I absolutely love sharing this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe with you because it’s one of those desserts that feels both homey and a little fancy. The way the juicy Granny Smith apples mingle with cinnamon and that rich caramel sauce all baked into a buttery crust is simply magical. Whether you’re hosting a casual family get-together or craving a cozy fall treat, this sheet pan pie is just the thing to impress without stressing over individual pastries.
When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it was to whip up such a crowd-pleasing dessert. The large sheet pan format is great because it feeds a bunch of people without needing to fuss with multiple pies, and the caramel really takes it to the next level. I promise, once you try this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe, you’ll find yourself reaching for it every apple season — it’s that good!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Big Batch Friendly: Perfect for serving a crowd or meal prepping dessert for the week.
- Sweet and Tart Harmony: Granny Smith apples shine with cinnamon and caramel for balanced flavor.
- Easy Yet Impressive: Looks magnifique on the table, but simple enough for weekday baking.
- Flexible Crust Options: Use homemade or store-bought crust without sacrificing taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients in this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe work together to create that classic apple pie feeling with a modern twist. Quality butter and tart Granny Smiths make all the difference, and having good caramel sauce on hand really takes this from tasty to unforgettable.
- Unsalted butter: Melts beautifully to soften apples and enhances richness without extra saltiness.
- Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm — perfect apples that hold up well during baking.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the filling and helps prevent apples from browning as you prep.
- Granulated sugar: Balances the tartness and helps thicken the filling.
- Cornstarch: Keeps the filling from getting watery by thickening the apple juices.
- Ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and classic spice that pairs beautifully with apples.
- Caramel sauce: The star ingredient — adds sticky sweetness and gooey depth.
- All-butter pie crust: Flaky, buttery, delivers the perfect texture — homemade or store-bought works great.
- Egg wash and sanding sugar: For that glossy, sparkle-topped finish you want your pie to have.
Variations
One of the things I love most about this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to adjust for dietary needs or just try something fun, there are plenty of ways to make it your own.
- Gluten-Free Version: I’ve swapped the all-butter crust for a gluten-free pie crust with great success — just be gentle rolling it out.
- Spice it Up: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger gives the filling a cozy, spicy edge.
- Extra Nuts: Sometimes I sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before baking for a crunchy contrast.
- Semi-Homemade Hack: Use store-bought refrigerated pie crust for a quicker version without sacrificing flavor.
How to Make Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into about ¼-inch thick pieces. I like using a sharp knife or an apple slicer to make this quicker. Then, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat, and add your apples. Stir frequently as they soften gently, which usually takes 7 to 9 minutes—watch carefully so they get tender but don’t turn mushy. Next, stir in the lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Keep stirring until the mixture reaches a boil, then cook for two more minutes. Remove from heat and let the filling cool for at least two hours or until it’s at room temperature; this step really helps the filling thicken up beautifully, so don’t skip it.
Step 2: Roll Out and Prepare the Pie Crust
While the filling cools, preheat your oven to 425°F and prepare a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan by spraying it with nonstick cooking spray. Divide your all-butter pie crust dough into three portions. Roll two of these portions into a large rectangle about 12×17 inches—this will be the base of your pie. Place it in your pan, allowing some of the edges to hang over. The third dough portion should be rolled out to a 12-inch circle so you can cut out shapes with cookie cutters. I love using a 2½-inch round cutter for a classic look, but feel free to get creative with leaf or heart shapes! Re-roll any scrap dough to maximize use — no need to waste anything.
Step 3: Assemble and Bake Your Pie
Pour your cooled apple filling evenly over the crust in the pan. Then, arrange your pie crust shapes over the top, spacing them so the filling peeks through just a bit—this helps steam escape and gives a pretty finish. Brush the crust shapes with egg wash and sprinkle with sanding sugar for that irresistible sparkle and golden color. Bake your pie for 35 to 45 minutes or until the filling bubbles and the top crust turns a beautiful light golden shade. Once out of the oven, let it cool completely; the filling will thicken as it cools, making it easier to slice without falling apart.
Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe
- Don’t Skip Cooling the Filling: Letting the filling cool before baking prevents the crust from getting soggy and ensures the filling sets up nicely.
- Use Tart Apples for Balance: Granny Smith apples hold their shape and provide the perfect tartness to balance the caramel’s sweetness.
- Egg Wash Magic: Brushing the crust with egg wash and sanding sugar gives a glossy golden finish that looks bakery-worthy.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Topping: Leaving little gaps between dough shapes lets steam escape, preventing soggy crust and messy filling bubbles.
How to Serve Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping slices with a drizzle of extra warm caramel sauce right before serving — it amps up that sweet goodness. A scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream alongside adds creamy contrast and takes this dessert to dreamy territory.
Side Dishes
This pie pairs beautifully with a cup of strong coffee or warm spiced tea. For a full autumnal meal, try serving it after roasted pork or warm butternut squash soup — the flavors just flow perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a holiday or special occasion, I like to decorate the top crust shapes with edible gold dust or pearl sugar for extra sparkle. Serving the whole sheet pan pie on a rustic wooden board with sliced apples and cinnamon sticks around it makes a gorgeous centerpiece that’s as inviting as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After cooling completely, I cover leftovers tightly with plastic wrap or foil and store them in the fridge. The pie stays fresh and tasty for up to three days—perfect for enjoying a little slice each night!
Freezing
If you want to make this ahead of time, freezing works like a charm. I wrap the cooled pie securely in plastic wrap and then foil before popping it into the freezer for up to three months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To warm up leftovers, I usually pop individual slices in the oven at 350°F for about 10-15 minutes to refresh that crispy crust and warm filling. You can also microwave slices but be warned: the crust loses some crispness, so oven reheating is my go-to whenever possible.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of apples in this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal because they’re tart and hold their shape, you can mix in Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala apples for a sweeter or more complex flavor. Just be sure the apples you choose aren’t too soft, as they may turn mushy during baking.
-
Is it okay to use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes! Using a good-quality store-bought caramel sauce is a huge time-saver and still delivers delicious flavor. If you prefer, homemade caramel can be used, but the store-bought options make this recipe very accessible for busy cooks.
-
Can I prepare the pie crust ahead of time?
Definitely. The pie dough can be made a day or two in advance and kept well-wrapped in the fridge. Just bring it to room temperature a little before rolling it out to make it more pliable.
-
What if I don’t have sanding sugar?
No problem! You can substitute with regular granulated sugar or coarse sugar sprinklings to create a nice sparkle on your crust.
-
How do I make sure the crust bakes evenly?
Rolling the dough evenly and ensuring your oven is properly preheated are key. Also, avoid overfilling the pie with wet filling to keep the crust crisp. Using the cutout shapes to cover rather than a full crust layer can help steam escape and promote even baking.
Final Thoughts
This Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it combines simplicity with that “wow” factor we all want from desserts. Personally, it’s become my go-to when I want something to wow guests or treat my family to a cozy, comforting dessert without turning the kitchen upside down. I encourage you to give it a try — you’ll be amazed at how easy it is, and your house will smell like fall heaven while it bakes! Happy baking, friend.
PrintCaramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Yield: 15 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A deliciously easy Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie featuring tender Granny Smith apples cooked in a buttery, cinnamon-spiced caramel filling, all baked beneath a flaky all-butter pie crust. Perfect for a crowd, this sheet pan pie combines the best of classic apple pie flavors with the convenience of a sheet pan bake and a touch of rich caramel sauce for extra indulgence.
Ingredients
Filling:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 8 apples), peeled, cored, and sliced ¼-inch thick
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¾ cup caramel sauce, plus more for serving
Crust:
- 3 recipes all-butter pie crust
- Egg wash (1 egg beaten with 1 tablespoon water)
- Sanding sugar for sprinkling
Instructions
- Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice Granny Smith apples about ¼-inch thick for even cooking. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook, stirring often, until they just start to soften, approximately 7-9 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and caramel sauce to coat the apples evenly. Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 2 more minutes until thickened. Remove from heat and let cool to room temperature, or refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Make the Crust: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray. Prepare three portions of all-butter pie crust dough. Roll out two portions into a 12×17-inch rectangle and carefully transfer to the prepared pan, allowing dough to hang over the edges.
- Shape the Top Crust: Roll out the third pie dough portion into a 12-inch circle. Use a 2½-inch round cookie cutter or other shapes to cut decorative pieces from the dough. Re-roll scraps as needed to use all the dough.
- Assemble the Pie: Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the bottom crust in the pan. Arrange the cut dough shapes evenly on top of the filling. Brush the top crust pieces generously with egg wash and sprinkle them with sanding sugar for a sparkling finish.
- Bake: Bake the sheet pan pie for 35-45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbly and the top crust is a light golden color. Remove from the oven and allow to cool completely before slicing, as the filling will thicken during cooling.
- Serve and Store: Serve slices with extra caramel sauce and optionally ice cream. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze well-wrapped for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Semi-Homemade Hack: Use refrigerated pie crusts to speed up preparation. You’ll need 2 packages (3 crusts total) since refrigerated dough comes in packs of 2.
- Allow the filling to cool completely before assembling to prevent soggy crust.
- Use Granny Smith apples for the best balance of tartness and firmness.
- For a quick caramel, use store-bought caramel sauce or make your own.
- Pie slices can be reheated gently in the oven or microwave before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice
- Calories: 302 kcal
- Sugar: 28 g
- Sodium: 179 mg
- Fat: 11 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 51 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: 4 mg