Save It A spooky, enchanting treat board featuring poison apples and a selection of Halloween-inspired snacks—perfect for parties and festive gatherings.
This treat board has become a seasonal favorite that always wows guests and adds a playful spooky touch to our celebrations.
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 It Our family loved gathering around this board, sharing stories and enjoying the spooky treats together on a chilly Halloween night.
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.
Nutritional Information
Per serving: Calories 310, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 70 g, Protein 2 g
Save It This poison apple treat board combines spooky fun with simple preparation, making it a standout at any celebration.
Recipe FAQs
- → How do I achieve the black candy coating on the apples?
Combine sugar, corn syrup, and water, then heat to hard crack stage. Stir in black gel food coloring before dipping apples to achieve the dark, glossy coating.
- → What type of apples work best for the board?
Small, firm apples like Granny Smith are ideal for dipping and offer a crisp contrast to the sweet coating.
- → Can I prepare the apples in advance?
It's best to dip and set the apples shortly before serving to maintain the crispness and shiny coating.
- → What are some good dipping sauces to include?
Caramel and dark chocolate sauces pair excellently with the candy-coated apples and complement the overall flavors.
- → Are there any safety tips when working with hot sugar syrup?
Exercise caution; hot sugar reaches high temperatures and can cause burns. Use a candy thermometer and handle with care during cooking and dipping.
- → How can I customize the board for different tastes?
Add seasonal fruits, nuts, or swap candies to suit preferences. Use different color toppings or sauces for variety.