How to Make Rainbow Candy Apples at Home (2025 Guide)
These shimmering Rainbow Candy Apples turn a classic fair treat into a magical, colorful party showstopper! Crunchy, glossy, and sprinkled with edible glitter, they’re a nostalgic favorite with a dazzling twist.
Ingredients
- 6 Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples (washed, wax removed, and dried)
- 6 wooden sticks or skewers
- 3 cups granulated sugar
- 1 cup light corn syrup
- 1 cup water
- ½ teaspoon cream of tartar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract (or flavoring of choice like cinnamon oil or cotton candy essence)
- Gel or neon food coloring (variety of colors)
- Edible glitter or shimmer dust (optional)
- Parchment paper
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Wash apples, remove wax by dipping in boiling water briefly, dry completely, and insert wooden sticks tightly into each apple.
- In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir gently to combine, then cook over medium-high heat without stirring until mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract or desired flavoring.
- Divide hot syrup into separate bowls and tint each with different gel food coloring. Work quickly before syrup hardens.
- Tilt bowls slightly and dip apples into one color, then swirl into a second color for a rainbow effect. Avoid overmixing to prevent muddy colors.
- Place dipped apples on parchment paper (not wax paper) and let set for 10 minutes. Sprinkle with edible glitter while still tacky if desired.
- Allow apples to fully cool and harden. Serve same day for best crunch and appearance.
Notes
Prep is key: remove apple wax or the syrup won’t stick. Use a candy thermometer to avoid sticky or burnt syrup. Avoid humid conditions for best results. Two to three colors per apple create the most striking effect.
Find it online: https://novarecipes.com/rainbow-candy-apples/