Caramel apples are a classic fall favorite, but let’s be real—traditional caramel apples can be a sticky challenge to make and eat, not to mention they often come packed with corn syrup.

This version simplifies prep and makes digging in a whole lot healthier…and more fun because you can add your favorite toppings to the whole batch or create different sections. It’s apple happiness!

This recipe isn’t just about making a healthier choice— it’s about making memories! Gather your loved ones in the kitchen, get those hands sticky, and enjoy the fun of creating and munching together. With a focus on wholesome, good-for-you ingredients, sp you can indulge in all the flavors and festivities fall has in a healthful way.

I adore this recipe for so many reasons, but let me start with my favorite part—it’s SO SIMPLE! Everything comes together effortlessly on a sheet pan, making it perfect for when I’m hosting my big family. In the fall, when everyone gathers around the fireplace to watch a movie or chats around the table, this is the sweet treat I love to serve. It’s a hit every single time—easy to prep, fun to share, and always a crowd-pleaser!

Now, let’s talk about the star of the show—the caramel! This velvety-smooth goodness is made from dates. Yes, dates! Not only do you get that rich, indulgent caramel flavor with minimal refined sugars, but it also adds a boost of fiber to the mix. The caramel sauce comes together in minutes with just a handful of wholesome ingredients: dates, maple syrup, vanilla and maple extracts, and a pinch of salt for balance. Just toss pitted, soaked dates in a blender with some of the water it soaked in, and voilà—sweet, sticky, golden perfection. Are you drooling yet? (I am!)

The real fun kicks in with the toppings—this is where you can truly make the recipe your own! Whether you’re sprinkling on crunchy nuts, granola, toasted coconut, or chocolate chips, every option adds its own delicious twist. I like to arrange my toppings in neat columns for an organized presentation and seamless selection should you have pickier eaters at the table, but you can also go wild with creative patterns or mix everything together for a flavor-packed surprise in every bite. You’re the boss! So feel free to experiment and customize to your heart’s content. Whether you keep it simple or go all out, every bite will be a winner!

Are you the Queen or King of caramel? Try my Caramel Popcorn recipe!

(5 stars) 2 ratings

Sheet Pan Caramel Apples

This version simplifies prep and makes digging in a whole lot healthier…and more fun because you can add your favorite toppings to the whole batch or create different sections.
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
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Ingredients
 

  • 1 cup pitted medjool dates, firmly packed (~14 large dates)
  • 1 cup boiling water
  • ½ cup maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • ¼ teaspoon maple extract or natural flavor
  • ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
  • 4 large apples, or 5 to 6 medium, cored and sliced*
  • Optional toppings: semi-sweet chocolate chips, toasted pecans, granola, dried fruit, shredded coconut, and so on.

Equipment

Instructions
 

To make the caramel sauce: (makes about 1 ½ cups sauce)

  • Add dates and boiling water to blender and allow the dates to soak and soften for 15 minutes. Remove ½ cup water and set aside (you can add some later for a thinner consistency, if preferred).
  • Add maple syrup, extracts and salt, and blend until velvety smooth. Stop and scrape down the sides if needed.

To make apples:

  • Gently pat apple slices with a paper towel to dry them off and spread them out in a single layer on baking sheet. (I use 4 large apples to fill a half baking sheet, about ~17 x 13 inches) then, spoon (and spread) caramel sauce over apples. Add your favorite toppings, including semi-sweet chocolate chips, toasted nuts, and granola. Dig in!

Notes

*You can use any favorite apple variety. You can also change up the amount of apples and toppings depending on the size of your baking sheet. A smaller sheet will require less.
• If you’re following a gluten-free diet, be sure to carefully read the packaging for each ingredient. While these foods are inherently gluten-free, gluten can sometimes be added during processing for a variety of reasons, including for flavor and consistency.
• If you’re following a dairy-free diet, ensure the chocolate you’re using does not contain dairy.
Author: Joy Bauer, MS, RDN, CDN

Nutrition Information per serving

Calories: 110Carbohydrates: 28gProtein: 1gTotal Fat: 0g— Unsaturated Fat: 0g— Saturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 30mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 3gTotal Sugar: 21g— Natural Sugar: 15g— Added Sugar: 6g
Nutrition information is calculated using a leading industry software. That being said, brands can vary, and there may be slight fluctuations in the numbers.
I’m hoping you loved this recipe! If you made it and want to share feedback, I’d be so grateful to hear from you. Please leave a review below or tag @joybauer on Instagram!