Fun Jack-o’-Lantern Candy Apples for a Spooky Halloween Treat!

Ingredients for Jack-o’-Lantern Candy Apples

The ingredients and tools for this recipe are conveniently linked to online retailers such as Amazon, Amazon Fresh, Instacart, and Walmart. The quantities are in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Orange Candy Melts—These coat the apples and give them that vibrant pumpkin color. Check the packaging for melting instructions for the brand you use. If you can’t find orange candy melts, use white chocolate with a few drops of Oil-Based Food Coloring.
• Wilton Black Sparkle Gel—For drawing fun or spooky Jack-o’-Lantern faces on the apples. Use a regular black icing tube if you can’t find this sparkle gel.
• Apples—You can’t make candy apples without them!
• Lollipop Sticks—These hold the apples while you dip (and serve them). We used 8″/20cm round lollipop sticks, but you can also use flat Popsicle Sticks.

The complete list of ingredients with measurements is on the recipe card at the end of this post. The Purple Pumpkin Blog uses both cups and weighted measurements in its recipes, making American cups and kitchen food scales valuable tools for trying all the recipes. We provide US customary, imperial, and metric measurements. Still, it’s important to note that while you can combine cup measurements with weighted measures, never mix US customary/imperial (pounds, ounces, pints, etc.) with metric (kilograms, grams, liters, etc.).

What Are The Best Apples For Making Candy Apples?

The best apples for making candy apples have a crisp texture and a tart flavor to balance out the sweetness of the candy coating. Here are some great apple varieties for candy apples:

1. Granny Smith—A classic choice for candy apples due to its tart, tangy taste, which contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the candy coating.
2. Honeycrisp—Known for their balanced sweetness and crisp bite, honeycrisp apples are a delicious option that works well with candy coatings.
3. Fuji—Offers a sweeter taste, so if you prefer a less tart option, these are perfect for a super sweet treat.
4. Gala—An excellent choice for those who want a milder sweetness and a juicy, crunchy texture that pairs well with candy melts or caramel.
5. Empire—A cross between Red Delicious and McIntosh, giving them a nice balance of sweetness and firmness, ideal for candy apples.
6. Jazz—Have a refreshing crunch and are an excellent addition to any candy apple recipe!

For best results, choose apples that are medium to small in size and have a firm texture. This will ensure they hold up well when dipped in the candy coating!

Recipe Tips

• No Water: Water will cause the candy melts to seize and become unusable. Ensure your equipment is completely dry, and avoid using utensils that retain moisture, like a wooden spoon.
• Prep the Apples: Make sure the surface of your apples is dry before dipping them in the melted candy. Use Paper Towels to ensure your apples are dip-ready.
• Thick Candy: If the candy is too thick, add vegetable shortening or (solid) coconut oil in 1 teaspoon increments, up to 1 tablespoon, and stir well.
• Dipping Technique: Slowly turn the apple in the Bowl of melted candy to get an even coat.
• Custom Faces: Let your creativity flow! You can mimic famous Jack-o’-lantern designs or create unique faces for each apple.
• Change Color: With many colors of Candy Melts available, switch up the colors of your candy apples! You could use white to create Jack Skellington or green for Oogie Boogie! Check out our 100+ Free Pumpkin Carving Patterns for inspiration!
• Chill for Best Results: Allow the candy apples to be fully set before piping on the faces, and store them in the fridge until serving.