These candied apples are the perfect healthier substitute for caramel apples!
There’s something about Candy Apples that just SCREAM Halloween. Don’t you think?
I love these tasty treats and I won’t apologize for it. But the truth is, I haven’t had one in years because I just cannot tolerate the sugar in regular caramel.
So what’s a clean eater to do?
Make your own, of course!
Yep, these lovely little apples come together just like the regular version, only they are soooo much healthier for you!
So enjoy your Halloween knowing that there IS an alternative to all that candy. And it’s pretty easy to make too!
CANDIED APPLES RECIPE:
Candied Apples
A delicious, healthier alternative to traditional caramel or candied apples!
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Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 265kcal
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (choose what is sweet and in season - wash and remove stems. Dry well)
- 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped)
- 1/2 cup brown rice syrup
Instructions
- It's best to have all your ingredients prepared and everything you need, ready to go. Because once the "candy" is ready, you have to move quick. I've found the best work surface for this is a cookie sheet lined with parchment. I used sticks for my apples, but it's truly a lot easier if you use popsicle sticks (much less chance of swallowing a splinter too!). Lastly, try to choose apples that will "sit up" on their own. It will make life a lot easier.
- Push your sticks into the apples where the step was.
- Place your brown rice syrup into a small pot and bring to a boil. Once it bubbles, reduce heat immediately to low. Simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat.
- When the brown rice syrup has stopped bubbling, hold one of your apples by the stick, over the pot, and spoon syrup over the apple until it has a smooth, glossing coating.
- Roll in walnuts (I did this right on the cookie sheet, but you can use a separate flat surface.)
- Repeat with all your apples. (Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled or quadrupled.)
- Set the apple on the parchment and place the entire cookie sheet in the fridge. Chill for at least 1 hour.
- Other possible toppings:
- Pecans, chopped
- Grain sweetened or dark chocolate chips, chopped
- Dried fruit, chopped fine
- Almonds, chopped
- Coco powder mixed with crystalized honey (although this is tough to find in the stores)
- Clean Eating Granola (best if pulsed in the food processor first, but not necessary)
Notes
Please note that the nutrition data below is a ballpark figure. Exact data is not possible.
Nutrition
Serving: 0.5an apple | Calories: 265kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 9g | Sodium: 31mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 37g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 5.1mg | Calcium: 49mg | Iron: 0.6mg
Wendy @ Seriously Sassy says
They look amazing, as I knew they would!!
Totally wondering if agave nectar could be used instead of brown rice syrup. I know agave is sweeter so maybe I could use less, but not sure if it’d work. I really need to get to Whole Foods to find whole wheat pastry flour and brown rice syrup!! Wish the nearest one wasn’t so far away!
The Gracious Pantry says
Wendy – The problem is that agave does not get thick or caramelize the way brown rice syrup does. I tried. Hope you get to Whole Foods soon!
Brandi R. says
They look delish. Can’t wait to try these yummios!
The Gracious Pantry says
Brandi – You’ll love them! I think they are the best of all my Halloween recipes so far. Enjoy!
Cailin @ Stir Crazy says
I LOVE candy apples and these sound amazing!
The Gracious Pantry says
Cailin – They were REALLY yummy!
Amanda_Creighton says
Since I’m new to this, I don’t know anything about brown rice syrup, but I stopped to look at this one becausey favorite indulgence is caramel coffee, latte or frappe. It’s the caramel and coffee combo that I love. Do you have any recommendations? Still loving your site and thanks for answering my other questions.
Anonymous says
Amanda – I’m afraid that flavor is pretty hard to duplicate. Brown rice syrup isn’t the same flavor wise. But I’m working on another recipe that may come close. Still testing it though.
McCaa Erdman says
Hi Tiffany, I don’t usually buy brown rice syrup – do you think that your mixture for the “carmel popcorn” of honey and nut butter would work well as a sub in this recipe?
Thanks!!
Anonymous says
McCaa – No, it wouldn’t be sticky enough to stay on the apple. It would all just run off. Sorry!
Jha1ley says
I just made these…how fun and messy! I didn’t want to waste the left over brown rice syrup so I added some cocoa powder, organic peanut butter, and chopped almonds then dropped small spoonfuls onto the parchment paper to make little caramel candies…delicious! I haven’t tried the apples yet; I am waiting for the suggested hour to be up…but they look great!
Anonymous says
Jha – Haha!!! Ya, it’s a little messy, but sooooo worth it! Hope you enjoy both creations!