There’s something magical about biting into a candy apple. The crisp snap of the apple, the glossy coating, and the playful nostalgia it brings—it’s a treat that instantly takes us back to fall carnivals and county fairs. But today’s recipe isn’t just any candy apple. We’re giving this classic a decadent makeover with Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples.
Imagine tart, juicy apples dipped in creamy white chocolate and rolled in a strawberry shortcake crumble that’s equal parts fruity, buttery, and sweet. These apples don’t just taste incredible—they look like something out of a boutique candy shop. Whether you’re prepping them for a party, a holiday gathering, or a fun edible gift, they’re sure to be the centerpiece of your dessert table.
Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala
- 2 cups white chocolate chips or substitute with almond bark or candy melts
- 1 cup freeze-dried strawberries, crushed
- ½ cup shortcake cookies or graham crackers, crushed or substitute with crushed Golden Oreos
- ¼ cup powdered sugar for dusting
- 6 wooden sticks or popsicle sticks/skewers
Instructions
- Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Insert a wooden stick into the center of each apple.
- Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and melt in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Alternatively, use a double boiler.
- Dip each apple into the melted white chocolate, turning to coat evenly. Let excess chocolate drip off.
- Roll the coated apple in a mix of crushed freeze-dried strawberries and crushed cookies. Press gently to help it adhere.
- Place coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and dust lightly with powdered sugar.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes or until the chocolate is fully set.
Notes
Nutrition
Why You’ll Love Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples
A Carnival Treat Meets Bakery Charm
These apples take everything we love about traditional candy apples and elevate them with the beloved flavor of strawberry shortcake. They’re colorful, indulgent, and surprisingly simple to make at home.
Perfect for Parties and Holidays
Need something unique for Valentine’s Day, Easter baskets, or even a summer barbecue? These candy apples adapt beautifully to any celebration. Wrap them in clear bags with ribbons, and they instantly turn into thoughtful (and edible!) gifts.
Kid-Friendly Fun
From dipping apples in chocolate to rolling them in strawberry crumbs, this recipe is interactive and perfect for little helpers in the kitchen. Plus, the bright strawberry-pink coating makes them extra appealing to kids.
Ingredients Breakdown (and Smart Substitutions)
Apples (6 medium):
Crisp apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best because their tartness balances the sweet coating. Prefer something milder? Gala or Fuji apples will also do the trick.
White Chocolate Chips (2 cups):
White chocolate melts into a creamy, dreamy coating. You can substitute with almond bark or candy melts if you want a smoother dipping texture.
Freeze-Dried Strawberries (1 cup, crushed):
These bring a punch of real fruit flavor and vibrant pink color. If you can’t find them, try freeze-dried raspberries for a tangy twist.
Shortcake Cookies or Graham Crackers (½ cup, crushed):
The crumbly, buttery texture mimics shortcake perfectly. Golden Oreos are another excellent substitute if you want a more indulgent crunch.
Powdered Sugar (¼ cup):
Adds a delicate finishing touch, giving the apples that bakery-worthy look.
Wooden Sticks (6):
The classic candy apple handle! Popsicle sticks or decorative skewers also work well.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Insert a wooden stick firmly into the center of each apple, pushing about halfway through for stability.
Step 2: Melt the Chocolate
Place white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted. You can also use a double boiler for a gentler melt.
Step 3: Dip the Apples
Working one at a time, dip each apple into the melted chocolate. Rotate to coat evenly, then let excess chocolate drip back into the bowl.
Step 4: Add the Coating
Immediately roll the coated apple in a mix of crushed freeze-dried strawberries and cookie crumbs. Gently press the coating so it sticks.
Step 5: Finish with Sugar
Place the apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet and lightly dust with powdered sugar for a bakery-style finish.
Step 6: Chill
Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the chocolate is fully set.
And just like that—you’ve created candy-shop-worthy apples at home!
Variations, Storage & Serving Ideas
Variations
- Chocolate Lovers: Swap white chocolate for milk or dark chocolate.
- Birthday Party Version: Add rainbow sprinkles along with the strawberry shortcake coating.
- Tropical Twist: Mix freeze-dried strawberries with coconut flakes for a fruity crunch.
Storage
Store finished apples in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep them in parchment-lined containers or wrapped individually in cellophane.
Serving Ideas
Slice apples into wedges before serving at parties for easy sharing. Or wrap whole apples individually for festive gifts.
FAQs About Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples
Can I use fresh strawberries instead of freeze-dried?
Fresh strawberries won’t work well in this recipe because they contain too much moisture. When you try to coat the apples, the chocolate will slip and the crumbs won’t stick properly. Freeze-dried strawberries, on the other hand, are dry and crunchy, which makes them ideal for crushing into a coating. They also deliver a concentrated strawberry flavor that really pops. For best results, always stick with freeze-dried fruit.
How do I prevent the chocolate from sliding off the apples?
The number one trick is to make sure your apples are completely dry before dipping them. Even a little moisture or waxy residue can keep the chocolate from clinging. You can dip apples quickly in boiling water and wipe them dry to remove the wax coating often found on store-bought apples. Also, let the chocolate cool slightly after melting so it’s thick enough to grip. These small steps ensure a smooth, even coating that stays put.
Can these be made in advance?
Absolutely! Strawberry Shortcake Candy Apples are a great make-ahead treat. Prepare them one to two days in advance and store them in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. For best results, wrap each apple individually in cellophane or parchment paper to prevent sticking. Just keep in mind the crumble coating is at its crispiest on the first day. Still, they hold up beautifully for parties or gifting when made ahead.
What’s the best apple variety for candy apples?
Granny Smith apples are the go-to choice because their tartness perfectly balances the sweet chocolate and crumble. Honeycrisp apples are another excellent option if you prefer a sweeter, juicier bite. Fuji and Gala apples also work, though they tend to be a bit softer in texture. What matters most is using firm, fresh apples with a crisp crunch. A sturdy apple ensures your candy coating doesn’t overwhelm the fruit.
Related Strawberry & Dessert Recipes
- Strawberry Shortcake Cheesecake Truffles
- Old-Fashioned No-Bake Strawberry Delight
- Chocolate Orange Cake
- Gingerbread Truffles
- Italian Chocolate Pear Cake
For more seasonal treats, follow me on Pinterest and Facebook.