British · Desserts

Toffee Apples

Crisp apples dipped in a hard, glossy toffee boiled to the crack stage. The Bonfire Night sweet, in thirty-five minutes, plus setting.

Not yet ratedThis recipe has no ratings yet 35 min total Serves 6 servings Medium
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Method

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  1. Wash the apples in hot water, dry them completely and remove the stalks. Push a stick firmly into the top of each. Line a tray with baking paper.

  2. Put the sugar, golden syrup, water and vinegar in a heavy saucepan over medium heat and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Stop stirring.

  3. Bring to a boil and cook without stirring for 12 to 15 minutes, until the temperature reaches 150°C / 300°F, or a drop of the syrup hardens and snaps in cold water.

  4. Take off the heat and stir in the colouring if using. Wait 1 minute until the bubbles subside.

  5. Tilt the pan, dip each apple, and twirl it so the toffee coats it evenly, letting the excess drip back.

  6. Set on the tray and leave to harden for about 30 minutes.

Chef’s Tips

  • Boil to 150°C. Below that the toffee stays sticky.
  • Dry the apples completely, and scrub off any wax.
  • Hot sugar burns badly. Take great care and keep children well away.

Pairing Suggestions

  • A cup of hot chocolate
  • A bonfire
  • Parkin

Storage & Reheating

Best on the day. Keep in a cool, dry place up to 2 days, wrapped in cellophane. The toffee softens in humid weather.

Common questions

How long does Toffee Apples take to make?

About 35 minutes in total — 15 minutes of preparation and 20 minutes of cooking. The recipe serves 6.

What are the key tips for making Toffee Apples?

Boil to 150°C. Below that the toffee stays sticky. Dry the apples completely, and scrub off any wax. Hot sugar burns badly. Take great care and keep children well away.

What should I serve with Toffee Apples?

A cup of hot chocolate; A bonfire; Parkin.

Is Toffee Apples suitable for a special diet?

This recipe is vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free. Those labels are checked against the ingredient list, so a dish is only marked when nothing in it contradicts the claim.

How many calories are in Toffee Apples?

About 212 kcal per serving, with 0 g protein, 53 g carbohydrate and 0 g fat. The figures are calculated from the ingredient list and are an estimate.

Nutritional Highlights

Per serving, calculated from the ingredient list. Treat these as an estimate — brands and cuts vary.

212Calories
0gProtein
53gCarbs
0gFat
3gFibre
48gSugar
5mgSodium

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Written and tested by Turab

One person, one kitchen — no test kitchen, no team. How every recipe on this site is checked before it goes up.