Save A spooky, enchanting treat board featuring poison apples and a selection of Halloween-inspired snacks—perfect for parties and festive gatherings.
I enjoy making this treat board every year with my family; it brings a festive spirit and fun to our gatherings.
Ingredients
- Poison Apples: 6 small apples (preferably Granny Smith), 1 cup granulated sugar, ½ cup light corn syrup, ¼ cup water, ½ tsp black gel food coloring, ½ tsp vanilla extract, Wooden sticks
- Dips & Sauces: ½ cup caramel sauce, ½ cup dark chocolate sauce
- Sweet Treats: 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzel rods, 1 cup gummy worms, 1 cup marshmallows, ½ cup Halloween-themed candies (e.g., candy corn, jelly beans, eyeball candies), ½ cup chocolate bark, broken into pieces
- Fruits & Extras: ½ cup black grapes, ½ cup dried cranberries, ½ cup roasted pumpkin seeds
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Wash and thoroughly dry the apples. Insert wooden sticks into the tops and set aside.
- Step 2:
- In a medium saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
- Step 3:
- Increase heat and boil (without stirring) until the mixture reaches 300°F (hard crack stage) on a candy thermometer, about 7–8 minutes.
- Step 4:
- Remove from heat. Quickly stir in black gel food coloring and vanilla extract.
- Step 5:
- Working carefully, dip each apple into the candy mixture, swirling to coat completely. Let excess drip off, and place coated apples on a parchment-lined tray to set.
- Step 6:
- Arrange the poison apples in the center of a large serving board.
- Step 7:
- Neatly arrange caramel and chocolate sauces in small bowls for dipping.
- Step 8:
- Fill in the board with chocolate-covered pretzel rods, gummy worms, marshmallows, Halloween candies, chocolate bark, grapes, cranberries, and pumpkin seeds.
- Step 9:
- Serve immediately or within a few hours for best results.
Save This treat board always brings joy to my family gatherings, sparking excitement and compliments from all ages.
Notes
For a more dramatic effect, drizzle extra black candy over apples once set. Pair with hot cider or mulled wine for adults.
Required Tools
Medium saucepan, Candy thermometer, Wooden sticks, Parchment paper, Large serving board, Small bowls (for sauces)
Allergen Information
Contains tree fruit (apples, grapes), soy (in some chocolates), dairy (in caramel, chocolate), gluten (in pretzels depending on brand). Some candies may contain nuts, dairy, or gluten—always check labels.
Save Enjoy creating this festive Halloween treat board; it's sure to be a memorable centerpiece for your party.
Kitchen Help
- → How are the poison apples coated?
The apples are dipped in a hot sugar syrup heated to hard crack stage, mixed with black gel food coloring and vanilla, creating a shiny candy coating.
- → What apples work best for the poison apples?
Small Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tart flavor and firm texture, which holds up well under the candy coating.
- → Can I substitute the black grapes?
Yes, black grapes can be replaced with blueberries or blackberries to maintain the dark, spooky aesthetic.
- → What dips are served with the board?
Caramel sauce and dark chocolate sauce accompany the poison apples and snacks, enhancing the flavor experience.
- → How should the candy-coated apples be handled after dipping?
Allow the apples to set on parchment paper to harden. Drizzling extra black candy over the apples adds a dramatic finish once set.
- → What precautions should be taken when making the candy coating?
Handle hot sugar syrup carefully to avoid burns, as it reaches high temperatures during cooking.