Poison Apple Halloween Treats

Featured in: Fall & Winter Inspired Plates

This enchanting Halloween board highlights glossy poison apples dipped in black-hued sugar coating, perfectly arranged over a large serving surface. Accompanying the apples are rich caramel and dark chocolate sauces for dipping, alongside an array of themed sweets like chocolate-covered pretzel rods, gummy worms, marshmallows, and colorful candies. Additions of black grapes, dried cranberries, and roasted pumpkin seeds bring variety and texture, creating a visually captivating and deliciously balanced centerpiece for any seasonal celebration. Preparation includes boiling sugar syrup to the hard crack stage, careful dipping of apples, and thoughtful arrangement to impress at parties.

Updated on Tue, 02 Dec 2025 14:59:00 GMT
Shiny, jet-black Poison Apples on a Halloween treat board brimming with spooky sweet snacks. Save to Pinterest
Shiny, jet-black Poison Apples on a Halloween treat board brimming with spooky sweet snacks. | maplefrost.com

A spooky, enchanting treat board featuring poison apples and a selection of Halloween-inspired snacks—perfect for parties and festive gatherings.

This treat board always brings a fun and eerie vibe to our family parties, making Halloween extra special.

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)
  • 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.
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| maplefrost.com

This treat board always sparks joy and spooky fun during our family Halloween gatherings.

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: 310 calories, 4 g total fat, 70 g carbohydrates, 2 g protein.

A gorgeous overhead shot shows crisp Poison Apples surrounded by colorful candies and dip. Save to Pinterest
A gorgeous overhead shot shows crisp Poison Apples surrounded by colorful candies and dip. | maplefrost.com

Enjoy creating this spooky treat board that delights both kids and adults alike.

Recipe FAQs

How do you achieve the perfect candy coating for the apples?

Boil the sugar mixture to 300°F (hard crack stage) without stirring, then quickly dip the apples for a smooth, glossy finish that hardens crisply.

Can I substitute the Granny Smith apples with other varieties?

Yes, tart apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp can be used, but firm, crisp apples work best for holding the candy coating.

What alternatives exist for the black gel food coloring?

Activated charcoal powder or natural black food dyes can be options, but gel coloring offers the most vivid black shade.

How should the board be served for best flavor and texture?

Serve the apples soon after coating to maintain crunch; sauces and treats can be at room temperature to complement the crisp apples.

Are there safety tips when working with hot sugar syrup?

Use caution when heating and handling the syrup to avoid burns. Keep children away and use heatproof tools and surfaces.

Poison Apple Halloween Treats

A festive board centered around poison apples and Halloween-inspired snacks with sweet sauces and treats.

Prep time
25 minutes
Time to cook
10 minutes
Overall time
35 minutes
Created by Hannah Marlowe


Level Easy

Cuisine type American

Makes 7 Portions

Diet preferences Meat-free

What You’ll Need

Poison Apples

01 6 small Granny Smith apples
02 1 cup granulated sugar
03 0.5 cup light corn syrup
04 0.25 cup water
05 0.5 teaspoon black gel food coloring
06 0.5 teaspoon vanilla extract
07 Wooden sticks

Dips & Sauces

01 0.5 cup caramel sauce
02 0.5 cup dark chocolate sauce

Sweet Treats

01 1 cup chocolate-covered pretzel rods
02 1 cup gummy worms
03 1 cup marshmallows
04 0.5 cup Halloween-themed candies (e.g., candy corn, jelly beans, eyeball candies)
05 0.5 cup chocolate bark, broken into pieces

Fruits & Extras

01 0.5 cup black grapes
02 0.5 cup dried cranberries
03 0.5 cup roasted pumpkin seeds

Directions

Step 01

Prepare apples: Wash and dry apples thoroughly. Insert wooden sticks firmly into the tops and set aside.

Step 02

Combine syrup ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix granulated sugar, light corn syrup, and water. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Step 03

Cook to hard crack stage: Increase heat and bring mixture to a boil without stirring. Cook until it reaches 300°F on a candy thermometer, about 7 to 8 minutes.

Step 04

Add color and flavor: Remove saucepan from heat. Quickly stir in black gel food coloring and vanilla extract until fully combined.

Step 05

Dip apples in candy coating: Carefully dip each prepared apple into the hot candy mixture, swirling to coat fully. Allow excess to drip off, then place apples on parchment-lined tray to set.

Step 06

Arrange poison apples: Position the coated apples in the center of a large serving board.

Step 07

Set up dipping sauces: Place caramel and dark chocolate sauces in small bowls arranged on the board for dipping.

Step 08

Fill board with treats: Distribute chocolate-covered pretzels, gummy worms, marshmallows, Halloween-themed candies, chocolate bark pieces, black grapes, dried cranberries, and roasted pumpkin seeds around the apples.

Step 09

Serve promptly: Present immediately or within a few hours for optimal freshness and texture.

Equipment you’ll need

  • Medium saucepan
  • Candy thermometer
  • Wooden sticks
  • Parchment paper
  • Large serving board
  • Small bowls for sauces

Allergy details

Be sure to review ingredient lists for allergens and reach out to your healthcare provider if uncertain.
  • Contains tree fruit (apples, grapes), soy (in some chocolates), dairy (in caramel and chocolate), and possible gluten (in pretzel rods depending on brand).
  • Some candies may contain nuts, dairy, or gluten; verify individual labels.

Nutrition info (per portion)

All nutrition info is just for reference and can’t replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 310
  • Total fat: 4 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 70 grams
  • Proteins: 2 grams