Poisoned apples, anyone? These purple “poisoned” apples are a fun, naturally colored Halloween treat that looks like something straight out of a fairy tale! With their vibrant purple hue, they’re perfect for adding a little spooky magic to your Halloween snack table.
The secret to their beautiful color is butterfly pea flower tea and a splash of lemon juice. Butterfly pea flowers make a deep blue tea, but when you add an acidic ingredient like lemon juice, the color changes to purple. It’s a fun little kitchen science experiment that transforms ordinary apple slices into something special!
These apples are surprisingly easy to make. Simply soak sliced green apples in strongly brewed butterfly pea flower tea mixed with lemon juice, then refrigerate until the apples take on the color you want. The longer they soak, the more noticeable the color may become, although the final shade depends on the strength of the tea and the acidity of the mixture.
Once they’re ready, drain the apples, pat them dry, and serve them with your favorite dipping sauce. I love pairing mine with peanut butter, but caramel sauce would be delicious, too. The tartness of green apples works especially well with creamy or sweet dips.
These purple apples are perfect for Halloween parties, spooky movie nights, school celebrations, or a fun fall snack to make with the kids. They’re colorful, simple, and a little bit magical—without needing artificial food coloring.
How To Make Purple Poisoned Apples
Step 1: Brew the butterfly pea flower tea
Prepare 4 cups of strong butterfly pea flower tea according to the package directions. Let the tea cool completely before using it.
Step 2: Add the lemon juice
Stir the lemon juice into the cooled tea. Watch the blue tea shift toward purple as the acidity changes the color of the natural pigments.
Step 3: Soak the apples
Slice your green apples and place them in a container. Pour the tea mixture over the apple slices, making sure they’re submerged as much as possible.
Step 4: Refrigerate
Cover the container and refrigerate the apples while they soak. Check their color periodically until they reach your preferred shade. The soaking time will vary depending on the apples, tea strength, and acidity.
Step 5: Drain and serve
Drain the tea and gently pat the apple slices dry with a clean paper towel. Arrange them on a serving platter and serve with peanut butter, caramel sauce, or your favorite dip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes butterfly pea flower tea turn purple?
Butterfly pea flowers contain natural pigments called anthocyanins. These pigments change color depending on the acidity of their surroundings. The tea is typically blue, but adding lemon juice lowers the pH and shifts the color toward purple or pink.
Do the apples taste like butterfly pea flower tea?
The apples may take on a subtle flavor from the soaking liquid, but the taste is generally mild. Green apples remain tart and pair well with sweet dips like caramel.
How long should I soak the apples?
The soaking time depends on how deep you want the color to be. Check the slices periodically and remove them when they reach your desired shade. Keep them refrigerated throughout the process.
Can I use red apples instead of green apples?
Yes! Red apples will work, but their skin and naturally colored flesh may make the purple effect less noticeable. Green apples tend to provide the clearest contrast.
Can I make purple poisoned apples ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare them a few hours before serving. Keep them covered in the refrigerator, then drain and pat them dry shortly before arranging them on a platter.
What can I serve with purple poisoned apples?
Peanut butter and caramel sauce are both delicious options. You could also serve them with a yogurt-based dip or another favorite apple dip, depending on your guests’ preferences and dietary needs.
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PrintPurple “Poisoned” Apples
Make a little Halloween kitchen magic with these naturally colored Purple Poisoned Apples! Butterfly pea flower tea and lemon juice transform ordinary green apple slices into a vibrant purple treat without artificial food coloring. This easy Halloween snack is perfect for spooky parties, fall gatherings, or a fun kitchen science experiment with the kids. Serve with peanut butter or caramel sauce for dipping!
Ingredients
- Sliced green apples
- 4 cups strongly brewed butterfly pea flower tea
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- Peanut butter or caramel sauce, for dipping (optional)
Instructions
- Brew 4 cups of strong butterfly pea flower tea and allow it to cool completely.
- Stir the lemon juice into the cooled tea.
- Add the sliced green apples, making sure they’re submerged as much as possible.
- Cover and refrigerate until the apples reach your desired shade of purple, checking their color periodically.
- Drain the tea and gently pat the apple slices dry.
- Arrange on a platter and serve with peanut butter, caramel sauce, or your favorite dip.
Notes
- Green apples provide a nice contrast to the purple color.
- The final shade depends on the strength of the tea and the acidity of the mixture.
- Keep refrigerated while soaking and until serving.
- Serve with your favorite dips, keeping food allergies in mind.
Notes
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