As a resident of Washington State, eating apples is considered a civic duty and if you’re an apple lover like me, it’s one that you serve with wide-eyed anticipation!
Nothing quite says fall around here like crates filled with apples making their way from the fields – fresh from the harvest.
Even better are one of my all-time favorite things to make with the juicy delights, candy apples!
Not only are they delicious, but across much of the country are synonymous with fall treats. You’ll find them everywhere – from harvest festivals, to Halloween parties. Heck, the even make a unique dessert option!
Scrumptious as they are, candy apples, just like fall, don’t last forever. And if you’ve bought (or are making some), it’s important to understand how long you can expect them to keep.
On average, candy apples last for up to 3 days at room temperature, and can last as long as 2 weeks when refrigerated.
So while they aren’t going to spoil overnight, they eventually can go bad if not stored properly. Lucky for you, that’s precisely what this article is all about!
We’ll be discussing the shelf life of candy apples at both room temperature and in the fridge. In addition, we’ve got some handy tips and tricks to help your candy apples stay as fresh as they can.
How Long Can Candy Apples Stay Out?
The chances are pretty good that you’ll get around to eating most your candy apple stash within a few days of making (or buying) them. We’ll get to refrigeration next, but for now, let’s talk about how to keep them as tasty as possible at room temperature.
Use the Best Apples
Obviously, this tip only applies if you’ve not yet made a batch of candy apples, but we wanted to mention it.
Your candy apples will last longer if you start with the best apples you can find, no matter what variety you’re using.
When choosing an apple, always be mindful of any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, off-putting odors, or any signs of mold. It’s also important to handle the apples properly before using them. Wash the thoroughly before dipping them in the candy coating to prevent any bacteria from spreading.
Last but not least, avoid cross-contamination by using clean utensils and equipment. This applies when preparing the candy coating and also to any ingredients that may have been exposed to raw meats, poultry, or eggs.
Store in Cool, Dry Place
The kitchen can be a warm place in the home. It’s important to keep this in mind since the warm temperatures can cause the candy coating to soften. The faster that happens, the more likely it is the apple itself may spoil.
A simple fix is to keep them in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight (or other heat sources like ovens and stovetops). Also, avoid storing them in a damp or humid area, as this can cause the candy coating to become sticky and lead to quicker spoilage.
Wrap Your Candy Apples
The reason is that by wrapping them with plastic wrap or aluminum foil, it will help to keep out any moisture or air that could cause the candy coating to soften. We talk more about this topic later in the article as well.
Consider a Container
If wrapping the apples individually isn’t something you want to do, another way to protect your candy apples is to store them in an airtight container. As with wrapping, this can limit the impacts of any external moisture. To keep them from sticking to each other, place a sheet of wax paper between each apple.
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Use quality apples | Choose apples that are free from any signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, off-putting odors, or mold. |
| Proper handling | Wash the apples thoroughly and use clean utensils and equipment to prevent bacteria from spreading. |
| Cool and dry storage | Keep candy apples in a cool, dry place that is away from direct sunlight or heat sources, and avoid storing them in damp or humid areas. |
| Wrapping | Use plastic wrap or aluminum foil to protect the candy coating from moisture or air. |
| Airtight container | Store candy apples in an airtight container to limit external moisture, and use wax paper to prevent them from sticking to each other. |
Do Candy Apples Have to Be Refrigerated?
While candy apples don’t have to be refrigerated, it’s a good idea. This is especially true if you don’t plan on eating them in the next few days. If you store them in the fridge, they can last up to 2 weeks.
The cool temperature helps slow down the spoilage process of the candy coating and, of course, the apple.
Aside from slowing spoilage, refrigeration also helps to keep the candy coating firm and prevent it from becoming too soft. If it does, it makes the apples messy to eat and handle.
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Consider refrigerating candy apples if they will not be consumed within a few days, as it can extend their shelf life up to 2 weeks. |
| Cool storage | Keeping candy apples in a cool temperature can slow down the spoilage process of both the candy coating and the apple. |
| Maintaining firmness | Refrigeration also helps to maintain the firmness of the candy coating, and prevents it from becoming too soft and difficult to handle. |
How Far in Advance Can Candy Apples Be Made?
When you’re planning to make candy apples in advance, it’s important to remember that they can last for a couple of weeks if you keep them in the fridge.
What Can I Wrap My Candy Apples In?
We touched on wrapping earlier in the article but we thought we’d talk about it just a little more.
Wrapping your candy apples can really help keep them looking (and tasting) great! Just like how you would wrap a present, you gotta keep your candy apples wrapped up tight so they don’t get ruined.
So, we mentioned using plastic wrap and aluminum foil earlier, but for a more decorative option, you could also try clear plastic bags. These add a nice touch and even make thoughtful gifts!
No matter how you decide to wrap them, it’s important to make sure the candy coating is completely dry. Not only will this keep them from sticking, but it’ll keep the apples looking shiny, delicious and smudge free!
| Tips | Description |
|---|---|
| Wrapping | Wrapping your candy apples can help keep them looking and tasting great. |
| Material | You can use plastic wrap, aluminum foil or clear plastic bags to wrap your candy apples. Clear plastic bags can add a nice touch and make thoughtful gifts. |
| Dry candy coating | Make sure the candy coating is completely dry before wrapping, it prevents the apples from sticking and keeps them looking shiny and smudge-free. |
How the Stick Affects Candy Apples
Have you ever noticed that some candy apples have sticks and others don’t?
Believe it or not, the stick can actually change how long the candy apple lasts.
The reason is that when a candy apple has a stick; it creates a small hole in the apple. And where there’s a hole, there’s also a chance for air to enter and bacteria to do their work. Basically, the apple can go bad faster.
On the flip side, having a stick can make it easier to hold and eat the candy apple, and some people like the look of it.
Ultimately, it’s up to you whether you use a stick, but at least now you know!
How to Know When Candy Apples Are Bad
Despite our best efforts, sometimes candy apples can still go bad. If you suspect yours might be, here’s a few things to look for when evaluating:
Mold
If you see any fuzzy or discolored spots on the candy apple, it’s best to throw it away.
Sour Smell
A candy apple that’s gone bad will have a sour smell.
Discoloration
If the candy apple has changed color, it’s probably not safe to eat.
Remember, candy apples are perishable and should be stored and eaten properly. It’s better to be safe than sorry, so if you have any doubts, it’s best to throw it out!
Hey there, I’m Melody! I’m a lifelong foodie and love talking about it to anyone who’s willing to listen (or read!) about my opinions. My favorite pastimes include cooking, eating my cooking and thinking about what I’m going to make next!
