According to one source, American William W. Kolb invented the red candy apple.
Kolb, a veteran
Newark candy-maker, produced his first batch of candied apples in 1908. While experimenting in his candy shop with red cinnamon candy for the
Christmas trade, he dipped some apples into the mixture and put them in the windows for display. He sold the whole first batch for 5 cents each and later sold thousands yearly. Soon candied apples were being sold along the
Jersey Shore, at the circus and in candy shops across the country, according to the Newark News in 1948.[2]
However, toffee apples had previously been recorded as being sold in London in the 1890s.[3]
Ingredients and method
Candy apples are made by coating an apple with a layer of sugar that has been heated to hard crack stage.[4][unreliable source?] The most common sugar coating is made from
sugar (white or brown),
corn syrup, water,
cinnamon and
red food coloring. Humid weather can prevent the sugar from hardening.[5]
Brazil – candy apples (named as in other
Lusophone countries maçã do amor, as in the
Frenchpommes d'amour, meaning "apples of love") are common in the festivities in honor of
John the Apostle.
Mainland China – a similar treat called
Tanghulu is made by coating small fruits, traditionally
hawthorns with hard sugar syrup.
South Africa - toffee apples are mostly available at supermarkets such as Checkers and Spar. They are also very popular throughout apple season. Mostly dipped in red or green coloured sugar syrup.
^ThisisSouthDevon (October 9, 2008).
"Apples galore as event grows". Torquay Herald Express. Torquay, Devon, UK: localworld.co.uk. Archived from
the original on October 3, 2015. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
^Newark Sunday News, November 28, 1948, pg.16. The first candy apples brand was named after Kolb's wife Chelle's. Nowadays, Chelle's Candy Apples is known candy apples, hard candy and other sweet treats. Newark Evening News, June 8, 1964, pg. 32
^"Toffee Apples". The Foods of England Project. Retrieved February 15, 2022.