Oh, friends, get ready for a dessert that’s about to change your fall gatherings forever! This Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples recipe takes all the fun and flavor of classic caramel apples and transforms it into a gloriously simple, scoopable, and shareable treat. Imagine crisp, juicy apple slices coated in a warm, buttery caramel, baked to tender perfection, and then ready to be dipped into! It’s the perfect sweet indulgence that’s bursting with cozy fall flavors, yet it’s unbelievably easy to make. This recipe is an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or as an easy Thanksgiving dessert that everyone will adore.

This delightful dish is essentially a deconstructed, shareable caramel apple experience. It’s meant to be scooped up and enjoyed with all your favorite dippers. It functions beautifully as an easy Thanksgiving dessert, a fun appetizer for work potluck, or a fantastic addition to any holiday table. It’s especially great for Thanksgiving potluck ideas for kids because it’s interactive and so delicious!

Full Recipe: Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples

Let’s make some amazing Thanksgiving apples that are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

• 6-8 medium firm apples (such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch thick wedges
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• Pinch of salt
• 1 (14-ounce) bag soft caramel candies (like Kraft Caramels), unwrapped
• 2 tbsp milk or heavy cream
• Optional toppings: chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, flaky sea salt, crushed toffee bits (like Heath bar)
• Dippers: Graham crackers, pretzels, vanilla wafers, shortbread cookies, extra apple slices

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. In a large bowl, combine the apple slices, melted butter, light brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated.
3. Spread the apple slices in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are slightly tender but still hold their shape.
5. While the apples are baking, prepare the caramel sauce. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the unwrapped caramel candies and milk/cream.
6. Microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir well. Continue microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring after each, until the caramel is completely melted and smooth. This should take about 2-3 minutes total.
7. Once the apples are out of the oven, drizzle the warm caramel sauce generously over the baked apples on the sheet pan.
8. If using, sprinkle with any desired toppings like chopped pecans, mini chocolate chips, or flaky sea salt.
9. Serve immediately directly from the sheet pan with your favorite dippers!

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20-25 minutes
• Total time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 6-8
• Calories (per serving, estimated): Approximately 350-450 kcal (without extra toppings/dippers)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: No individual dipping or sticky messes! Just toss, bake, and drizzle.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavors: All the deliciousness of caramel apples in an easy-to-share format.
• Versatile Serving: Perfect for a Thanksgiving food recipes side, a dessert, or even a fun appetizer.
• Customizable Toppings: Get creative with nuts, chocolate, or even an apple dip with cream cheese Heath bar style.
• Warm & Cozy: Served warm, it’s the ultimate comforting treat for a crisp autumn day.

Caramel apples are a beloved American fall classic, but dipping individual apples can be a sticky, time-consuming process. This recipe streamlines the experience by using a sheet pan, drawing inspiration from easy dessert dips and crockpot recipes 3 ingredient style simplicity. It’s a genius way to enjoy the flavors of baked apples and gooey caramel without the fuss, making it a fantastic solution for feeding a crowd or simply enjoying a quick, comforting treat.

Serving Suggestions

• Classic Dippers: Graham crackers, shortbread cookies, vanilla wafers, or pretzel sticks.
• Fresh Fruit: Extra crisp apple slices, pear slices, or banana chips.
• Dessert Board: Arrange the sheet pan alongside small bowls of extra toppings like chopped nuts, mini M&Ms, or shredded coconut, allowing everyone to customize their bites.
• Spoonfuls of Joy: Don’t forget, it’s also delicious just eaten with a spoon!

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Apples: Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith work best. Granny Smiths will offer a nice tart contrast to the sweet caramel.
• Don’t Overbake: You want the apples to be tender but still have a bit of bite, not mushy. Keep an eye on them.
• Drain the Apples: If your apples seem very wet after slicing, pat them dry with a paper towel before tossing with butter and sugar. This helps them caramelize better.
• Warm Caramel: Ensure your caramel is warm and smooth when drizzling. If it cools too much, pop it back in the microwave for a few seconds.

Storage & Reheating

• Storage: This dessert is best enjoyed fresh and warm. If you have leftovers, store them covered in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The apples will soften further.
• Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave for 30-60 seconds until warm and gooey.

Closing Paragraph

I truly hope you give these Easy Sheet Pan Caramel Apples a try! They’re such a fun, flavorful, and incredibly simple way to enjoy one of fall’s most beloved treats. Whether it’s for Thanksgiving, a party, or just a cozy night in, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.

If you make these easy Thanksgiving dessert apples, I would love to hear about it! Please leave a comment and a rating below.

🎀 Final Thoughts (Emma’s voice)

These sheet pan caramel apples are pure genius. They capture that nostalgic feeling of biting into a perfect caramel apple, but without all the sticky mess! It’s such a clever way to serve a favorite fall treat, and it always brings a huge smile to everyone’s face. Enjoy every warm, gooey bite!