By a Pro: Gourmet Candy Apples | Eye-catching Dessert Table Treats

the idea

Make the humble candy apple more tempting with these unusually flavored or elaborately decorated gourmet candy apples

the how

Choose by flavor; including white chocolate coconut, apple pie, peanut butter, Snickers, Oreo, New York cheesecake, and more
Or choose by color; including hard candy, glitter, or sprinkles coating
Or choose by theme, such as graduation, Disney Princess, football, unicorn etc.
Also available in unusual flavors such as Red Hot Cinnamon, Pickle, Sangria, Cinnamon Toast, Tootsi Roll, and more
Typically sold individually or by the dozen

graduation cap decorated candy apples for a graduation party

the why

This Idea

Wow-factor; creates a visual spectacle and contributes to the party’s theming and decor
Creative; theming, decoration, or unusual flavors can make familiar treats like candy apples more appealing
Aesthetically appealing; decorated treats entice and create a feast for the eyes
Special occasions should feel special; visual wow-factors elevate regular party food
Elegant; lends your dessert table an elegant and sophisticated touch
Talking point; gives guests something to discuss and share, which creates buzz and atmosphere
Photo-worthy; a great photo-op for guests to share and tag on social media
Memorable; guests remember creative, unusual, or visual wow-factors
Unusual; a less common dessert table treat to impress guests

red hots cinnamon candy decorated candy apples

the why

variety of dessert table treats

Feeding v Entertaining; special event party food should have two objectives:
Feeding; 70% should be crowd-pleasing, familiar, and palatable ‘safe’ options intended to leave guests feeling well-fed
Entertaining; 30% should be to treat your guests, surprise them, indulge them, impress them, share experiences with them, and even help them discover new things
Unusual; 10% of that 30% should be quirky, unfamiliar, adventurous, fun treats that get people talking
Visual; 10% of that 30% should be visually arresting treats that contribute to presentation and add wow factor
Favorite things; 10% of that 30% should be treats that reflect your own personality and taste

Disney Princess themed gourmet candy apples

ADVICE FROM A PRO

Matt’s tip

“While you might not ordinarily serve candy apples on a party dessert table for adults, candy treats like these often prove popular when you subvert expectations by offering interesting looking or flavored versions.

Check out my separate post about unusually flavored candy apples such as Habanero BBQ spicy almond, pickle, pink watermelon, peppermint candy cane, and more.

Remember, these eye-catching treats are all about adding visual wow-factor to your dessert table, but you don’t need to order huge quantities to still make a big impression and get guests talking.”