🍎 Sheet Pan Caramel Apples
“I’m convinced these are why my family loves fall!” – A sticky, sweet, shareable twist on a classic fair treat!
📖 Description:
This easy, crowd-pleasing dessert is a deconstructed take on the classic caramel apple—perfect for sharing, parties, or cozy nights in. Crisp apple slices are spread out on a sheet pan and drizzled with warm caramel, melted chocolate, and all your favorite toppings. No sticks, no mess—just fall flavor at its finest!*
📝 Ingredients:
- 🍏 4 large apples, cored and sliced (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith work great)
- 🍮 1 cup caramel sauce, warmed for drizzling
- 🍫 ½ cup chocolate chips, melted (milk, dark, or white)
- 🥜 ¼ cup chopped peanuts (or almonds, pecans, walnuts—your choice!)
- ☁️ ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- ✨ ¼ cup sprinkles (optional – for color and fun)
- 🍪 ¼ cup crushed graham crackers (optional – for a s’mores vibe)
- 🧂 ¼ tsp sea salt (optional – balances sweetness beautifully)
👩🍳 Instructions:
- Prep the apples: Wash, core, and slice apples into thin wedges. Arrange them in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Drizzle with caramel: Warm the caramel sauce slightly (in the microwave or stovetop) and drizzle generously over the apples.
- Melt the chocolate: Microwave chocolate chips in 20-second intervals until smooth, then drizzle over the caramel-covered apples.
- Add toppings: Sprinkle with chopped nuts, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, graham crackers, and a pinch of sea salt if using.
- Let set for a few minutes to slightly firm up the toppings, or chill in the fridge for 10–15 minutes before serving.
- Serve straight from the pan, or transfer to individual plates. Dig in with forks or fingers!
🍽️ Servings:
- Serves 6–8 people as a dessert or party snack.
🔬 Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: 250
- Fat: 10g
- Carbs: 40g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 2g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
(Will vary based on toppings used.)
🌟 Benefits:
- ✅ Fun and interactive dessert—great for kids and adults.
- ✅ Gluten-flexible: Skip graham crackers or use GF versions.
- ✅ Naturally vegetarian.
- ✅ Loaded with fiber from apples and healthy fats from nuts.
- ✅ Endlessly customizable based on your preferences!
💡 Notes & Tips:
- 🍏 Use a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) apples for balanced flavor.
- 🍮 Warm toppings drizzle easier—just don’t overheat!
- 🧊 Chill the tray if serving later—helps the caramel and chocolate set.
- 🥄 For less mess, provide small dessert forks or toothpicks at parties.
- 🍁 Want a fall spice twist? Dust with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before topping.
❓ Q&A Section
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: Yes! Prepare up to 4 hours in advance and chill. Wait to add marshmallows until just before serving (they can get soggy).
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Use dairy-free caramel and chocolate chips. Many brands now offer coconut-based versions.
Q: How do I keep the apples from browning?
A: Toss slices in lemon water (1 tbsp lemon juice to 1 cup water) for 3–5 minutes before assembling.
Q: What can I substitute for nuts?
A: Try crushed pretzels, granola, coconut flakes, or sunflower seeds for crunch without allergens.
Q: Can kids help make this?
A: Absolutely! It’s a great hands-on dessert—let them add toppings and create their own mini trays.