Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples: The Fair Treat You Can Make at Home
(By Jason Griffith)
Introduction
If you’ve ever found yourself longing for the sweet, sticky nostalgia of a carnival treat, but wish it had a vibrant, fresh twist, you’re in the right place. Forget those plain red candy apples—we’re diving into a dessert that brings the bright, buttery flavor of a classic strawberry shortcake and wraps it around a crisp, tart apple.
These Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are an absolute showstopper. They’re crunchy, fruity, creamy, and undeniably fun. Whether you’re planning a fall festival party, looking for a unique summer dessert, or just want a playful weekend project, this recipe delivers on flavor and pure wow factor. With a smooth white chocolate coating and a dazzling, pink strawberry crumble, they’re not just a treat—they’re an experience.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’ve always been a sucker for fair food, but I’m a bigger fan of recipes that look complicated but are surprisingly simple. These candy apples fit the bill perfectly.
- The Flavor Balance is Perfection: The tartness of the Granny Smith apple is essential here; it cuts beautifully through the sweetness of the white chocolate and the strawberry-Oreo crust.
- It’s a Showstopper Dessert: From the moment you present them, people are captivated. They have a striking, vibrant pink color that makes them perfect for parties. If you need a dessert that wows a crowd without a lot of active cook time, this is it. For another easy crowd-pleaser, try my recipe for Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.
- It’s Highly Customizable: You can swap the type of apple, the flavor of Jell-O, and even the type of cookie to make it your own. It’s truly a versatile treat.
Ingredients
This recipe makes 6 Apples.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
| Granny Smith Apples | 6 | Washed and thoroughly dried. A dry surface is key! |
| Wooden Sticks | 6 | Sturdy popsicle or candy apple sticks. |
| White Chocolate or Candy Melts | 2 cups | High-quality white chocolate or dedicated candy melts for a smooth finish. |
| Crushed Golden Oreos | 1 cup | Finely crushed; use a food processor for the best texture. |
| Strawberry Jell-O Powder | 1 box (3 oz) | The powder provides intense, authentic strawberry flavor and color. |
| Freeze-Dried Strawberries | ¼ cup | Crushed. Optional, but highly recommended for a brighter color and punch of natural strawberry flavor. |
| Whipped Cream | As desired | Optional for topping before serving. |
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Swaps and Notes
- Apples: While Granny Smith is my top choice for its tartness, you can use Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter apple base. Make sure they are cold before dipping for the best adhesion.
- Chocolate: White chocolate chips work, but candy melts often set harder and smoother, giving that perfect candy apple shell.
- The Crunch: Don’t skip the Golden Oreos! They provide that essential “shortcake” buttery flavor that makes this recipe shine.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Apples and Coating
Wash your apples well and dry them completely. Moisture is the enemy of the perfect candy shell! Insert the wooden sticks firmly into the stem end of each apple.
Step 2: Create the Strawberry Crunch
In a shallow dish (one wide enough to easily roll an apple), combine the crushed Golden Oreos, the full box of Strawberry Jell-O powder, and the crushed freeze-dried strawberries (if using). Mix this well and set it aside.
Step 3: Melt the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate or candy melts in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until completely smooth. You want a liquid consistency that’s easy to dip, but not too hot—lukewarm is best for dipping.
Step 4: Dip and Coat
Holding the apple by the stick, quickly but smoothly dip it into the melted chocolate, tilting the bowl to fully coat the apple. Let the excess chocolate drip back into the bowl for a few seconds.
Step 5: Roll in the Crunch
Immediately place the chocolate-coated apple into the strawberry crunch mixture. Roll and gently press the mixture onto the apple until it is fully coated.
Step 6: Set and Finish
Place the coated apples on a sheet of parchment paper or a silicone mat. Let them sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes or refrigerate for 10-15 minutes until the chocolate is fully set.
Serve them as-is, or top with a dollop of whipped cream right before eating!
Tips for Success
- Dry Apples are Key: I can’t stress this enough. If your apples are damp, the chocolate will seize up and won’t coat evenly. Wipe them down one last time before dipping.
- Work Fast: The chocolate begins to set quickly once it hits the cold apple, so have your crush mixture ready beforeyou start dipping.
- Use the Right Apple: Granny Smith is a must for balance. If you’re looking for another fun party treat that balances sweetness, check out my recipe for How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick.
- Don’t Overheat the Chocolate: If your chocolate gets too hot, it can become grainy. Use short bursts in the microwave and stir well.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These candy apples are perfect as a centerpiece dessert. They pair beautifully with other classic treats or refreshing drinks.
- Beverage: A tall glass of homemade This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days is the perfect cool, tart counterpoint to the sweet, rich apple.
- Savory Appetizer: Balance the sugar with something savory beforehand, like These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast.
- Dessert Bar: Serve them alongside other chocolatey favorites, like my These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession for a grand dessert spread.
- Party Favors: Wrap the set apples individually in clear cellophane bags tied with a pink ribbon for a stunning take-home party favor.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Disclaimer: This is an estimate based on the ingredients provided and is intended for informational purposes only.
| Component | Estimate |
| Calories | ~380-450 kcal |
| Fat | ~18-25g |
| Carbohydrates | ~50-65g |
| Sugar | ~40-55g |
| Protein | ~2-5g |
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Storage and Leftover Tips
If you have any leftovers (which is unlikely!), store them properly to keep the crunch intact.
- Short-Term Storage (Up to 2 days): Store the apples loosely covered at cool room temperature. Do not refrigerate if you can help it, as this can cause the chocolate to “sweat” and the crunchy coating to become soggy.
- Long-Term Storage (Up to 5 days): If you must refrigerate, place them in an airtight container to minimize moisture exposure. Let them come close to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for the best flavor and texture.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved this fun, unique dessert, here are a few other recipes from my kitchen you absolutely need to try:
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- How This Unicorn Poke Cake Became My Favorite Party Trick
- These Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Brownie Bombs Are My Favorite Sweet Obsession
- This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way To Feed A Crowd Fast
Final Thoughts
These Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are pure joy on a stick. They hit every note: sweet, tangy, crunchy, and smooth. They’re a recipe I pull out whenever I need to guarantee smiles. Give them a try—I promise you’ll find them totally irresistible.
Have you ever tried making a candy apple with a crunch coating? I’d love to hear your ideas! Drop a comment below and don’t forget to follow us on social media for more fun recipes!
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