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Halloween

Conjure Up Sanderson Sisters-Inspired Caramel Apples for Halloween

Get ready for the release of "Hocus Pocus 2" by creating these wickedly fun Halloween caramel apples that pay tribute to the Sanderson sisters' iconic looks—perfect for a spellbinding party.

By Harper Cooper

Finished Hocus Pocus candy apples

Finished Hocus Pocus candy apples

The witches have returned! Nearly three decades after the black flame was first ignited, the delightfully devilish Sanderson Sisters are back and causing mischief just in time for Halloween. Winifred, Sarah, and Mary have certainly cast a spell on us, and we can't wait to see more of their antics in Hocus Pocus 2.

To celebrate the movie's release, consider hosting a Halloween party featuring Sanderson-sisters-inspired candy apples, cupcakes, and other spooky treats. Caramel apples are a quintessential fall delight, and fans of the film will have a wickedly good time biting into these Halloween caramel apples decorated with the child-hungry witches' signature hairstyles and cape colors.

Come, let's fly!

Materials needed for Hocus Pocus candy apples

How to Make "Hocus Pocus" Candy Apples

1. Prepare the Apples

Before dipping, it's crucial to wash and dry the apples thoroughly. Many apples have a thin wax coating to make them look more appealing, and this wax prevents the caramel from sticking properly. Drying the apple is also essential so the caramel adheres to the skin.

Once the apple is completely washed and dried, insert an 8-inch wooden stick into the top center of the apple.

stabbing a stick into the center of the apple

3 green Granny Smith apples on a black plate with wooden sticks

2. Unwrap the Caramel and Add Cream

Unwrap the caramels and place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add 3 tablespoons of whipping cream, heavy cream, or evaporated milk. The cream helps thin the caramel slightly, making it smooth and pliable.

Adding heavy cream to the caramels

Caramels in a bowl mixed with whipping cream

3. Melt the Caramels in the Microwave

Heat the bowl of caramels and cream in the microwave on medium heat for 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals until completely melted and smooth. The total melting time will be between three and four minutes. A 13-ounce bag of caramels yields enough for six to eight servings.

melted caramels in a bowl

4. Twirl the Apples in Melted Caramel

Now for the fun part: hold the stick and dip the apple into the caramel. Twirl until evenly coated. Hold the dipped apple above the bowl for a minute to let excess caramel drip off. Before placing it on a parchment-lined cookie sheet, scrape the bottom of the apple along the bowl's edge to remove more excess caramel.

Twirling the apple in melted caramel

Letting excess caramel drip off the apple

3 green apples dipped in caramel sitting on wax paper

5. Cover the Caramel Apple in a Colorful Candy Coating

Pour each bag of candy sprinkles onto a separate plate before dipping the apples. This way, you can roll the caramel apple in the sprinkles before the caramel sets. At room temperature, the caramel will start to set after 10 minutes. Roll one apple in purple sprinkles for Sarah's cape, the second in green for Winifred's cape, and the third in red for Mary's cape. If the sprinkles aren't the right shade, add a few drops of food coloring.

caramel apple on a bed of purple candy sprinkles

Rolling the caramel apple in candy sprinkles

Caramel apple rolled in purple candy sprinkles

3 caramel apples rolled in purple, red, and green candy sprinkles

6. Create the Sanderson Sisters' Iconic Hairdos

Fans will instantly recognize the sisters' iconic hairdos. Draw Sarah's hairdo on yellow card stock, Winifred's on orange card stock, and Mary's on purple card stock. Cut out the hairdos and attach them to the wooden sticks using glue dots or tape. Place Sarah's yellow hair on the purple-covered caramel apple, Winifred's orange hair on the green caramel apple, and Mary's hair on the red candy apple.

Sanderson sister hairdos traced onto orange, purple and yellow card stock

Cut out Sanderson sister hairdos in orange, purple and yellow

Lock up your children—yes, Salem, they're back!

Finished Sanderson sister candy apples