Description
Candy Coated Grapes are a delightful and fun snack featuring fresh grapes dipped in a hard candy shell made from sugar, corn syrup, and water. This sweet treat is perfect for parties or a crunchy, colorful snack that kids and adults alike will enjoy. The candy coating provides a crisp texture that contrasts beautifully with the juicy grapes inside.
Ingredients
Scale
Grapes
- 3 cups seedless grapes (green or red), washed and thoroughly dried
Candy Coating
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
- Gel food coloring (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the grapes: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and insert toothpicks into the tops of each grape to make dipping easier and more precise.
- Make the candy syrup: In a small saucepan, combine the granulated sugar, water, and light corn syrup. Heat over medium heat without stirring until the mixture comes to a gentle boil.
- Cook to hard crack stage: Continue cooking the syrup, allowing the temperature to reach 300°F on a candy thermometer, which is the hard-crack stage necessary for a crisp candy coating.
- Add flavor and color: Remove the pan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and a few drops of gel food coloring if desired, mixing quickly before the syrup sets.
- Dip the grapes: Working quickly to prevent the syrup from hardening, dip each grape into the hot candy mixture, twirling to evenly coat, then place the coated grapes onto the prepared parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Cool and harden: Allow the candy-coated grapes to cool completely at room temperature until the coating is hard and crispy before serving.
Notes
- Ensure grapes are completely dry before dipping to help the candy coating adhere properly.
- For extra sparkle, roll freshly dipped grapes in sanding sugar before the coating hardens.
- Serve candy-coated grapes within a few hours for the best crunch and texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Candy-Making
- Cuisine: American
