Ingredients
Apples
Bag of soft caramels
Powdered sugar
Marshmallows
Melted milk chocolate
Red sanding sugar
Melted white chocolate
Yellow jelly beans
Preparation
Step 1Scrub each apple. That waxy sheen is what typically causes hot caramel to slide off the apple after you dip it. Make sure each apple is dry before inserting a wooden stick into the stems.Step 2Add powdered sugar to your caramel sauce. Disney uses a 5-to-1 ratio of caramel to powdered sugar to thicken the sauce. An 11-oz. bag of soft caramels will coat four apples. Follow the package directions to melt the caramel, then gradually stir in about ¼ c. of powdered sugar. Once the caramel is smooth and glossy, dip each apple.Step 3Let the apples cool at room temperature. Don’t pop them in the fridge; they’ll get sticky with condensation. Once the caramel has set and is no longer tacky to the touch, it’s time to decorate.Step 4Use marshmallows for Mickey’s “ears.” Cut a lengthwise sliver from each marshmallow and pop it, cut-side down, on either side of the wooden stick. It should be sticky enough to adhere to the apple on its own.Step 5Dip the entire apple—and marshmallow ears—in melted milk chocolate. Let it cool completely (another 20 minutes at room temperature) before moving to the next step.Step 6Melt and dip again. Fill a bowl with red sanding sugar. Then, melt a bowl of white chocolate. Dip the apple halfway in the white chocolate, letting any excess chocolate drip off. Before the chocolate hardens, dip it in the red sanding sugar to form Mickey’s “pants.”Step 7Don’t forget the finishing touch. Two yellow jelly beans serve as the buttons on Mickey’s pants. Gently press them on, about a half inch apart, and let the apple cool.
Even though Disney has churned out dozens of specialty apples over the years, each one takes roughly two to three months to develop, says Patrice Guy, Consumables and Kitchen Production merchandiser. The parks’ chefs consult with Walt Disney imagineers and character artists to ensure each dessert captures the essence of the characters. Once the design is approved, it has to be broken down into easy-to-follow steps, so even the greenest cast members can recreate it. If you order a caramel apple in the park, ask a cast member to slice it for you. It’s an easier (and less messy) way to snack. And If you can’t wait until your next trip, you’re in luck: The team at Magic Kingdom let us in on some of their best-kept caramel apple secrets. (You can thank us later!) Follow the directions, right, to make your own at home.
