Introduction

These Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples are perfect for serving a crowd without the mess of individually dipping each apple. Sweet, buttery caramel coats crisp apples, and you can customize with your favorite toppings for a festive treat everyone will love.

The image shows six rows of sliced apples arranged horizontally on a white marbled texture, each apple sliced into about eight layers with caramel sauce drizzled over the top. The first and second rows are green apples topped with small dark chocolate chips on the left half and chopped nuts on the right half. The third and fifth rows are green apples decorated with bright orange candy corns and multicolored round candies. The fourth and sixth rows show light-colored apples topped with chopped nuts on the left and candy corns with multicolored candies on the right. All slices have a shiny caramel layer covering the apple surfaces and toppings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4–5 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp water
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

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Core the apples and slice them into even rounds about 1/2 inch thick. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice and water to prevent browning, then arrange them in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan.
Step 3: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine brown sugar, butter, corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir constantly until the mixture comes to a gentle boil and thickens, about 5 minutes.
Step 4: Remove the caramel from heat and stir in vanilla extract. Pour the caramel evenly over the apple slices on the sheet pan, spreading gently if needed.
Step 5: Sprinkle your desired toppings over the caramel-coated apples while it’s still warm so they stick well.
Step 6: Bake the sheet pan in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the caramel is bubbly and slightly golden.
Step 7: Let the caramel apples cool completely on the pan before serving. This allows the caramel to set properly.

Tips & Variations

Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a nice balance with the sweet caramel.
For a chocolate twist, drizzle melted chocolate over the caramel before it sets.
If you prefer a softer caramel, reduce baking time slightly.
Try different nut toppings or add a pinch of sea salt for a salty-sweet combo.

Storage

Store leftover caramel apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in short bursts in the microwave if you want the caramel soft again, or enjoy chilled for a firmer texture.

How to Serve

The image shows a tray with five neat rows of apple slices arranged side by side on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The first and third rows are red apple slices topped with caramel sauce, chopped nuts, and small chocolate chips, creating a texture mix of smooth caramel and crunchy pieces. The second and fourth rows are green apple slices with a glossy caramel drizzle over them. The fifth row consists of red apple slices topped with colorful candy pieces like candy corn, green, orange, and purple candy-coated chocolates, and a light caramel drizzle underneath, adding bright colors to the tray. The arrangement is tidy and visually appealing, highlighting the contrast between crisp fruit, sticky caramel, nuts, and candies. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety, but tart ones like Granny Smith balance the sweetness of the caramel best. Softer apples may become mushy when baked.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

This recipe uses butter and sweetened condensed milk, which are dairy products. To make it vegan, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative and use sweetened condensed coconut milk or another non-dairy sweetened condensed milk.

Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples for a Crowd Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 65 reviews

These Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples are a perfect treat for a crowd, combining crisp, tart apples with a rich, homemade caramel coating. Topped with your choice of nuts, chocolate chips, or sprinkles, this recipe is simple to prepare and ideal for fall parties or holiday gatherings.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4–5 caramel apples 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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

Prepare the Apples: Thoroughly wash and dry the apples, then remove the stems. Insert wooden or sturdy sticks into the top of each apple. In a small bowl, combine lemon juice and water to create a lemon water dip. Dip each apple briefly to prevent browning and set aside on a sheet pan lined with parchment paper.
Make the Caramel Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add brown sugar, light corn syrup, sweetened condensed milk, and salt. Stir continuously and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Allow it to simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and turns a rich caramel color.
Add Vanilla Extract: Remove the caramel mixture from heat and stir in the vanilla extract for added depth of flavor. Let the caramel cool slightly to ensure it is thick enough to coat the apples evenly.
Dip the Apples in Caramel: Holding each apple by the stick, dip it into the warm caramel sauce, turning to coat evenly. Allow excess caramel to drip back into the pan. Place the caramel-coated apples back onto the parchment-lined sheet pan.
Add Toppings: Before the caramel sets, sprinkle your chosen toppings such as chopped nuts, mini chocolate chips, crushed pretzels, shredded coconut, toffee bits, sprinkles, or sea salt flakes over the coated apples to enhance flavor and texture.
Set the Caramel: Let the apples sit at room temperature until the caramel hardens, about 30 to 60 minutes. For quicker setting, you can refrigerate the apples on the sheet pan, but bring them to room temperature before serving for the best taste.

Notes

Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji for the best texture and tartness that complements the sweet caramel.
Ensure your caramel is not too hot when dipping apples; otherwise, it may be too runny and not stick well.
Line your sheet pan with parchment or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
Store leftover caramel apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For a vegan or dairy-free version, consider substituting the butter and sweetened condensed milk with plant-based alternatives, though texture and flavor may vary.

Keywords: caramel apples, easy caramel apples, sheet pan caramel apples, fall dessert, sweet treat, party snack