Pin It A spooky, enchanting treat board featuring poison apples and a selection of Halloween-inspired snacks—perfect for parties and festive gatherings.
This recipe instantly became a favorite at our family Halloween celebrations due to its spooky presentation and variety of treats.
Ingredients
- Poison Apples: 6 small apples (preferably Granny Smith), 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup water, ½ tsp black gel food coloring, ½ tsp vanilla extract, wooden sticks
- Dips & Sauces: ½ cup caramel sauce, ½ cup dark chocolate sauce
- Sweet Treats: 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzel rods, 1 cup gummy worms, 1 cup marshmallows, ½ cup Halloween-themed candies (e.g., candy corn, jelly beans, eyeball candies), ½ cup chocolate bark broken into pieces
- Fruits & Extras: ½ cup black grapes, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Insert wooden sticks into the tops and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3:
- Increase heat and boil (without stirring) until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 7–8 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat. Quickly stir in black gel food coloring and vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Working carefully, dip each apple into the candy mixture, swirling to coat completely. Let excess drip off, and place coated apples on a parchment-lined tray to set.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the poison apples in the center of a large serving board.
- Step 7:
- Neatly arrange caramel and chocolate sauces in small bowls for dipping.
- Step 8:
- Fill in the board with chocolate-covered pretzel rods, gummy worms, marshmallows, Halloween candies, chocolate bark, grapes, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or within a few hours for best results.
Pin It This board always brings the family together, sparking joy and spooky fun every Halloween night.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, candy thermometer, wooden sticks, parchment paper, large serving board, small bowls for sauces
Allergen Information
Contains tree fruit (apples, grapes), soy (in some chocolates), dairy (in caramel, chocolate), gluten (in pretzels depending on brand). Some candies may contain nuts, dairy, or gluten—always check labels.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310 per serving. Total Fat: 4 g. Carbohydrates: 70 g. Protein: 2 g.
Pin It This poison apple board will be the star of your Halloween party and impress all your guests.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → How do I achieve the perfect hard candy coating for the apples?
Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water to the hard crack stage (300°F) without stirring. Quickly add color and flavor before dipping apples to ensure a shiny, crisp coating.
- → What apples work best for candy coating?
Small, firm apples like Granny Smith provide a tart contrast and sturdy base for the candy glaze.
- → Can I prepare the board in advance?
Apples are best dipped and served soon after coating to maintain crispness. Arrange other treats ahead for convenience.
- → What are good dipping sauces for the apples?
Caramel and dark chocolate sauces complement the candy coating, balancing sweetness and richness.
- → How can I add a dramatic effect to the poison apples?
Drizzle extra black candy over the cooled apples for a spiderweb or dripping effect that enhances the spooky theme.
- → Are there any suggested pairings with beverages?
Serve with hot cider or mulled wine to enhance flavors and create a festive experience for adults.