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Poison Toffee Apples

Poison Toffee Apples are a festive Halloween treat featuring crisp apples coated with shiny, crackling toffee. The process involves caramelizing sugar to create a glossy, hard coating that enrobes the fruit, resulting in a crunchy exterior and tender interior with a visually striking appearance.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 250

Ingredients
  

  • 8 medium crisp apples washed and dried
  • 2 cups granulated sugar preferably white
  • 1/2 cup water to help dissolve sugar
  • 1 tablespoon corn syrup adds shine and prevents crystallization

Equipment

  • Cooking thermometer
  • Candy thermometer
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
  • Apple corer or knife

Method
 

  1. Insert a stick into the top of each apple through the core or stem, then set them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, ready for coating.
  2. Combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup in a heavy saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely and the mixture starts to boil.
  3. Attach a candy thermometer to the side of the saucepan, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom, and cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), and it turns a rich amber color. This usually takes around 10–15 minutes; watch closely to prevent burning.
  4. Once the sugar reaches the desired temperature, remove the pan from heat immediately and let the bubbling subside for a few seconds.
  5. Carefully dip each apple into the hot toffee, twisting slightly to ensure an even coat, then lift out and let the excess drip back into the pan for a few seconds.
  6. Place the coated apples back on the parchment-lined tray. Repeat with all apples, working quickly before the toffee hardens.
  7. Let the toffee apples cool completely at room temperature until the coating is firm and shiny, about 15–20 minutes.
  8. If desired, decorate with edible glitters or doodle spooky faces with icing to make them more Halloween-themed.

Notes

Ensure the sugar thermometer is accurate for precise temperature control. Work quickly once the toffee reaches the correct temperature to prevent it from hardening prematurely. Use a non-stick spray or parchment to prevent sticking when handling the apples.