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- 4 medium apples (Granny Smith or Fuji) - 1 cup granulated sugar - 1/4 cup unsalted butter - 1/2 cup heavy cream The main ingredients create the base for this treat. Apples give a crisp bite and a fresh taste. I prefer using Granny Smith or Fuji apples. They are tart and hold up well when baked. The caramel sauce is made with sugar, butter, and cream. This mix melts together to create a sweet and creamy topping. The butter adds richness, while the heavy cream gives it a smooth texture. - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - 1 teaspoon sea salt Vanilla extract adds warmth and depth to the caramel. A touch of sea salt balances the sweetness. It also brings out the caramel flavors, making each bite more exciting. - 1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - 1 cup mini chocolate chips For a crunchy texture, you can add chopped nuts. Walnuts or pecans work well. Mini chocolate chips are fun for drizzling on top. They add a sweet, chocolatey twist that kids love. These ingredients come together to create a fun and tasty dessert. You can customize it to fit your taste and preferences! 1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This helps the apples bake evenly. 2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. This makes cleaning easy later. 3. Core 4 medium apples like Granny Smith or Fuji. These apples are tart and firm. 4. Slice the apples into wedges. Aim for even pieces for best cooking. 1. In a medium saucepan, combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 1/4 cup of unsalted butter, and 1/2 cup of heavy cream. 2. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly. This helps the sugar dissolve well. 3. Bring the mixture to a boil. Let it simmer for 5-7 minutes. Stir until it thickens slightly. 4. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Mix well. 1. Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. 2. Pour the warm caramel sauce over the apples. Make sure each slice gets coated. 3. Sprinkle 1 cup of chopped nuts over the caramel-coated apples. If you like, add mini chocolate chips too. 4. Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. The apples should be tender and the caramel bubbly. 5. Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your sweet treat! To avoid grainy caramel, watch the sugar closely. Stir it constantly as it cooks. This helps the sugar dissolve well. If you see clumps, it can lead to graininess. For the best caramel, aim for a temperature of around 240°F (115°C). This is called the soft-ball stage. At this point, the caramel is thick but still pourable. For the best caramel apples, choose tart apples. Granny Smith and Fuji apples work well. They hold their shape and balance the sweetness of the caramel. When slicing, keep your pieces even. Use a sharp knife and cut each apple into wedges of about half an inch thick. This helps them cook evenly and makes them easy to eat. Caramel apples taste great with vanilla ice cream. The cool creaminess pairs well with warm apples. You can also serve them on a platter for parties. Add some sprinkles or extra nuts for a fun touch. Try drizzling a bit of chocolate on top for flair. This makes the dish look even more tempting. {{image_2}} You can make sheet pan caramel apples even more fun! Try adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg. Just a pinch can give your dish an extra kick. You can also switch up the flavors. Use dark chocolate or even white chocolate for a twist. Mixing these flavors keeps things interesting and tasty. If you need gluten-free or dairy-free options, you can easily adapt this recipe. Choose gluten-free nuts and caramel made without dairy. There are many vegan caramel recipes out there. They use coconut milk or maple syrup. These swaps make the dish friendly for everyone! Feel free to explore seasonal fruits! Instead of apples, use pears or berries. They bring their own unique flavors. For holidays, you can add festive toppings too. Try crushed candy canes for winter or colorful sprinkles for birthdays. This keeps your dessert fresh and relevant all year round. To store leftover caramel apples, place them in an airtight container. Keep them in the fridge. They stay fresh for about three days. Make sure they do not touch each other to avoid sticking. If the apples have nuts or chocolate, they may lose some crunch after a day. To reheat caramel apples, use the microwave. Heat them for about 10-15 seconds. Check to see if the caramel is warm and soft. Avoid overheating, as it may make the caramel too runny. If you want to keep the caramel smooth, heat it gently and serve right away. You can freeze caramel apples, but they may change in texture. To freeze, wrap each apple in plastic wrap. Place them in a freezer bag or container. They can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move them to the fridge overnight. This helps keep the caramel intact. To make caramel stick to apples, start with clean and dry apples. Wipe them with a cloth to remove any wax. This helps the caramel cling better. After slicing the apples, dip them in warm caramel quickly. The heat from the caramel helps it stick. Make sure to coat each wedge evenly for the best taste. If your caramel is too runny, you can cook it longer. Return the pan to medium heat and let it simmer. Stir constantly until it thickens. You can also add a bit more granulated sugar to help it thicken. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning. Yes, you can use pre-made caramel. It saves time and still tastes great. Just warm it up slightly before pouring it over the apples. This helps it spread evenly. Look for a quality brand for the best flavor. You can keep caramel apples in the fridge for about 3 to 5 days. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you notice any moisture, eat them right away. The longer they sit, the less crunchy they become. The best apples for caramel apples are tart ones. Granny Smith and Fuji apples work well. They hold their shape and contrast nicely with the sweet caramel. Other good choices include Honeycrisp and Gala apples. Choose firm apples for the best results. In this blog post, we explored making delicious caramel apples. We covered key ingredients, like apples, sugar, and butter. You learned how to prepare the caramel sauce and bake the apples. We shared tips for perfect caramel and ideas for toppings. Remember, you can get creative with flavors and seasonal fruits. Always follow storage tips to keep your treats fresh. Enjoy making this classic dessert!

Sheet Pan Caramel Apples

Indulge your sweet tooth with this easy and delicious sheet pan caramel apples recipe! Juicy apple wedges are coated in warm caramel sauce, topped with crunchy nuts, and baked to perfection. This delightful treat is perfect for fall gatherings or cozy nights in. Discover how to whip up this simple dessert that will impress family and friends.
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Ingredients
  

4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and sliced into wedges

1 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup heavy cream

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon sea salt

1 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans)

1 cup mini chocolate chips (optional for drizzling)

Instructions
 

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

    In a medium saucepan, combine the sugar, butter, and heavy cream. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved and the mixture begins to boil. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes or until the caramel thickens slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract and sea salt.

      Arrange the apple wedges in a single layer on the prepared sheet pan. Pour the warm caramel sauce over the apples, ensuring all slices are coated.

        Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly over the caramel-coated apples. If desired, add mini chocolate chips by scattering them over the top.

          Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the caramel is bubbly.

            Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or on its own.

              Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 40 minutes | Servings: 4