Description
Craving a bold and vibrant treat that’s bursting with tropical flavor? These Pineapple Lemonade Candy Apples combine the refreshing zing of citrus with a classic fairground crunch! Perfect for party desserts, birthday favors, or standout bake sale offerings, this easy recipe delivers both visual wow and fruity deliciousness. With its bright yellow candy shell and tart-sweet bite, this treat fits right into your search for fun food ideas, quick dessert recipes, healthy-ish snacks for kids (with fruit!), and creative birthday party ideas.
Ingredients
6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Gala)
2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup light corn syrup
3/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon pineapple extract
1/4 teaspoon lemon extract
1/4 teaspoon cream of tartar (optional)
Yellow food coloring
Neon yellow or gold shimmer powder (optional)
Wooden sticks or skewers
Parchment paper or silicone mat
Instructions
1. Insert sticks into washed, de-waxed, and dried apples. Place them on parchment paper.
2. Prepare your workstation with all tools and line your tray with parchment.
3. In a heavy saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and cream of tartar. Stir until sugar dissolves.
4. Attach a candy thermometer and bring mixture to boil without stirring further.
5. Cook until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage), about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat, then stir in pineapple and lemon extracts, and food coloring. Add shimmer powder if desired.
7. Tilt the saucepan and dip apples, turning to coat. Let excess drip off, then place on parchment.
8. Let apples cool at room temperature for 30–45 minutes. Optionally drizzle with melted chocolate or sprinkles.
9. Once cooled, serve immediately or wrap individually for gifts.
Notes
Always remove wax from store-bought apples to ensure coating adheres properly.
Use a thermometer – candy must hit 300°F or it won’t harden.
Let dipped apples set at room temp, not in the fridge, to avoid sticky surfaces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 apple
- Calories: 230
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 59g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 0.2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: candy apples, pineapple lemonade apples, tropical dessert, kids party treat, easy dessert recipe