Brazilian recipe
Classic Homemade Maçã do amor
Master the art of making traditional Maçã do amor with a glossy, crackly sugar shell. These candied apples are a nostalgic treat perfect for parties and sweet cravings.
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Ingredients
500 ml water
1 kg white granulated sugar
12 small to medium apples, washed and thoroughly dried
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Vegetable oil for greasing trays
Red food coloring (liquid or powder)
1 kg white granulated sugar
12 small to medium apples, washed and thoroughly dried
1 tablespoon white vinegar
Vegetable oil for greasing trays
Red food coloring (liquid or powder)
Where to find ingredients
You can find apples at most local markets or grocery stores in Malawi, choosing firm varieties for the best crunch. White granulated sugar and white vinegar are standard pantry staples available in all supermarkets. For food coloring, check the baking aisles of larger retail stores or specialized spice shops. If you cannot find red food coloring, some local shops carry concentrated liquid dyes used for beverages or confectionery. Use wooden popsicle sticks sourced from craft supply stores or by cleaning and reusing standard sticks.
Preparation method
- Wash the apples well and dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel
- Insert one or two popsicle sticks into each apple to ensure they are secure and easy to handle while dipping
- Lightly grease your aluminium or baking trays with oil to prevent the sugar from sticking
- Combine the sugar, water, vinegar, and food coloring in a deep saucepan
- Stir gently, but avoid scraping the sides to prevent the sugar from crystallizing
- Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and simmer for about 25 minutes without stirring until the syrup reaches the hard-crack stage
- Test the consistency by dipping a clean popsicle stick into the syrup and dropping a bit onto a cold tray
- The test drop should harden instantly into a solid, brittle layer
- Hold each apple by the stick and submerge it into the hot syrup, turning it gently to ensure an even coat
- Place the dipped apples onto the greased tray and let the coating harden completely before serving
Observations
Maçã do amor is a beloved Brazilian treat, featuring crisp, fresh apples dipped in a vibrant, shiny sugar coating. This recipe captures that iconic combination of a firm, sweet shell and a crunchy, refreshing interior. By boiling sugar with water, a splash of vinegar, and red food coloring, you create a classic hard-crack syrup that hardens into a smooth, candy-like layer. It is a striking, fun dessert that brings a touch of magic to any celebration.
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