Indulging in the delightful taste of crisp apples enveloped in gooey caramel and rich chocolate is one of autumn’s simple pleasures. With our Sheet Pan Caramel Apples recipe, you can effortlessly create a sweet and visually stunning dessert that captures the essence of fall. Imagine this: juicy apple wedges, perfectly coated in luscious caramel, drizzled with melty chocolate, and crowned with an array of your favorite toppings. It’s not just a dessert; it’s a shared experience that invites everyone to join in on the fun of decorating their delicious creations.
This recipe is not only delicious but incredibly simple and quick to prepare, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s also a fantastic family-friendly activity that allows kids to unleash their creativity by choosing various toppings, from crunchy nuts to colorful sprinkles. Plus, there’s no need to fuss with sticks or create a messy setup. Everything comes together on a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze—a perfect match for busy autumn evenings!
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Caramel Apples
- Family-Friendly Fun: Kids can easily participate in the decoration process, making it a memorable activity for all ages.
- Minimal Cleanup: Using only a sheet pan and parchment paper means less time scrubbing and more time devouring.
- Customizable: Tailor your toppings according to your preferences! Whether you enjoy nuts, candy, or a sprinkle of coconut, the possibilities are endless.
- Quick & Easy: This recipe is ready in under 20 minutes—faster than traditional caramel apples, yet just as delicious!
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before diving into creating these scrumptious Sheet Pan Caramel Apples, it’s essential to set up your workspace. Start by gathering all your ingredients—fresh apples, caramel sauce, and chocolate chips—along with your desired toppings. You’ll also want to have a large sheet pan ready, lined with parchment paper to avoid sticking and to make cleanup easy.
For tools, a microwave-safe bowl for melting the caramel and chocolate is key, along with a spatula or spoon for drizzling. Consider using a knife or apple slicer for perfectly uniform apple wedges, ensuring even coating of the caramel and chocolate. Lastly, gather bowls for your toppings to create an inviting assembly line for the family to decorate their apple masterpieces.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), sliced into thin wedges
- 250 ml caramel sauce
- 85 g chocolate chips, melted
- 40 g chopped peanuts or other nuts
- 15 g mini marshmallows
- 15 g sprinkles (optional)
- 20 g crushed graham crackers (optional)
- 1 g sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing and thoroughly drying the apples to remove any wax or residue. Once cleaned, slice the apples into thin wedges, aiming for about a half-inch thickness. This size ensures they’ll hold their shape during the caramel application and provide a satisfying crunch. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on your parchment-lined sheet pan, making sure they don’t overlap to allow for even coating.
Step 2: Drizzle Caramel
Next, it’s time to warm the caramel sauce. Place it in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or until it becomes pourable but not too hot to touch. With a spoon or a squeeze bottle, drizzle the warmed caramel sauce generously over the apple slices, taking care to coat each piece well. The warmth of the caramel will quickly adhere to the apples, giving each slice a beautifully glazed look.
Step 3: Add the Chocolate
Now, let’s melt the chocolate chips! In a microwave-safe bowl, heat them in 30-second intervals, stirring after each interval until smooth. Once melted, use a spoon or squeeze bottle to drizzle the chocolate over the caramel-coated apples. The contrasting flavors and textures will elevate your dessert to gourmet status.
Step 4: Top & Decorate
Here comes the fun part! Scatter your chosen toppings over the chocolate and caramel-covered apples. Sprinkle on chopped peanuts or any nuts of your choice, followed by mini marshmallows for a soft, chewy texture. If you’re feeling festive, add some sprinkles or crushed graham crackers for a crunch and a pop of color. For larger toppings, gently press them into the mix to help them adhere better.
Step 5: Set & Serve
Allow the caramel and chocolate layers to cool for a few minutes, letting them set slightly but not completely harden. If desired, finish with a light sprinkle of sea salt for a touch of contrast against the sweetness. Once ready, serve directly from the pan—this removes the hassle of transferring the apples and makes for an easy treat.
Variations
- Protein: Consider adding crispy bacon bits or protein-packed nut butter drizzle for a savory contrast.
- Vegetables: Jazz it up by incorporating thinly sliced pears or bananas alongside the apples for variety.
- Spices: Enhance the flavor profile with a sprinkle of cinnamon or nutmeg over the top before serving.
Cooking Notes
- Choose firm apples for the best results—soft apples will collapse under the weight of toppings.
- Ensure the caramel is evenly warmed for easy drizzling, but be cautious not to burn it.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your caramel apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious contrast of temperature.
- Consider serving with hot chocolate or apple cider for a festive autumn beverage duo.
Tips
- Experiment with unique toppings like toffee bits, coconut flakes, or even candy corn for a seasonal touch.
- Use different types of chocolate to match your taste—milk, dark, or even white chocolate work beautifully.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approx. 200 per serving
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 100mg
FAQs
Can I prepare these caramel apples in advance?
Yes, you can prep the apples and caramel ahead of time! However, for best results, assemble just before serving to keep the toppings fresh and prevent sogginess.
What types of apples are best for this recipe?
We recommend using firm apples such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. They have the right texture for holding up under the caramel and toppings.
Can I use homemade caramel sauce?
Absolutely! Homemade caramel sauce often tastes even better than store-bought, providing a rich flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
How do I store leftovers?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. The apples may lose some crispness, but they will still be delicious!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Sheet Pan Caramel Apples is a breeze and a delightful way to welcome the flavors of fall into your kitchen. This recipe not only emphasizes fun and creativity but also brings everyone together for a delicious shared experience. Whether you enjoy them as a family treat or share them during gatherings, these caramel-coated apple slices are sure to please both kids and adults alike. So, gather your ingredients, invite your loved ones to join in the fun, and enjoy every bite of this easy, customizable, and utterly irresistible fall dessert. Don’t forget to leave a comment or share your favorite topping combinations!
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Sheet Pan Caramel Apples
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Indulging in the delightful taste of crisp apples enveloped in gooey caramel and rich chocolate is one of autumn’s simple pleasures.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), sliced into thin wedges
- 250 ml caramel sauce
- 85 g chocolate chips, melted
- 40 g chopped peanuts or other nuts
- 15 g mini marshmallows
- 15 g sprinkles (optional)
- 20 g crushed graham crackers (optional)
- 1 g sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Start by washing and thoroughly drying the apples to remove any wax or residue. Slice the apples into thin wedges, aiming for about a half-inch thickness. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on your parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Warm the caramel sauce in the microwave for about 15–20 seconds, or until it becomes pourable. Drizzle the warmed caramel over the apple slices, coating each piece well.
- Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, heating them in 30-second intervals. Once melted, drizzle the chocolate over the caramel-coated apples.
- Scatter your chosen toppings over the apples. Sprinkle on chopped peanuts, mini marshmallows, sprinkles, or crushed graham crackers.
- Allow the layers to cool for a few minutes, then serve directly from the pan.
Notes
No need to fuss with sticks or create a messy setup. Everything comes together on a single sheet pan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Dessert
Nutrition
- Calories: Approx. 200 per serving
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Protein: 3 g