Some retro dishes stand the test of time, while others leave you scratching your head. Thankfully, these vibrant Vintage Candied Apples fall firmly into the first category! The beauty of this recipe lies in its absolute simplicity. As the Red Hots dissolve in the oven, they coat the sliced apples in a glossy, cinnamon-spiced glaze that is as delicious as it is colorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- ✨ Retro Charm: Brings a fun, nostalgic flair and a show-stopping, vibrant red color to any holiday gathering or family dinner.
- ⏱️ Effortless Assembly: Requires only three main ingredients and 10 minutes of active prep time.
- 🍎 Tender & Flavorful: Baking the apples allows them to soak up the sweet and spicy cinnamon sauce until they reach tender perfection.
- 🥣 Incredibly Versatile: Serve them warm as a cozy dessert, or let them chill and serve them as a sweet-and-spicy side dish.
What You’ll Need
- 6–8 Apples: Peeled and sliced.
- 1 box (5.5 oz) Red Hots: The classic cinnamon candy that provides the signature color and kick.
- 1 ½ cups Water: To help dissolve the candy into a beautiful glaze.
- Vanilla ice cream: Optional, but highly recommended for serving!
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
Prep time: 10 minutes | Cook time: 45 minutes | Yield: 6–8 Servings
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Add the peeled and sliced apples to a glass 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading them out into a single, even layer.
Step 2: Add the Magic
Sprinkle the box of Red Hots evenly over the top of the apples, then pour the water all over the dish.
Step 3: Bake and Coat
Place the dish in the oven and bake for 45 minutes.
💡 Crucial Step: Make sure to stir the apples thoroughly every 15 minutes. This is essential to help the Red Hots dissolve evenly and ensure every apple slice gets perfectly coated in the glossy cinnamon syrup.
Step 4: Serve
Remove from the oven once the apples are tender and the candy is fully dissolved.
💡 Expert Tips and Serving Suggestions
- The Perfect Dessert: Serve the apples warm right out of the oven, spooned generously over large scoops of vanilla ice cream.
- A Savory Pairing: Allow the apples to chill in the refrigerator and serve them as a sweet, heavily spiced side dish alongside roasted chicken or pork chops.
- Apple Choice: While you can use your favorite variety, choosing a firmer baking apple (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn) will help the slices hold their shape during the 45-minute bake.