Cinnamon Candy Apples have been a Halloween tradition for years, but they can be difficult to eat, not to mention time-consuming to make. Here, in this delicious Devilish Dessert Dunk the flavors of the traditional candy apples have been captured, but it’s much easier to eat and make. Very similar to fondue, and kept hot in a fondue pot (or small slow cooker if one isn’t available), apples, pears, and grapes are dipped into the warm spicy cinnamon mixture, which hardens as it lightly coats the fruit. Of course other dippers such as donut holes, pound cake squares, and brownie bites can be used as dippers, but the fruit is so good they really aren’t necessary.

Although Devilish Dessert Dunk could not be considered health food, those ghosts, goblins, and ghouls who are dipping are actually consuming fruit, and since Halloween is the time when almost everyone indulges in lots of sweets and things that aren’t particularly healthy, a little nutrition from the fruit is certainly better than none. Besides, dipping is fun for kids, as well as adults.

It’s a good idea to monitor the fondue pot and stir in a little water if the coating seems to be getting too thick; the fondue should just lightly coat the fruit. Cinnamon oil is available at craft stores (usually in the section with the cake decorations and paste food coloring), restaurant supplies, and variety stores such as Target and Walmart. The syrup can also be made several days ahead and reheated; additional water will need to be added to thin the mixture while reheating.

12 Servings

1 1/2 cups light corn syrup
1 cup sugar
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup cinnamon candies (red hots)
A few drops cinnamon oil
Dash cayenne pepper

Red and green apple slices, red seedless grapes, pear slices

1. Bring corn syrup, sugar, and water to a boil in a large saucepan; add the candies.


2. Boil until the mixture reaches 220°F on a candy thermometer; stir in the cayenne and cinnamon oil.


3. Pour into a fondue pot to keep warm and surround with dippers.


4. The syrup should thinly coat the dippers. Thin down with water, if necessary.

Amount Per Serving
Calories 203 Calories from Fat 1
Percent Total Calories From: Fat 1% Protein 0% Carb. 99%

Nutrient Amount per Serving
Total Fat 0 g
Saturated Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 0 mg
Sodium 29 mg
Total Carbohydrate 50 g
Dietary Fiber 1 g
Sugars 17 g
Protein 0 g

Vitamin A 0% Vitamin C 2% Calcium 0% Iron 17%