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Poison Toffee Apples

Poison Toffee Apples are whole red apples coated in a glossy, dark toffee layer, creating a sinister, shiny finish. The process involves caramelizing sugar to make a sticky toffee sauce, then dipping the apples to achieve a crisp, caramelized exterior with a tart, juicy interior. The final appearance is a striking contrast of bright red fruit beneath a glossy black coating, with a satisfying crunch and chewy toffee texture.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 6
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Halloween
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 6 large red apples preferably firm and ripe
  • 2 cups granulated sugar for the toffee
  • 0.5 cup water to melt sugar evenly
  • 1 tbsp corn syrup helps prevent crystallization
  • 1 tsp black gel food coloring for the sinister look

Equipment

  • Cooking thermometer
  • Baking sheet
  • Silicone spatula
  • Candy thermometer
  • Small saucepan
  • Wooden skewer or apple stick

Method
 

  1. Wash and thoroughly dry the apples, removing stems and sticking a wooden skewer into each core to create handles. Place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, ready for dipping.
  2. Combine sugar, water, and corn syrup in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves completely, then stop stirring and bring the mixture to a boil.
  3. Attach a candy thermometer to the pan and cook the syrup without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 8-10 minutes. Watch the color closely as it deepens to a dark amber.
  4. Remove the pan from heat once the sugar reaches the desired temperature. Add the black gel food coloring carefully—immediately and slowly, so it doesn’t bubble over—as you stir gently with a silicone spatula until evenly colored.
  5. Dip each apple into the hot black toffee, tilting the pan if needed to cover the surface evenly. Partner with a skewer to turn and lift the apple simultaneously. Allow excess toffee to drip off for a few seconds.
  6. Place the coated apple onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet, stem-side down if applicable. Repeat the process with all apples, letting the toffee cool and harden completely, about 20-30 minutes.
  7. Once the toffee is set and shiny, serve the Poison Toffee Apples whole, with the dark, glossy coating contrasting against the vibrant fruit inside. Enjoy their crisp exterior and tender, tart interior.

Notes

Use caution when working with hot sugar — it can cause serious burns. Keep children away from the cooking area and handle hot toffee with care. For an extra spooky touch, add edible glitter or a drizzle of white chocolate for details.