Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples for a Crowd Recipe
These Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples are a perfect crowd-pleaser combining crisp apple slices with rich, homemade caramel, all baked on a sheet pan for effortless preparation. Finished with your choice of toppings, they make a delightful sweet treat that’s perfect for parties or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Apples:
- 4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp water
For the Caramel:
- 1 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1/4 cup sweetened condensed milk
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
Topping Ideas:
- Chopped peanuts or pecans
- Mini chocolate chips
- Crushed pretzels
- Shredded coconut
- Toffee bits
- Sprinkles
- Sea salt flakes
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Core and slice the apples into thin wedges. Toss them with lemon juice and water to prevent browning and maintain crispness.
- Arrange on Sheet Pan: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay out the apple slices in a single layer, close together but not overlapping, to ensure even caramel coverage.
- Make the Caramel: In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the brown sugar, unsalted butter, light corn syrup, and sweetened condensed milk. Stir constantly until the mixture starts to bubble, then reduce the heat to low and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring often, until the caramel thickens.
- Add Vanilla and Salt: Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and salt to enhance the caramel’s flavor.
- Drizzle Over Apples: Quickly pour the warm caramel evenly over the apple slices using a spoon or measuring cup. Work efficiently as the caramel thickens rapidly.
- Add Toppings: Immediately sprinkle your choice of toppings such as nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles while the caramel is still warm and sticky, so they adhere properly.
- Cool and Slice: Allow the sheet pan to cool for about 30 minutes until the caramel sets. Then slice into squares or bars for easy serving, accompanied by napkins or forks for a mess-free experience.
Notes
- Don’t skip the lemon juice on the apples; it keeps them crisp and prevents browning during preparation.
- Be quick with adding toppings while the caramel is warm and sticky to ensure they adhere well; once set, nothing will stick.
- Use parchment paper on the baking sheet for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and flavor contrast.
Keywords: caramel apples, easy dessert, sheet pan dessert, fall recipes, party snacks, caramel apple bars
