Crack Grapes Made With Jolly Ranchers | So Fun & Easy To Make

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These crack grapes are the ultimate sweet-and-crunchy treat—each juicy grape is coated in a shiny, crackly layer of melted Jolly Ranchers, giving you the perfect mix of candy crunch and fresh fruit in every bite. They’re colorful, fun to eat, and surprisingly easy to make at home in under 30 minutes.

Why These Are The Best Crack Grapes

If you’ve never had Jolly Rancher grapes, you’re in for a treat. These are grapes with a candy-coated shell that hardens into a crisp, glossy layer—similar to candy apples, but bite-sized and way easier to eat. The contrast between the crunchy shell and the juicy inside is what makes them so addictive (hence the name!).

I started making these with my kids on weekends, and they’ve quickly become one of our favorite no-bake recipes. They’re fun to make together, and even more fun to eat. Plus, they’re a total crowd-pleaser at parties or potlucks. Just pop them into mini cups or skewers and you’ve got an easy grab-and-go dessert that everyone loves.

They remind me a lot of my no bake banana pudding—you get that mix of fresh fruit with a sweet, indulgent coating. And just like that recipe, these are easy to portion out for individual servings or to prep ahead for guests.

Ingredients

To make this crack grapes recipe, you'll need only a couple of simple ingredients.

And all of them can easily be found at your local grocery store.

With that said, here's everything you need to make candied grapes:

• 2 cups grapes
• 2 cups sugar
• ⅔ cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup Jolly Rancher (or other hard candy) crushed

This recipe makes approximately 2 cups of crunchy, delectable grapes, so don't be shy to double up the recipe, so there's plenty to go around.

Oh, and you can use any kind of grapes and Jolly Ranchers that you want. So you can change up the flavor every single time you make these Jolly Rancher grapes!

How to Make Jolly Rancher Grapes

Step 1: Prepare the Grapes

First, wash the grapes and make sure they are thoroughly dry so the moisture doesn't interfere with the sugar.

Next, insert a toothpick into the center of each grape and set them aside for later.

Step 2: Make the Syrup

Now add the sugar, water, and corn syrup to a heavy-bottomed saucepan and bring everything to a boil over medium-high heat. You'll want to maintain the boil while constantly stirring so the syrup doesn't boil over.

Boil this mixture for about 5 minutes - or until you reach 300-305 degrees Fahrenheit (148-152°C). To check the temperature, you'll want to use a candy thermometer.

Then, when it reaches that temperature, stir in the vanilla extract and take it off the heat.

Step 3: Coat the Grapes

Now, before we start dipping, please be careful and do not touch the sugar with your hands. Also, maybe keep the kids away for this part.

Using the toothpicks, dip each grape into the syrup, working one grape at a time. Make sure to do this quickly to coat the whole grape and carefully drizzle off any excess.

Next, roll it in the crushed Jolly Ranchers and set it on a baking sheet that is lined with parchment paper to set.

Then, once it sets, grab a candied grape, and enjoy!

Expert Tips

• Dry the grapes completely before dipping. Any moisture on the grapes will prevent the candy coating from sticking properly. After washing, pat them dry thoroughly with a paper towel and let them air dry for a few extra minutes to be sure. A dry surface ensures a crisp, even shell.
• Use a heavy-bottom saucepan and a candy thermometer. Temperature control is key for that signature crackly shell. The syrup must reach 300–305°F (hard crack stage) to harden properly. A heavy-bottom pot helps maintain even heat, and a candy thermometer ensures accuracy.
• Stir the syrup constantly, but don’t let it boil over. You want a strong, controlled boil to avoid burning or uneven caramelization. Stir gently and stay nearby—the syrup can go from perfect to scorched quickly.
• Move quickly when dipping. Once the syrup reaches temperature, it will start to cool and thicken. Dip the grapes immediately, turning them quickly to get full coverage before rolling them in the crushed Jolly Ranchers.
• Use finely crushed candies for the best coating. Smaller crushed pieces adhere better and give more even coverage. You can crush the Jolly Ranchers in a food processor or by placing them in a zip-top bag and smashing with a rolling pin.
• Let them set completely before serving. Allow the dipped grapes to dry fully on a parchment-lined tray at room temperature. Avoid refrigerating them, as moisture will soften the shell and make them sticky.
• Use toothpicks for easy dipping and serving. Inserting toothpicks before dipping gives you control and keeps your fingers away from hot syrup. It also makes the grapes easy to serve individually without mess.

Crack Grapes (Jolly Rancher Grapes Recipe) FAQS

What kind of grapes work best for crack grapes?

Green seedless grapes are the most popular for this recipe because they’re firm, tart, and contrast nicely with the sweet coating. Red grapes work too, but may be softer and sweeter.

Do I need a candy thermometer?

Yes—hitting the hard crack stage (300–305°F) is essential for the coating to set with that signature snap. Without a thermometer, it’s difficult to gauge the exact moment, and undercooked syrup will stay sticky.

How do I crush Jolly Ranchers quickly?

You can pulse them in a food processor for a fine texture, or place them in a zip-top bag and crush with a rolling pin or mallet. Finer pieces stick better to the hot candy coating.

Can I make these ahead of time?

Yes—you can make crack grapes a few hours ahead, but they’re best enjoyed the same day. Store them in a cool, dry place (not the fridge) to keep the shell crisp. Humidity and refrigeration can cause the candy shell to soften and become sticky.

Is there a safer way to dip the grapes?

The syrup will be extremely hot, so always keep kids away during the dipping stage. Using toothpicks and a heat-resistant glove can help avoid burns while giving you better control.

Can I use other candies instead of Jolly Ranchers?

Yes! Sour candies, Pop Rocks, or even crushed hard cinnamon candies can be fun alternatives. Just make sure whatever you use is finely crushed and safe to eat with a hard coating.

Wrapping It Up

Well, that is how to make crack grapes in just a few easy steps!

These candied grapes are so crunchy outside with an addictive sugary coating and Jolly Rancher crunchy - I have a feeling you won't be able to get enough of them.

Oh, and if you enjoyed this recipe there's a good chance you'll love our tangulu recipe too. Tangulu is basically candied fruit, so it's a lot like this recipe, but just with a variety of different fruits.

Anyway, I hope you, and everyone who tries these candied grapes like them as much as we do at our house. If you make them, let me know what you think and leave a comment below. Oh, and make sure to check out our Youtube channel for more quick and easy recipes!

Continue to Content Prep Time 5 minutes Cook Time 10 minutes Total Time 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 cups grapes
• 2 cups sugar
• ⅔ cup water
• ½ cup light corn syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ cup Jolly Rancher (or other hard candy) crushed

Instructions

1. Wash and dry the grapes well. Insert the toothpicks in the grapes.
2. In a heavy bottom saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and corn syrup and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. You should maintain the best rolling boil that you can, stirring frequently, without letting the syrup boil over.
3. Boil for about 5 minutes to reach the right temperature. You will need a candy thermometer to confirm when the syrup has reached 300-305 degrees Fahrenheit (148-152 degrees Celsius).
4. Stir the vanilla extract into the syrup.
5. Carefully dip each grape into the syrup, moving quickly to get the syrup covering over the entirety of the grape. Roll each grape in the crushed candies.
6. Let the grapes dry on a parchment paper lined tray.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size:

¼ cup Amount Per Serving: Calories: 595Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 0mgCarbohydrates: 148gFiber: 0gSugar: 0gProtein: 0g