Orange Spice Candy Apples
They’re a natural at Halloween, but our gourmet version of candy apples will see you making them year round. Fresh Limoneira® orange juice, a touch of spice, and the result is a delicious candy shell for the apple. We’re also including a couple of variations that turn it into a special occasion dessert.
Ingredients
- 8 lollipop sticks about 6-inch long
- 8 medium apples
- 1 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 cup Limoneira® fresh orange juice
- 1 tablespoon Limoneira® orange zest finely minced
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
Optional Add-Ons
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts OR
- 1/2 cup candy bits smashed
- 1/3 cup semisweet chocolate chips small size
Instructions
- Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper, and wash the apples thoroughly.
- Take the lollipop sticks, and insert them firmly through the bottom of each apple.
- Add the sugar, spices, orange juice and zest, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan over a medium-high setting.
- Cook, stirring only occasionally, for about 20 minutes. A candy thermometer should measure 305°F.
- Remove the mixture from the heat.
- You’ll have to work quickly, before the coating cools too much. Take each apple by the lollipop stick, and swirl it in the candy coating. Let any excess drip back into the saucepan.
- Let it set on the parchment paper for about 20 minutes before eating.
Optional
- As the coating is cooking, combine the nuts (or candy bits) and chocolate chips in a small bowl.
- After you coat each apple in the orange spice coating, dip it briefly into the nuts and chocolate mixture before placing it on the baking sheet to set.
Notes
Note: Firm, tart apples such as Pink Lady, McIntosh, Cortland, or Empire work best.
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
