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Jack O Lantern Apple Bites Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Jack O Lantern Apple Bites Recipe

I made these jack o lantern apple bites last weekend, and my kitchen turned into a tiny pumpkin patch. The tart apple, chewy caramel, and crunchy sprinkles worked so well together that the tray was empty in minutes. I love that they look fancy but only take a few simple steps.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3 large Granny Smith apples – their tart bite balances the sweet caramel.
  • 10 soft caramel wraps caramel wrapples – they wrap the apple slices in a chewy, golden coat.
  • 1 1/2 cups vanilla candy melts – they melt smoothly and draw the jack o lantern faces.
  • 2 tablespoons black sugar sprinkles – they add crunch and make the faces pop.
  • 10 lollipop sticks – they turn each slice into an easy handheld pop.
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice optional – it slows browning if you slice early.
  • Paper towels – dry apples are the secret to caramel that sticks.

Method
 

  1. Wash the apples well and cut them into thick rounds, about half an inch wide. Thicker slices hold the sticks better and feel sturdier in your hand. I remove the seeds with a small knife so every bite stays smooth.
  2. Pat both sides of each slice with paper towels until no moisture is left. This step matters more than anything else in the recipe. Wet apples make the caramel slide right off.
  3. Take one caramel wrap and press it around the edge of an apple slice. Smooth it with your fingers so it hugs the fruit. As the apple sits, it releases a little juice, so I work quickly and keep my towel close.
  4. Gently press a lollipop stick into the top of each slice. Push it in about halfway so it feels secure. Then set the pop on a parchment-lined baking sheet and repeat with the rest.
  5. Place the vanilla candy melts in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat them in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring each time, until smooth. Spoon the melted candy into a small piping bag and snip a tiny corner.
  6. Pipe two triangle eyes, a small nose, and a wide, toothy smile onto each apple slice. Work slowly, and make each face a little different. Silly faces are my favorite, and they always get giggles.
  7. While the candy is still wet, sprinkle black sugar over the faces. The sprinkles stick right away and make each jack o lantern look bold. Tap off the extra gently so the lines stay sharp.
  8. Leave the pops on the tray for about 15 minutes until the candy firms up. You can slide them into the fridge to speed this up. Serve them as soon as the faces feel set

Notes

  • I always pick firm, cold Granny Smith apples because they stay crisp under the caramel.
  • I dry each slice twice, once after slicing and once right before wrapping.
  • I warm the caramel wraps in my hands for a few seconds so they bend without tearing.
  • I melt the candy slowly, because rushing makes it thick and clumpy.
  • I practice a face on parchment first, which makes me much more confident.
  • I make all the faces assembly-line style, which keeps the sprinkles from drying out.