Here’s a fun and creative Glow in the Dark Jolly Rancher Candy Apples recipe! These are perfect for parties, Halloween, or anytime you want a cool glowing treat.
Glow in the Dark Jolly Rancher Candy Apples
Ingredients:
-
6 medium apples (Granny Smith or any crisp variety)
-
1 bag (about 10 oz) assorted Jolly Rancher hard candies, crushed or chopped finely
-
1 cup granulated sugar
-
1/2 cup light corn syrup
-
1/2 cup water
-
Food-grade tonic water (for glow effect) — about 1/4 cup (optional)
-
6 wooden sticks or skewers
Special Note:
The glow effect comes from quinine in tonic water, which fluoresces under black light. Using tonic water in your candy coating will create the glow effect. Avoid substituting with other liquids.
Instructions:
-
Prepare the apples:
-
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly.
-
Insert wooden sticks into the top of each apple.
-
-
Crush the Jolly Ranchers:
-
Place the Jolly Ranchers in a zip-top bag and crush them into small pieces using a rolling pin or a hammer. Set aside.
-
-
Make the candy coating:
-
In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, water, and tonic water.
-
Stir gently over medium heat until sugar dissolves.
-
Attach a candy thermometer to the pan. Bring mixture to a boil without stirring.
-
Cook until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). This usually takes about 10-15 minutes.
-
Remove from heat immediately once temperature is reached.
-
-
Add Jolly Ranchers:
-
Quickly stir in the crushed Jolly Ranchers until fully melted and smooth. If the mixture starts to harden before you coat apples, gently reheat briefly.
-
-
Coat the apples:
-
Dip each apple into the hot candy mixture, turning to coat completely.
-
Allow excess candy to drip off.
-
Place coated apples on a silicone mat or parchment paper to cool and harden.
-
-
Glow effect:
-
To see the glow, place the apples under a black light (UV light) in a dim room. The tonic water in the candy coating will fluoresce with a cool blue-green glow!
-
Tips:
-
Be very careful when working with hot candy syrup—it’s extremely hot and can cause burns.
-
If you want a stronger glow, you can brush some tonic water on the apples after coating (just be cautious about moisture).
-
Store apples at room temperature and consume within 24-48 hours for best texture.