Apple Pie Caramel Apples {Disney Copycat Recipe}

Whenever we go to Disneyland one of our last stops is to grab our favorite caramel apple to take home. These are probably one of our most favorite treats in the parks. Disneyland is constantly changing up their apples, introducing new ones for each Season/Holiday, but our personal favorite is the Apple Pie Apple. 

Typically, our last day consists of last minute shopping at Downtown Disney and then making our way to our final shop, Marcelines Confectionary. This is just one of the few shops that sells these apples and other Disney homemade treats. You can also find them in California Adventure at Trolley Treats or inside Disneyland at Hunny Spot in Pooh Corner or Candy Palace on Main Street U.S.A. 

Our family loves these apples so much I knew I wanted to re-create them at home + having a background as a chocolatier I just wanted to give them a try! 

INGREDIENTS
(Some items below are linked for reference)

• 10 large Granny Smith apples
• apple sticks
• 2-4 (11-ounce) package Kraft Caramel Bits (or an equivalent amount of soft caramel squares, unwrapped)
• 5 (12 ounces) bags of white chocolate melting wafers (such as Nestle or Ghirardelli) 
• white sugar 
• brown sugar
• cinnamon
• wax paper
• baking cups
• non stick cooking spray
• (OPTIONAL) 2 tablespoons milk
• (OPTIONAL) 20 large marshmallows ~ only if you want to make "Mickey Mouse ears"

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Scrub/Wash apples and dry with paper towel. You want to get the wax coating off so the caramel can stick better to the apples. Make sure all stickers and stems are removed and let the apples completely dry.

2. Take the apple sticks and insert them in the bottom of the apples and spray your baking sheet with non stick cooking spray.

3. Melt caramel in a microwave-safe dish for 30 seconds at a time until caramel is nice and melted or follow directions on package if using the Bits. You can also use a stainless steel/aluminum stove pot to melt the caramel. Adding milk, to make caramel more creamy smooth, is optional. 

4. Dip each apple into the caramel until fully coated, rotating the apple as needed. Let excess caramel drip off and them place on the baking sheet to cool.

5. OPTIONAL STEP FOR "Mickey Mouse ears" Begin to cut a portion of each marshmallow so it can lay flat on the apple. Only take a little bit at a time to ensure a flat surface. You can also take this time to make your cinnamon/sugar mix.

6. Melt white chocolate in a microwave-safe dish in the microwave for 10-15 second at a time until chocolate is melted and there are no lumps. NOTE: White chocolate is tricky and will burn VERY easily. Take your time melting in small intervals to prevent from burning.

7. Dip the flat part of the marshmallows in the white chocolate and place on the apples to create your Mickey Mouse ears. Hold them in place for a few seconds so they can stick. Place the apples in the refrigerator to let the chocolate cool and dry.

8. Submerge each apple in the white chocolate until it's completely covered. Shake off remaining white chocolate and scrape the bottom to remove excess. Before chocolate has set, sprinkle the top half of the apple, including the ears, with the cinnamon/sugar mix. Roll the bottom half in brown sugar and set aside in baking cup to dry.

And there you have it! A Disney Apple Pie Caramel Apple!!

Not every caramel apple has to be the same! Play around with different chocolate and toppings. Another few of my favorite toppings are Oreo cookie crumbs, S'more ingredients, M&M's, Peanut butter mix w/ Rice Krispies, & even Almonds!

Hope you all enjoyed this recipe/tutorial and please be sure to tag me in your finish product! Can't wait to see all the delicious apples you guys make. ENJOY! Xoxo~