Save 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 favorite at our Halloween parties. The poison apples always draw compliments and eager hands.
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 board always brings our family together, sparking fun conversations and delight especially among the kids who love the spooky theme.
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 This poison apple treat board is sure to impress your guests and add a touch of spooky fun to your celebrations.
Kitchen Questions
- → What type of apples work best for the poison coating?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith hold up well under the hard candy coating, providing a crisp texture and balance to the sweetness.
- → How do I achieve the black glossy coating on the apples?
Heat sugar, corn syrup, and water to the hard crack stage (300°F), then quickly stir in black gel food coloring before dipping the apples to create a shiny, dramatic finish.
- → Can the board be prepared ahead of time?
It's best to assemble the board shortly before serving to keep the apples fresh and coatings crisp, but you can prepare ingredients in advance.
- → What dips complement the poison apples?
Caramel and dark chocolate sauces add rich, luscious flavors that pair perfectly with the tart apples and candy coating.
- → Are there alternative fruits or snacks suitable for the board?
Yes, black grapes can be swapped with blueberries or blackberries, and including dried cranberries, marshmallows, and various candies adds texture and color variety.