As the weather starts to cool and the leaves turn golden, there’s something so comforting about indulging in seasonal flavors. One of the highlights of fall for many families is caramel apples. But what if you could enjoy all the delightful flavors of a caramel apple without the sticky mess of traditional caramel-dipped apples? That’s where Sheet Pan Caramel Apples come in! This easy, crowd-pleasing recipe takes all the deliciousness of caramel apples and transforms it into a fun and simple dessert. With minimal prep and easy-to-find ingredients, this is a recipe that everyone will love, especially when entertaining or for family gatherings.

In my household, these Sheet Pan Caramel Apples are a fall staple. Not only do they bring everyone together, but they also spark wonderful memories of cozy autumn nights. Every year, my family requests this treat as soon as we feel the first cool breeze of fall!

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Ingredients:

• 4 large apples, sliced
• 1 cup caramel sauce
• 1/2 cup chocolate chips, melted
• 1/4 cup chopped peanuts (or your favorite nuts)
• 1/4 cup mini marshmallows
• 1/4 cup sprinkles (optional)
• 1/4 cup crushed graham crackers (optional)
• 1/4 tsp sea salt (optional, for garnish)

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Preparation:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing the apples thoroughly to remove any wax or dirt. Slice the apples into thin wedges, ensuring the slices are bite-sized but not too thin that they lose structure when topped. Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a parchment-lined sheet pan to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Drizzle the Caramel
Heat your caramel sauce in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds until it softens and becomes easy to drizzle. Be careful not to overheat, as this could make the caramel too runny. Using a spoon, drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the arranged apple slices, ensuring each slice gets a good coating.

Step 3: Add the Chocolate
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the caramel-covered apple slices. The combination of the warm caramel and chocolate is what makes this dish so irresistible!

Step 4: Decorate
Now comes the fun part – toppings! Sprinkle the chopped peanuts (or your favorite nuts), mini marshmallows, sprinkles, and crushed graham crackers over the caramel and chocolate-coated apples. This step adds texture, crunch, and an extra layer of sweetness. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can mix and match the toppings to cater to your preferences.

Step 5: Serve
Allow the caramel and chocolate to set for a few minutes. This can help the toppings adhere better and create a more cohesive dessert. If desired, garnish with a light sprinkle of sea salt to enhance the flavor profile with a sweet and salty contrast. Serve immediately for best results, as the apples are freshest when served right after preparation.

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COOKING Note:

• To prevent apples from browning, you can lightly coat the slices in a mixture of lemon juice and water before arranging them on the sheet pan. This step isn’t necessary but can help preserve their vibrant color if you’re preparing them a bit ahead of time.
• If you prefer, you can use pre-made caramel sauce, or you can make your own from scratch if you’re feeling more adventurous. For a homemade caramel sauce, you can melt sugar, butter, and cream together to create a rich, creamy caramel.
• The caramel and chocolate may start to harden if left out too long. In that case, simply place the sheet pan in the fridge for a few minutes to speed up the setting process.

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Serving Suggestions:

These Sheet Pan Caramel Apples are perfect for fall gatherings, whether it’s a casual family night or a fun Halloween party. You can serve them as part of a dessert buffet, allowing guests to help themselves. Pair the apples with warm drinks like apple cider or hot chocolate for an extra cozy experience.

For an extra indulgent twist, you could even serve these apples with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on the side. The warm caramel and cold ice cream create an incredible contrast that’s hard to resist!

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Tips:

• Apple Variety Matters: Opt for tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. Alternatively, if you prefer a sweeter flavor, go with apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
• Toppings Galore: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings. Chopped candy bars, crushed pretzels, or even coconut flakes can add a fun and personalized touch.
• Prevent Stickiness: Make sure to use parchment paper on your sheet pan for easy cleanup and to prevent the apples from sticking as the caramel and chocolate harden.
• Customization: This recipe is highly customizable. If you’re serving guests with dietary restrictions, you can offer different toppings and even use dairy-free caramel and chocolate for a vegan version of this dessert.

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Prep Time:

10 minutes

Total Time:

10 minutes

Servings:

6-8 servings

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Nutritional Information (per serving):

• Calories: 180 kcal
• Protein: 2g
• Sodium: 85mg

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Conclusion:

Sheet Pan Caramel Apples are a quick and delightful fall treat that’s perfect for any occasion. With their combination of tart apples, sweet caramel, and a variety of toppings, they offer a little something for everyone. This recipe is incredibly simple, but it delivers on flavor, making it an excellent choice for family gatherings, parties, or even just a special treat after dinner. Plus, the ease of preparation means you can whip this up in no time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy the crisp fall weather with your loved ones.

So, next time you’re in the mood for a taste of autumn, give this recipe a try. It might just become a seasonal tradition in your home, too!

 

 

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