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Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe

I absolutely love this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe because it perfectly captures that cozy, sweet-tart balance we all crave during apple season. The way the Granny Smith apples soften just right, combined with a luscious caramel sauce and spiced cinnamon—it’s like fall on a plate. You’ll find this sheet pan pie especially great when you’re serving a crowd or craving a dessert that feels homey but looks impressively beautiful without too much fuss.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how easy it came together, especially with the buttery crust layered under and over the filling like an edible hug. It bakes evenly in a sheet pan, so no stressing over perfect rounds or tricky lattice patterns. This Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe has quickly become my go-to for holidays and casual weekend treats because it’s both showcase-worthy and so straightforward to make.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Simple Sheet Pan Format: Spreads the filling evenly for quick baking and easy slicing.
  • Perfect Sweet and Tart Combo: Granny Smith apples balance beautifully with the rich caramel and cinnamon spices.
  • Family-Favorite Crowd Pleaser: I’ve served this to guests who ask for seconds every time.
  • Versatile and Customizable: You can easily swap crust styles or add toppings to make it your own.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients blend simple pantry staples with fresh apples to create a filling that’s bursting with flavor, complemented by a buttery, tender pie crust that bakes up golden and flaky. When shopping, grab good-quality caramel sauce or make your own—it really elevates the final pie.

  • Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps soften the apples during cooking.
  • Granny Smith apples: Their tartness stands up to the caramel and sugar perfectly.
  • Lemon juice: Keeps the apple slices bright and prevents browning.
  • Granulated sugar: Sweetens without overpowering, balancing the tart apples.
  • Cornstarch: Thickens the filling so it isn’t runny after baking.
  • Ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice—feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg if you like.
  • Caramel sauce: The star of the pie’s flavor; glossy and indulgent.
  • All-butter pie crust: Use your favorite recipe for flakiness and flavor; this recipe calls for three portions.
  • Egg wash and sanding sugar: These give the top crust a beautiful golden shine and crunchy sparkle.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how flexible this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe is—you can make it your own depending on mood, occasion, or diet. I’ve tried adding nuts or swapping crusts, so don’t hesitate to get creative here.

  • Spiced Up: I like adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth during the holidays.
  • Nutty Twist: Toasted pecans or walnuts sprinkled on top add crunch and a toasty flavor.
  • Gluten-Free: Swap the crust for your favorite gluten-free pie dough for an allergy-friendly treat.
  • Semi-Homemade Shortcut: Refrigerated pie crusts work just fine and save prep time without sacrificing taste.

How to Make Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Apple Filling to Perfection

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your Granny Smith apples into about a ¼-inch thickness—uniform slices help them cook evenly. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat and add the apples, stirring often until they just begin to soften—this usually takes 7 to 9 minutes. Then stir in lemon juice, sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and that gorgeous caramel sauce. Cook the mixture until it boils and then let it bubble for 2 more minutes so it thickens up nicely. Take it off the heat and let it cool fully; I usually chill mine for a couple of hours to make assembling easier.

Step 2: Prepare Your Crust in a Sheet Pan

Preheat your oven to 425°F—you want it hot enough for a golden crust. Spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick spray so the pie lifts cleanly after baking. Divide your all-butter pie crust into three portions. Roll out two portions into a large rectangle (roughly 12×17 inches) and carefully lay that in your prepared pan, letting the edges hang slightly over.

Step 3: Cut Shapes and Top the Pie

Roll out the third dough portion into a 12-inch circle and use cookie cutters (I love my 2½-inch rounds) to create charming cutouts for the top crust. Don’t toss scraps—just re-roll and cut until you’ve used all the dough. Spread the cooled apple filling evenly over the bottom crust, then arrange your dough cutouts neatly on top. Brush everything with egg wash and sprinkle sanding sugar for that dazzling finish.

Step 4: Bake and Serve

Bake for 35 to 45 minutes, watching for a bubbly filling and a lightly golden top crust. The pie thickens first as it bakes, then firms up even more as it cools, so resist slicing right away! I usually let mine cool completely before cutting. Serve the pie warm or at room temperature—with extra caramel sauce or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for the ultimate indulgence.

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Pro Tips for Making Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe

  • Use Granny Smith Apples: Their tartness contrasts perfectly with the caramel, preventing the pie from being overly sweet.
  • Don’t Skip the Cooling: Let the filling cool fully before assembling to avoid a soggy crust.
  • Egg Wash is a Must: It ensures a beautiful golden, shiny crust that looks as good as it tastes.
  • Watch Your Bake Time: Start checking at 35 minutes to prevent over-browning or drying out.

How to Serve Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe

A square slice of apple pie sits on a white scalloped plate with a silver fork beside it. The pie slice has three layers: at the bottom is a golden, flaky crust; the middle layer holds soft, cooked apple filling with a light brown color and visible chunks; the top layer shows four thick, round pieces of crust with a drizzle of shiny caramel sauce over them. The edges of the pie crust are slightly browned and crimped. In the background, a baking tray with more of the same pie is visible, resting on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to drizzle a little extra warm caramel sauce right before serving—it makes every slice feel extra special. A light dusting of powdered sugar or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts also adds a lovely touch and a hint of crunch.

Side Dishes

For a truly cozy dessert spread, I pair this pie with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream or homemade whipped cream. A warm cup of chai tea or coffee completes the experience perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday gatherings, I’ve topped the pie with festive cinnamon stick “handles” and served it on a rustic wooden board. You can also cut the sheet pan pie into smaller squares and serve mini bites for a fun party appetizer vibe.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to three days, tightly wrapped to prevent the crust from drying out. It reheats beautifully and still tastes fresh when warmed up gently.

Freezing

Freezing works great for this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe. After cooling completely, wrap slices individually or the whole pie tightly with foil and plastic wrap. It keeps well in the freezer for up to three months and thaws nicely overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming slices in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes until heated through and the crust regains some of its crispness. Avoid the microwave if you want to keep the crust flaky and avoid sogginess.

FAQs

  1. Can I use other apple varieties in this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe?

    Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are preferred for their tartness and firmness, you can mix in or substitute with Fuji or Honeycrisp for added sweetness. Just keep in mind that softer apples might yield a softer texture in the filling.

  2. Can I make the pie crust ahead of time?

    Yes! You can prepare the crust dough a day or two in advance and keep it refrigerated, wrapped tightly in plastic wrap. This actually makes rolling easier and helps prevent shrinking during baking.

  3. Is it okay to use store-bought caramel sauce?

    Definitely! Using a quality store-bought caramel sauce saves time and still delivers great flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, homemade caramel sauce is fantastic too, but either option works well here.

  4. How do I avoid a soggy bottom crust in this sheet pan pie?

    Cooking the filling until thickened and cooled before assembling helps a lot. Make sure to use cornstarch to thicken the juices, and pre-chill your crust before adding the filling. Also, avoid overloading with too much filling, which can make the crust soggy.

  5. Can I make this Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe vegan?

    Yes, with some swaps! Use a vegan pie crust (made with plant-based fats), replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter, and ensure your caramel sauce is dairy-free. The filling ingredients themselves are naturally vegan.

Final Thoughts

This Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe holds a special place in my heart because it’s one of those desserts that brings people together and creates warm memories—whether it’s a casual weekend or a festive holiday. It’s simple but elegant, comforting but impressive, and I wholeheartedly recommend you give it a try. I promise, once you do, it’ll be one of those recipes you come back to again and again.

Print
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Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.4 from 101 reviews
  • Author: Sophia
  • Prep Time: 45 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
  • Yield: 15 servings
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This Caramel Apple Sheet Pan Pie combines tender Granny Smith apples cooked in buttery caramel cinnamon sauce atop a flaky all-butter pie crust. Baked in a large jelly roll pan, this dessert boasts a delightful balance of sweet caramel, tart apples, and warm spices, finished with a decorative crust and a sprinkle of sanding sugar for extra crunch. Perfect for serving a crowd, it can be enjoyed warm with extra caramel sauce or ice cream.


Ingredients

Filling:

  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3 pounds Granny Smith apples (about 8 apples)
  • 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 a splash of water)
  • Sanding sugar for sprinkling


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Filling: Peel, core, and slice the apples about ¼-inch thick. In a very large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook while stirring frequently until they begin to soften, about 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in the lemon juice, granulated sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, and caramel sauce. Continue cooking, stirring to coat the apples well, until the mixture reaches a boil. Let it boil for 2 more minutes to thicken, then remove the skillet from heat. Allow the filling to cool to room temperature or chill for at least 2 hours before assembling the pie.
  2. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly spray a 10×15-inch jelly roll pan with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
  3. Roll Out the Pie Crust: Divide your all-butter pie dough into three portions. Set one portion aside for cutouts later. Roll out the other two portions together into a large rectangle about 12×17 inches. Fit this dough into the prepared pan, allowing some overhang on the edges for sealing.
  4. Create Crust Decorations: Roll out the reserved third portion of dough into a 12-inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Use cookie cutters (approximately 2½-inch round or preferred shapes) to cut decorative pieces. Gather scraps and re-roll as needed to use all dough for decorations.
  5. Assemble the Pie: Spoon the cooled apple filling evenly over the crust-lined pan. Arrange the dough cutouts on top of the filling as a decorative layer. Brush the dough cutouts and exposed crust edges with egg wash to promote browning and sprinkle generously with sanding sugar for sparkle and crunch.
  6. Bake: Bake the pie in the preheated oven for 35 to 45 minutes, or until the filling is bubbling and the top crust is lightly golden. Remove from oven and allow the pie to cool completely on a wire rack. The filling will thicken further as it cools.
  7. Serve and Store: Serve slices drizzled with additional caramel sauce and/or a scoop of ice cream if desired. Store leftover pie in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze tightly wrapped for up to 3 months.

Notes

  • Semi-Homemade Hack: Use refrigerated pie crusts for a faster preparation. You’ll need 2 packages (3 crusts total) to substitute the homemade dough.
  • Ensure the filling is fully cooled before assembling the pie to prevent soaking the crust.
  • Use Granny Smith apples for the best balance of tartness and texture.
  • Decorative dough cutouts are optional but add a beautiful finishing touch.
  • Let the pie cool completely before slicing to allow the filling to set properly.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • 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

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