Glow in the Dark Apples

This magical twist on traditional candy apples will transform your next party into an unforgettable event. The combination of tart Granny Smith apples with sweet, vibrant Jolly Rancher coating creates a treat that not only tastes amazing but actually glows under black light!

I first made these for my daughter's cosmic-themed birthday party last year, and they were such a hit that they've become our signature treat for special occasions. The look on guests' faces when you dim the lights is absolutely priceless!

Ingredients

• Granny Smith apples: the tartness balances perfectly with the sweet candy coating and their firm texture holds up well
• Wooden sticks: look for sturdy craft sticks that won’t snap during dipping
• Granulated sugar: forms the base of our candy coating
• Light corn syrup: prevents crystallization for a smooth, glass-like finish
• Water: helps dissolve the sugar evenly
• Jolly Rancher hard candies: adds intense flavor and vibrant color
• Neon food coloring: enhances the glow effect dramatically
• Tonic water: the secret ingredient that creates the actual glow under black light due to the quinine it contains

How To Make Glow in the Dark Jolly Rancher Candy Apples

Prepare the apples:

Wash and thoroughly dry the apples as any moisture will prevent the candy from sticking properly. Remove stems and insert wooden sticks about halfway through the core for stability. Arrange your workspace with the parchment-lined baking sheet within easy reach of your stovetop.

Create the candy base:

Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. Stir constantly until sugar dissolves completely to prevent crystallization which would make your coating grainy instead of smooth and glossy.

Add flavor and color:

Crush Jolly Ranchers into small pieces and add to the sugar mixture. Continue cooking while occasionally stirring until the mixture reaches exactly 300°F on a candy thermometer. This is the hard-crack stage where the coating will set with the perfect crisp texture.

Incorporate the glow elements:

Remove from heat immediately and quickly stir in your chosen neon food coloring and tonic water. Work fast as the mixture will begin hardening as it cools. The tonic water contains quinine which is what creates the actual glow effect under black light.

Dip with precision:

Hold apples by the stick and dip into the hot candy mixture with a twirling motion to ensure even coverage. Let excess drip back into the pot for a few seconds before placing on prepared parchment paper. Work quickly as the candy mixture hardens rapidly.

Pin it

My favorite part of making these is watching my kids' faces light up with the same apples when we turn on the black light. There's something magical about food that transforms before your eyes, and it makes cooking feel like a science experiment and art project rolled into one delicious treat.

Storage Tips

These candy apples are best enjoyed within 24 hours of making them, as humidity can cause the hard candy coating to become sticky over time. Store them in a cool, dry place but never in the refrigerator, as condensation will ruin the glossy finish. For short-term storage, place them on parchment paper without touching and cover loosely with plastic wrap.

Party Presentation Ideas

Create a dramatic display by arranging your glowing apples on a black serving tray with small black light fixtures positioned underneath. The contrast between the dark background and the glowing treats creates a stunning visual effect that will impress your guests. Consider serving them on individual small plates with black napkins to enhance the glow effect even further.

Troubleshooting Your Candy Coating

If your candy coating is too thick or hardening too quickly, you can maintain the proper consistency by keeping the saucepan over very low heat while dipping. Should your first coat appear uneven, you can create a double-dipped effect by allowing the first layer to harden completely before reheating the candy mixture and applying a second coat for an even more dramatic appearance.

Pin it

Safety First

Always remember that candy making involves extremely hot sugar mixtures that can cause serious burns. Keep children at a safe distance during the cooking and dipping process, involving them only in the preparation and decoration steps. Use a deep pot to prevent splashes, and consider wearing kitchen gloves during the dipping process to protect your hands from accidental drips.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I make the candy glow?

The glow effect comes from neon food coloring and tonic water. The quinine in tonic water reacts under blacklight to create the glow.

→ Can I use different apple types?

Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith pair well with the sweet candy coating. Other apples will work, but their flavor may differ.

→ How do I know the candy mixture is ready?

Use a candy thermometer to ensure the mixture reaches 300°F, the hard-crack stage, where the candy hardens properly.

→ Is the glow visible without a blacklight?

No, the glow effect is only visible under a blacklight due to the tonic water.

→ How can I make them visually unique?

Try different neon food coloring shades or sprinkle edible glitter on the apples before the candy coating hardens.