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Northwestern Apple Candy

Northwestern Apple Candy recipe image
This classic Northwestern Apple Candy is a nostalgic treat featuring tender cooked apples, crisp walnuts, and bright lemon zest. The texture is dense and chewy, similar to fudge, with a balanced sweet-tart flavor profile. It is an excellent dessert for autumn gatherings, holiday gift baskets, or as a homemade addition to tea time. The combination of natural apple pulp and confectioners' sugar creates a sophisticated confection that feels both rustic and refined. Perfect for those who enjoy traditional, slow-cooked desserts that highlight simple, high-quality ingredients.
Cuisine:
Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 60
Calories: 895.7
Dietary: Gluten-free
Description
This classic Northwestern Apple Candy is a nostalgic treat featuring tender cooked apples, crisp walnuts, and bright lemon zest. The texture is dense and chewy, similar to fudge, with a balanced sweet-tart flavor profile. It is an excellent dessert for autumn gatherings, holiday gift baskets, or as a homemade addition to tea time. The combination of natural apple pulp and confectioners' sugar creates a sophisticated confection that feels both rustic and refined. Perfect for those who enjoy traditional, slow-cooked desserts that highlight simple, high-quality ingredients.
Ingredients
  • 4 To Unpeeled apples
  • 2 tablespoon Unflavored gelatin
  • 1/2 cup Cold water
  • 2 cup Sugar
  • 1 tablespoon Cornstarch
  • 1/8 teaspoon Salt
  • 2/3 cup Coarsely chopped walnuts
  • 1 teaspoon Grated lemon peel
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup Confectioners' sugar (for rolling)
Directions
  1. 1
    Wash the apples thoroughly; do not peel or core them. Cut the apples into small pieces.
  2. 2
    Place the apple pieces in a pot with just enough water to prevent scorching. Cook over medium heat until the apples are very tender.
  3. 3
    Pass the cooked apples through a food mill or fine sieve to create a smooth pulp. Measure out 2 cups of apple pulp and return it to a 2-quart heavy saucepan.
  4. 4
    Cook the apple pulp over medium heat, stirring often, until it thickens slightly.
  5. 5
    While the apples cook, soften the unflavored gelatin in 1/2 cup of cold water. Set aside.
  6. 6
    In a small bowl, mix together the sugar, cornstarch, and salt.
  7. 7
    Add the sugar mixture to the thickened apple pulp in the saucepan.
  8. 8
    Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until the mixture becomes very thick and coats the back of a spoon.
  9. 9
    Add the softened gelatin to the hot apple mixture. Stir continuously until the gelatin is completely dissolved and the mixture thickens again.
  10. 10
    Remove the saucepan from the heat.
  11. 11
    Stir in the chopped walnuts, grated lemon peel, and lemon juice until evenly distributed.
  12. 12
    Pour the mixture into an 8-inch square shallow glass dish that has been rinsed with cold water.
  13. 13
    Let the candy stand at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 24 hours to set completely.
  14. 14
    Once set, cut the candy into small rectangles (approximately 60 pieces).
  15. 15
    Roll each piece in confectioners' sugar until fully coated.
  16. 16
    Place the coated candies on a wire rack to allow the outside to dry slightly before serving or storing.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 60

Amount Per Serving
Calories 895.7kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 26.3g41%
Saturated Fat 2.5g13%
Cholesterol 0.0mg0%
Sodium 623.2mg26%
Total Carbohydrate 163.3g55%
Dietary Fiber 5.1g21%
Sugars 151.2g
Protein 13.8g28%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Storage: Store the finished candies in an airtight container. They will keep for up to 2 weeks at room temperature if kept dry, or longer in the refrigerator.

Substitution: You can use 2 cups of sweetened canned applesauce instead of cooking fresh apples. If using applesauce, reduce the added sugar from 2 cups to 1-1/3 cups to account for the sugar already in the applesauce.

Tip: Ensure the glass dish is rinsed with cold water to help release the candies after they have set.

Variation: For a different texture, you can toast the walnuts lightly before adding them to the mixture for a deeper nutty flavor.

Keywords: apple candy, apple fudge, chewy dessert, walnuts, lemon zest, homemade candy, apple pulp, gelatin dessert, fall dessert, holiday treat, northwestern recipe, apple confection, sweet snack, fruit candy, traditional recipe, apple dessert, confectioners sugar, kitchen sink recipe, batch cooking
Read it online: https://www.chefs-mate.com/recipe/northwestern-apple-candy/