Save to Pinterest A spooky, enchanting treat board featuring poison apples and a selection of Halloween-inspired snacks—perfect for parties and festive gatherings.
I first created this treat board to impress my friends during a Halloween gathering it was a huge hit with both kids and adults.
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 to Pinterest This treat board always brings my family together every Halloween we share stories while enjoying the spooky theme and delicious snacks.
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
Calories 310, Total Fat 4 g, Carbohydrates 70 g, Protein 2 g per serving
Save to Pinterest This poison apple treat board is a festive and fun way to celebrate Halloween. Perfect for sharing and impressing your guests!
Common Recipe Questions
- → How do I achieve the shiny coating on the apples?
Boil sugar, corn syrup, and water until it reaches 300°F (hard crack stage). Quickly stir in the black gel coloring and vanilla, then dip apples while the syrup is hot for a glossy finish.
- → What apples work best for this board?
Small Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their tart flavor and firm texture that holds up well under the candy coating.
- → Can I substitute the black grapes with other fruit?
Yes, blueberries or blackberries are excellent alternatives to maintain the dark color contrast and add fresh flavor.
- → How should I handle the hot sugar syrup safely?
Use a candy thermometer and avoid stirring once boiling. Working quickly and carefully when dipping apples helps prevent burns.
- → What dipping sauces complement the poison apples?
Caramel and dark chocolate sauces enhance the tart apples with rich, sweet flavors, providing a satisfying contrast.
- → How long can the board be prepared ahead?
The coated apples are best served within a few hours for maximum crunch; arrange other snacks just before serving to keep freshness.