Indulge in Red Moscato Candied Apples: A Sophisticated Twist on a Classic Fall Treat

Crisp Fuji apples dipped in a sweet, wine-infused coating made with luscious Gallo Family Red Moscato. A truly unique and delightful dessert experience.

Step aside, traditional candy apples! These aren’t your childhood treats. We’re talking about sophisticated, adult-friendly candied apples, infused with the delightful flavors of sweet Red Moscato wine. Picture this: a perfectly crisp Fuji apple, enrobed in a shimmering, ruby-red candy shell, offering a tantalizing balance of sweet, tart, and undeniably luxurious. But be warned: these treats are incredibly delicious, delightfully sticky, and wonderfully addictive. Proceed with caution and prepare to fall in love!

This week, the vibrant #SundaySupper community has teamed up with the esteemed Gallo Family Vineyards to host an unforgettable wine-themed Halloween celebration. Let’s be honest, any gathering instantly becomes more enjoyable and festive when good wine is part of the equation, right? This collaboration brings together culinary creativity and delightful libations, proving that Halloween isn’t just for kids. It’s an opportunity for adults to savor unique flavors and enjoy sophisticated treats.

While I may not be the biggest fan of simply handing out bags of store-bought candy on Halloween, I absolutely adore a well-planned, Halloween-inspired party complete with spooky games and delicious food. Imagine a game of “pin the wine cup in the skeleton’s hand” or a sophisticated costume contest. Gallo Family Vineyards understands the essence of adult entertaining and even has a dedicated page filled with fantastic ideas for frightfully fun Halloween entertaining with wine. These events offer a wonderful chance to gather friends, share laughter, and indulge in treats that are as delightful to the palate as they are to the eye.

Now, let’s turn our attention back to these magnificent candied apples. The secret ingredient that truly elevates this classic recipe is Gallo Family Vineyards’ vibrant Red Moscato. Instead of using plain water in the conventional candied apple recipe, we’ve swapped it for this delightful wine. Their Red Moscato boasts a gorgeous, inviting shade of red, complemented by a captivating aroma and an exquisite flavor profile. You’ll discover refreshing notes of citrus, juicy peach, and bright, ripe berries. This sweet and incredibly vibrant Moscato creates a symphony of flavors that perfectly complements the crisp, slightly tart Fuji apples, transforming a simple dessert into an extraordinary culinary experience.

While I’ve enjoyed the pleasure of crafting caramel apples in the past, this project marked my very first foray into the world of candied apples. To my pleasant surprise, the entire process proved to be remarkably straightforward and enjoyable. You might imagine a complicated culinary endeavor, but with a few simple steps and one essential tool, you’ll be making these beauties in no time. The only specialized equipment you’ll absolutely need is a reliable candy thermometer. For those wondering, I personally rely on this specific model, which has served me well through many sweet creations.

The magic begins as your wine mixture gently heats up in a nonstick saucepan, slowly rising to the perfect candy-making temperature. While that’s happening, take a moment to prepare your apples. Firmly insert craft sticks (often called lollipop or popsicle sticks) into the center of each apple, ensuring a secure handle for dipping. Next, lightly grease a clean cookie sheet or a piece of parchment paper—this is crucial to prevent your beautiful candied apples from sticking as they cool and harden. Once your wine-infused candy mixture reaches precisely 300 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s time for the fun part: dipping your apples! Carefully swirl each apple in the hot mixture until it’s evenly coated with that gorgeous, glossy red candy. For an extra layer of flavor and texture, immediately dip the newly coated apples into your desired toppings, like toasted almonds and semi-sweet chocolate. Finally, place them gently onto your prepared cookie sheet to cool and harden completely. It truly is that simple to create these show-stopping treats!

When it comes to the dipping options, don’t be afraid to unleash your inner artist and get wonderfully creative! The candy possibilities are truly endless, limited only by your imagination. Beyond the classic toasted almonds and semi-sweet chocolate, consider crushed peppermints for a festive touch, sprinkles for a playful vibe, chopped pretzels for a salty-sweet crunch, or even a drizzle of white chocolate. You could also experiment with different nuts, shredded coconut, or a blend of your favorite mini candies. Each choice offers a unique texture and flavor dimension, allowing you to customize your Red Moscato Candied Apples for any occasion or preference. Think about holiday themes, specific color palettes, or just what sounds most delicious to you!

Once your exquisite candied apples have fully hardened, they are ready for their grand debut. For an elegant presentation or easy gifting, store each apple individually in clear candy bags, tying them securely with a pretty ribbon or twist tie. These sophisticated treats make fantastic Halloween gifts for your adult friends and colleagues, offering a welcome change from traditional sugary fare. Or, if you’re like me, you might just want to keep them all to yourself to savor every last bite. They’re perfect for a quiet evening indulgence, a movie night treat, or as a decadent dessert to impress guests at your next dinner party.

Mastering Your Red Moscato Candied Apples: Essential Tips for Success

Crafting the perfect candied apple is an art, but it’s an accessible one with a few key guidelines. Follow these essential tips to ensure your Red Moscato candied apples turn out beautifully, with a perfect, glossy, and delicious coating every time.

1. Ensure Your Apples Are Completely Dry: This step is non-negotiable. Any moisture on the surface of the apples will act as a barrier, preventing the candy coating from adhering properly. After washing, thoroughly dry each apple with a clean towel, and for extra assurance, you can even let them air dry for an hour or two before beginning. A dry apple guarantees a smooth, even candy shell.
2. Use Sturdy Sticks: Opt for quality popsicle sticks or lollipop sticks. They need to be strong enough to withstand the weight of the apple and the viscous candy mixture without bending or breaking. Insert them firmly into the core of the apple, leaving enough exposed to create a secure handle for dipping.
3. A Candy Thermometer is a Must: There’s no way around it—a reliable candy thermometer is your best friend for this recipe. Achieving the precise temperature for the candy mixture is absolutely critical. Too low, and your candy will be soft and sticky; too high, and it will burn. Invest in a good one, as it ensures consistent results for all your candy-making endeavors.
4. Utilize a Nonstick Saucepan: Trust me on this one. I once made the mistake of using my grandmother’s old aluminum pans, and the resulting sticky mess was legendary. A nonstick saucepan will make the cooking and, more importantly, the cleanup process significantly easier. If you do find yourself in a sticky situation with a regular pot, don’t despair! Simply add water to the pot and bring it to a boil. The boiling water will work wonders in loosening and dissolving the candy mixture from your pot, whisk, and even your candy thermometer.
5. Do Not Stir the Mixture Once it Boils: This is a crucial rule in candy making. Once your sugar mixture comes to a rolling boil, resist the urge to stir it. Stirring can introduce air and cause sugar crystals to form, leading to a grainy or cloudy candy coating instead of the desired smooth, clear finish.
6. Do Not Skip the Corn Syrup: Corn syrup plays a vital role in preventing sugar crystallization. It acts as an invert sugar, ensuring that your candy mixture remains smooth, pliable, and creates a beautifully glossy coating that won’t turn rock hard and risk broken teeth. It’s the secret to that perfect, slightly chewy, yet firm candy shell.
7. Bring the Mixture to Precisely 285 degrees F.: This exact temperature is known as the “hard crack” stage in candy making. It’s the sweet spot where the sugar mixture will harden into a brittle, glass-like coating—perfect for candied apples. Use your candy thermometer diligently to monitor the temperature; a few degrees off can drastically change the candy’s texture.
8. Work Quickly: Once your candy mixture reaches the target temperature, it begins to cool and thicken rapidly. You need to be efficient and swift when dipping your apples. Tilt the pot slightly to gather the mixture, then quickly swirl each apple to get an even coating. Immediately after coating, if you plan to add toppings like candy or nuts, do so while the candy is still warm and sticky, ensuring they adhere well.
9. Place on Greased Parchment Paper: After dipping and adding toppings, place your candy-coated apples on a piece of parchment paper that has been lightly greased with canola oil or a nonstick spray. This will prevent them from sticking to the surface as they harden completely, making for easy removal and a pristine finish.

Ready to find the perfect bottle of Gallo Family Vineyards Red Moscato for your culinary adventures? Use their convenient store locator to find a retailer near you. You can also click here to receive a fantastic $1 off digital coupon, making your next purchase even sweeter. Stay connected with Gallo Family Vineyards for updates, new products, and delicious recipes by following them on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Join their community and be inspired!

Explore More Halloween & Wine-Inspired Recipes from the #SundaySupper Crew:

The #SundaySupper community is always brimming with creative culinary ideas. If you’re looking for more inspiration for your next wine-themed gathering, especially for Halloween, check out these other fantastic recipes. Each one offers a unique and delicious way to celebrate the season with a touch of sophistication:

• Beef Stew with Ghost Dumplings by Momma’s Meals
• Blackened Chicken Legs with Red Beets and Potatoes by Jelly Toast
• Brain Cupcakes with Red Moscato Wine Shooters by Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Dracula Wine Jelly by Basic N Delicious
• Gallo Family Red Moscato Cocktail by Flour On My Face
• Ghoulishly Good Red Moscato Punch by The Weekend Gourmet
• Halloween Buffalo Ranch Pork Bites by Family Foodie
• Meringue Bones with Raspberry Sauce by That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Mummy Calzone by The Wimpy Vegetarian
• Poison Apple Pomegranate Sangria by The Girl In The Little Red Kitchen
• Pumpkin Chili by The Foodie Army Wife
• Red Moscato Candied Apples by The Messy Baker (That’s us!)
• Red Moscato Spider Sangria by Run DMT
• Red Velvet Cake Eye Balls by Take A Bite Out of Boca
• Red Wine Caramel and Chocolate Apples by Ruffles & Truffles
• Roasted Garlic Hummus by Alida’s Kitchen
• Smoked Trout Pate Spider Bites by Shockingly Delicious
• Steak Bites with Bloody Maria Dipping Sauce by Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Witches Blood Risotto by Bobbi’s Kozy Kitchen
• Zombie Bite Wine Slushies by Feed Me, Seymour

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Disclosure: This post was proudly sponsored by Gallo Family Vineyards. All opinions and the delicious recipe shared here are entirely my own. We only promote products and brands we genuinely love and believe in.