Rainbow Candy Apples bring a burst of color and nostalgic sweetness to your dessert table. With a crunchy candy coating swirled in vibrant rainbow hues and a tart apple center, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for parties, seasonal festivals, or just a fun treat with the kids. Whether you’re searching for creative dessert ideas or fun food projects, these Rainbow Candy Apples are a must-try. They are simple to make, endlessly customizable, and guaranteed to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Rainbow Candy Apples
These Rainbow Candy Apples are not only visually stunning but also incredibly delicious. Here are a few reasons to love them:
- Bright and colorful, they are perfect for festive occasions.
- Quick to prepare, making them ideal for last-minute parties.
- Customizable with different colors and toppings.
- A fun activity to do with kids, enhancing family bonding.
- They cater to various dietary preferences, as they are vegetarian.
- Great for candy lovers and apple enthusiasts alike.
With their colorful caramel apples and bright candy-coated apples, these treats are sure to steal the show!
Ingredients for Rainbow Candy Apples
Gather these items:
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- Food coloring gel (various colors)
- 6 wooden sticks
- Candy thermometer
How to Make Rainbow Candy Apples Step-by-Step
- Step 1: Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax coating and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
- Step 2: Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside for the dipped apples.
- Step 3: In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir to dissolve, then attach a candy thermometer.
- Step 4: Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Step 5: Remove from heat and let the bubbles settle. Add gel food coloring directly into the pot or divide the syrup into separate bowls and tint individually. Swirl lightly to keep the colors distinct.
- Step 6: Dip each apple carefully into the hot candy, rotating to coat fully. Let excess drip off.
- Step 7: Set the dipped apples onto the prepared tray and allow them to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Step 8: Serve immediately or store in cellophane bags or an airtight container at room temperature.
Pro Tips for the Best Rainbow Candy Apples
Keep these in mind:
- These apples are customizable with different colors.
- Ensure the apples are dry for better candy adherence.
- Use a candy thermometer for accurate temperature measurement.
- Experiment with various toppings, such as candy apples with rainbow sprinkles.

Best Ways to Serve Rainbow Candy Apples
These festive candy apples can be served in various ways:
- Serve as a centerpiece for dessert tables at parties.
- Pair with caramel or chocolate dipping sauces for extra flavor.
- Include them in gift bags for party favors.
How to Store and Reheat Rainbow Candy Apples
These apples can be stored in cellophane bags or an airtight container at room temperature for up to a week. Avoid refrigeration, as moisture can affect the candy coating’s texture. They are perfect for meal prep, allowing you to create festive treats ahead of time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rainbow Candy Apples
What’s the secret to perfect Rainbow Candy Apples?
The secret lies in ensuring the apples are completely dry before dipping them in the candy. This helps the candy adhere better and creates a smooth, shiny finish on the rainbow coated apples.
Can I make Rainbow Candy Apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can make these apples ahead of time! Just ensure they are stored properly in an airtight container at room temperature, keeping them away from moisture.
How do I avoid common mistakes with Rainbow Candy Apples?
Avoid stirring the candy mixture once it starts boiling, as this can cause crystallization. Additionally, make sure the apples are free of wax for better candy adherence.
Variations of Rainbow Candy Apples You Can Try
Here are some fun variations to consider:
- Use different combinations of food coloring for unique designs.
- Add toppings like crushed nuts or sprinkles for added texture.
- Try using different types of apples, such as Fuji or Honeycrisp, for varied sweetness.
These variations make for fun rainbow apple treats that cater to diverse tastes and preferences!

For more information about candy making, check out this candy making guide. If you’re interested in learning more about the ingredients, visit our about page or check our privacy policy for details on how we handle your data. You can also read our terms of use for more information.
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Rainbow Candy Apples: 6 Colorful Sweet Treats to Enjoy
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 6 candy apples 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Bring a burst of color and nostalgic sweetness to your dessert table with these dazzling Rainbow Candy Apples. With a crunchy candy coating swirled in vibrant rainbow hues and a tart apple center, this quick and easy recipe is perfect for parties, seasonal festivals, or just a fun treat with the kids.
Ingredients
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith recommended)
- Food coloring gel (various colors)
- 6 wooden sticks
- Candy thermometer
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Remove any wax coating and insert a wooden stick into the top of each apple.
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper and set it aside for the dipped apples.
- In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Stir to dissolve, then attach a candy thermometer.
- Boil the mixture without stirring until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage).
- Remove from heat and let the bubbles settle. Add gel food coloring directly into the pot or divide the syrup into separate bowls and tint individually. Swirl lightly to keep the colors distinct.
- Dip each apple carefully into the hot candy, rotating to coat fully. Let excess drip off.
- Set the dipped apples onto the prepared tray and allow them to cool completely for about 30 minutes.
- Serve immediately or store in cellophane bags or an airtight container at room temperature.
Notes
- These apples are customizable with different colors.
- Ensure the apples are dry for better candy adherence.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Candying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 candy apple
- Calories: 275
- Sugar: 50g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg