Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples for a Crowd Recipe
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.
- 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
