidifier if necessary |
| Ventilation: Adequate | Ensure air circulation |
| Protection: Prevent damage | Place on a flat surface, support stems |
Storing in an Airtight Container
Storing candy apples in an airtight container is a great way to keep them fresh and prevent them from drying out. Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Let the candy apples dry completely before storing them.
- Wrap each candy apple individually in plastic wrap or parchment paper.
- Place the wrapped candy apples in a single layer in an airtight container.
- Store the container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Candy apples stored in an airtight container will last for up to 2 weeks.
Additional Tips for Storing Candy Apples in an Airtight Container
- Use a food-safe sealant to ensure the container is airtight.
- Place a layer of paper towels or newspaper at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture.
- Don’t overcrowd the container. Candy apples need some room to breathe.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Airtight container at room temperature | 2 weeks |
| Airtight container in the refrigerator | 1 month |
| Freezer | 6-8 months |
Adding Moisture to Extend Shelf Life
Candy apples are a delicious and festive treat, but they can quickly become stale and unappetizing if not stored properly.
One of the best ways to extend the shelf life of candy apples is to add moisture.
This can be done by placing the candy apples in a sealed container with a damp paper towel.
The paper towel will help to release moisture into the air, which will keep the candy apples from drying out.
Another way to add moisture to candy apples is to wrap them in plastic wrap.
The plastic wrap will help to create a seal around the candy apples, which will prevent moisture from escaping.
Here is a table summarizing the two methods for adding moisture to candy apples:
| Method | Instructions |
|---|---|
| Damp paper towel | Place the candy apples in a sealed container with a damp paper towel. |
| Plastic wrap | Wrap the candy apples individually in plastic wrap. |
Preventing Sticking
To prevent candy apples from sticking to each other or the wrapping paper, follow these steps:
- Use parchment paper: Line the baking sheet with parchment paper before dipping the apples. The non-stick coating will prevent the candy from adhering to the pan.
- Grease the pan: Lightly grease the baking sheet with butter or cooking spray to create a barrier between the candy and the pan.
- Use a wire rack: Instead of placing the candy apples directly on the baking sheet, use a wire rack to elevate them and allow air to circulate around them.
- Dip in multiple layers: Dipping the apples in multiple thin layers of candy coating will prevent the sugar from crystallizing and becoming sticky.
- Don’t over-dip: Dip the apples only enough to create a thin, even coating. Excess candy will form thick, sticky clumps.
- Keep the candy warm: Maintain the candy coating at a temperature of around 160°F (71°C) to prevent it from setting too quickly and becoming sticky.
- Use corn syrup: Adding a small amount of corn syrup to the candy coating will help to prevent it from becoming hard and brittle, which can lead to sticking.
- Use a dehydrator: If possible, use a dehydrator to dry the candy apples completely. This will remove any excess moisture that could cause sticking.
- Store in a single layer: When storing the candy apples, place them in a single layer on a wire rack or cookie sheet. Do not stack them, as this can cause them to stick together.
| Method | Effectiveness | Ease of Implementation |
|---|---|---|
| Parchment Paper | Excellent | Easy |
| Greasing Pan | Good | Easy |
| Wire Rack | Very Good | Moderate |
| Multiple Dipping Layers | Excellent | Moderate |
| Corn Syrup | Good | Easy |
| Dehydrator | Excellent | Requires equipment |
Tips for Long-Term Storage
To preserve the freshness and quality of your candy apples for extended periods, follow these additional guidelines:
1. Avoid Excessive Moisture: Store candy apples in a dry and well-ventilated area to prevent moisture from accumulating and causing them to deteriorate.
2. Choose the Right Container: Opt for airtight containers, such as plastic boxes or zip-top bags, to keep moisture out.
3. Line the Container: Use parchment paper or wax paper to line the container, creating a barrier between the apples and the container to absorb any excess moisture.
4. Store in a Refrigerated Environment: If you need to store the candy apples for more than a week, refrigerate them for optimal preservation.
5. Avoid Direct Sunlight: Keep the containers away from windows or direct sunlight to prevent the apples from melting.
6. Layer the Apples: If storing candy apples in a single container, layer them carefully to avoid crushing or breaking them.
7. Consider Vacuum Sealing: For extended storage, consider vacuum sealing the candy apples to completely remove air and moisture.
8. Freeze for Long-Term Storage: If you need to store candy apples for more than a few months, freeze them individually on a baking sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
9. Thaw Slowly: When thawing frozen candy apples, do so gradually in the refrigerator to prevent condensation from forming.
10. Monitor Regularly: Periodically check on the candy apples during storage and discard any that show signs of spoilage or deterioration.
How to Store Candy Apples
Candy apples are a delicious and festive treat, but they can be tricky to store. If you don’t store them properly, they can quickly become sticky, moldy, or stale. Here are a few tips on how to store candy apples so that they stay fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
1. Store candy apples in a cool, dry place. The ideal temperature for storing candy apples is between 60 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. You can store them in a pantry, cupboard, or even in the refrigerator. Just make sure that the place you choose is not too humid, as this can cause the candy apples to become sticky.
2. Wrap candy apples individually. To prevent the candy apples from sticking together, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper. You can also place them in a single layer in a cardboard box or plastic container.
3. Don’t store candy apples for too long. Candy apples are best eaten within a few days of being made. If you need to store them for longer, you can place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. However, the candy apples may become slightly stale after being refrigerated.
People Also Ask
How do you keep candy apples from melting?
To keep candy apples from melting, store them in a cool, dry place. You can also place them in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, but the candy apples may become slightly stale after being refrigerated.
How do you store candy apples overnight?
To store candy apples overnight, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a single layer in a cardboard box or plastic container. Store the candy apples in a cool, dry place.
Can you freeze candy apples?
Yes, you can freeze candy apples for up to two months. To freeze candy apples, wrap them individually in plastic wrap or wax paper and place them in a freezer-safe bag. When you’re ready to eat the candy apples, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator.
