Copycat Disney’s Jack Skellington Candy Apples Recipe

Are you looking to bring a bit of spooky Disney magic into your kitchen? This Copycat Disney's Jack Skellington Candy Apples recipe is the perfect way to do just that! These delicious treats, inspired by the iconic character from The Nightmare Before Christmas, are a hit at any Halloween party or Disney-themed event. 

With their crisp Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples coated in creamy white candy melts and detailed with dark chocolate for Jack's signature face, these candy apples are both fun to make and delightfully festive. 

Since you are here and love fun copycat desserts, check out this Krispy Kreme Doughnut Recipe or this Libby's Pumpkin Bread Recipe.

Ingredients for this Disney's Jack Skellington Candy Apples

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Granny Smith Apples: are a classic choice for candy apples. They have a tart flavor that pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the white chocolate. Their firm texture makes sure that the apples hold up through the dipping process and keeps them from becoming mushy. You can also use Honeycrisp Apples for a sweeter option. They're also very crisp and work well with the rich white chocolate coating. 
• Wooden Sticks: are used in the dipping process making the apples easier to handle. They also provide the traditional candy apples look while making the treats easier to eat.
• White Candy Melts: are made specifically for coating desserts and have a smooth and glossy finish that dries quickly. You can also substitute the candy melts for white chocolate chips. The white makes the perfect "blank canvas" for Jack Skellington's face. 
• Coconut Oil: is added to help melt the white chocolate to thin it out making it easier to coat the apples. It also helps give the apples a glossy finish and prevents them from hardening too quickly. This gives you more time to work on decorating. 
• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips: are used to draw Jack Skellington's iconic face. Their dark color creates a contrast against the white candy coating, making his face stand out even more. The semi-sweet flavor adds a richness that helps with balancing the overall sweetness of this treat. 

How to make this Disney's Jack Skellington Candy Apples Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Wash and dry the apples to remove any wax. Remove the stems and insert a wooden stick into each apple.
2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the white candy melts (or white chocolate chips) and coconut oil (or shortening).
3. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring each time, until melted and smooth.
4. Dip each apple into the melted white candy coating, swirling to coat evenly. Let excess drip off.
5. Place the coated apples on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to set.
6. Use the melted semi-sweet or dark chocolate to draw Jack Skellington's face on each apple. I like to place this in a piping bag and cut out the tip to make it easier to draw.
7. Draw two large eyes, small nostrils, and a stitched smile.
8. Allow the melted chocolate to set completely, about 15-20 minutes.
9. Your Jack Skellington Candy Apples are ready to enjoy! Store in a cool, dry place until serving.

Jack Skellington Chocolate Covered Apples Recipe Tips

Prep Your Apples: Before dipping, make sure to wash your apples thoroughly to remove any wax coating that could prevent the chocolate from sticking. Dry the apples completely to avoid moisture interfering with the chocolate.

Firmly Insert Wooden Sticks: Push the wooden sticks into the center of each apple, making sure they're secure. A loose stick could cause the apple to fall off during dipping, so double-check the stability before proceeding.

Thinning the White Chocolate: If using white chocolate chips, mix in a bit more of coconut oil (about a teaspoon per cup of chocolate). This will help the chocolate coat the apples more smoothly.

Work Quickly with Melted Chocolate: Once the chocolate is melted, work quickly to dip the apples, as it can begin to set rapidly. If you need to, keep the chocolate warm over low heat to maintain the right consistency for dipping and decorating.

Precision with Jack's Face: To draw Jack's face, melt the semi-sweet or dark chocolate and use a piping bag or a toothpick for precise detailing. If you're nervous about freehanding his face, practice on parchment paper first or use a toothpick to lightly trace his features on the apple before applying the chocolate.

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

What is the best type of apples to use?

Granny Smith Apples are one of the best choices because of their tart flavor and firm texture which helps balance out the sweetness of the candy coating. If you prefer a sweeter option, I recommend using Honeycrisp Apples, as they are another great choice due to their crispness. Both apples hold up well during the dipping process and don't allow the apples to become soft and mushy under the chocolate. 

Why do I need to use coconut oil?

Coconut oil helps thin out the chocolate, making it easier to dip and creating a smooth and even coating. Without the oil the chocolate may be too thick and lumpy. The coconut oil also helps create a glossy finish and slows down the hardening of the chocolate, which allows you more time to decorate your apples. 

How can I create Jack Skellington's face?

Creating the perfect Jack Skellington's face can be a bit tricky, but with a little practice, you can quickly become a pro. Use a piping bag with a small tip or a toothpick that is dipped in your melted semi-sweet chocolate to create his large eyes, small nose and signature stitch mouth.

You can also lightly trace the features with a toothpick on the apple before piping on the chocolate. If you make a mistake you can simply scrape off the chocolate while it's still wet and start again.

How can I store my leftover Jack Skellington Apples?

These candy apples are best when they're fresh, but you can store them for up to 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. When ready to eat, place on the counter to bring them up to room temperature before eating. This will allow the chocolate to become a little softer and not so hard to bite into. Over time, the apples may start to lose their crispness. 

Copycat Disney’s Jack Skellington Candy Apples Recipe