Candy apples require sugar, corn syrup, water, food coloring, and flavorings such as cinnamon or vanilla extract. Caramel apples use melted caramels made from sugar, cream or condensed milk, butter, and sometimes additional flavorings like sea salt or nuts.
TL;DR Candy apples Vs. Caramel apples
Candy apples have a hard candy shell coating made from sugar, corn syrup, and water, resulting in a crunchy texture. Caramel apples have a smooth and creamy caramel coating made from sugar, butter, and cream, resulting in a soft and chewy texture.
Both are popular fall treats, but candy apples have a glossy appearance and vibrant colors, while caramel apples have a partial caramel coating and are often flavored with vanilla or other extracts.
Candy Apples
Candy apples, also known as toffee apples in some regions, are a popular sweet treat made by coating whole apples with a hard candy shell.
The process of making candy apples involves first cleaning and drying apples and inserting wooden sticks or popsicle sticks into the top center of each apple to serve as handles. The sticks make it easier to hold and eat the candy-coated apples.
The candy coating is typically made by heating sugar, corn syrup, water, and sometimes additional flavorings or colors in a saucepan until it reaches the hard crack stage.
Once the candy mixture is ready, each apple is dipped and rolled in the hot liquid until it is fully coated in the candy shell. The apples are then left to cool and harden on a greased surface or parchment paper.
Candy apples are often decorated with additional toppings like sprinkles, chopped nuts, chocolate chips, or candy pieces, adding more flavor and visual appeal. The finished product is a shiny, crunchy, and sweet treat with a contrast between the crisp apple and the hard candy coating.
Caramel Apples
Caramel apples are a delicious sweet treat made by coating whole apples with a layer of caramel.
To make the caramel coating, sugar, butter, cream, and sometimes additional flavorings like vanilla or salt are heated in a saucepan until the ingredients melt and combine to form a smooth and creamy caramel sauce.
Once the caramel reaches the desired consistency, each apple is dipped and rolled in the hot caramel until it is fully coated. After coating, the caramel apples are typically left to cool and harden on a greased surface or parchment paper.
Some recipes may include additional toppings like chopped nuts, chocolate chips, sprinkles, or drizzles of chocolate or white chocolate for added flavor and decoration.
Candy apples Vs. Caramel apples – Key differences
Candy Apples
- Coating: Candy apples have a hard candy shell coating made from heated sugar, corn syrup, and water. The candy shell is typically shiny and brittle.
- Texture: The candy coating on candy apples is hard and crunchy, providing a contrasting texture to the apple inside.
- Flavor: The candy coating is sweet, and the flavor can vary depending on any additional flavorings or colors added.
- Appearance: Candy apples often have a glossy and colorful appearance, with the candy shell coating the entire apple.
- Common Occasions: Candy apples are popular during the fall season, at Halloween, and at fairs or carnivals.
Caramel Apples
- Coating: Caramel apples have a smooth and creamy caramel coating made from sugar, butter, and cream. The caramel sets to a softer texture.
- Texture: The caramel coating on caramel apples is soft and chewy, complementing the crispness of the apple.
- Flavor: The caramel coating provides a rich and buttery sweetness, enhancing the natural taste of the apple.
- Appearance: Caramel apples usually have a caramel coating that partially covers the apple, leaving some of the apple’s surface exposed.
- Common Occasions: Caramel apples are also popular during the fall season, at Halloween, and at fairs or carnivals. They are sometimes enjoyed as a gourmet dessert or gift option.
Candy apples have a hard and crunchy candy shell coating, while caramel apples have a soft and chewy caramel coating.
Both types of apples are enjoyed during the fall season and are popular treats at various festive events.
Candy Apples and Caramel Apples – Ingredients
| Ingredient | Candy Apples | Caramel Apples |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | Small to medium-sized apples | Small to medium-sized apples |
| Granulated Sugar | Yes | No (Caramel apples use brown sugar or white sugar to make the caramel) |
| Light Corn Syrup | Yes | No (Not used in traditional caramel apple recipes) |
| Water | Yes | No (Not used in traditional caramel apple recipes) |
| Food Coloring | Optional | Optional (Usually not used in traditional caramel apple recipes) |
| Flavored Extracts | Optional | Optional (Vanilla extract is commonly used) |
| Candy Flavoring Oils | Optional | No (Not used in traditional caramel apple recipes) |
| Candy Toppings | Chopped nuts, sprinkles, candy pieces | Chopped nuts, sprinkles, candy pieces |
| Candy Coating | Hard candy shell | Soft and chewy caramel |
Origins of Candy Apples and Caramel Apples
Origins of Candy Apples
Candy apples have a fascinating history that dates back to the early 20th century. The exact origin of candy apples is a bit unclear, but they are believed to have originated in the United States.
One popular theory attributes the creation of candy apples to William W. Kolb, a candy maker from New Jersey.
According to the story, in 1908, Kolb wanted to showcase his red cinnamon candy at the Christmas season. He decided to dip apples into the hot candy mixture and display them in his shop window. The idea was a hit, and the candy-coated apples quickly became popular.
Another theory suggests that candy apples were invented by a candy seller at a fair in the early 1900s. He reportedly dipped apples into a pot of melted red cinnamon candy and sold them as “red candy apples.”
Origins of Caramel Apples
The invention of caramel apples is often attributed to Kraft Foods. In the 1950s, Kraft created individually wrapped caramel candies, known as “Kraft Caramels.”
The company promoted the idea of melting these caramels to coat apples, creating a tasty and convenient treat. The popularity of caramel apples grew quickly, becoming a beloved fall and Halloween treat.
Image Credits
Featured Image By – Derrick Brooks on Unsplash
Image 1 By – Constantin Barbu, CC BY 2.0 , via Wikimedia Commons
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