Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
A delicious and festive Caramel Apple Bark combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples with sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and smooth semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect as a snack or holiday treat, this easy-to-make bark features layers of rich chocolate, salty pretzels, gooey caramel mixed with fresh apples, and a final drizzle of chocolate for an elegant finish.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours (including chilling time)
- Yield: About 24 pieces 1x
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-Bake, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Base
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
- 3 cups pretzels (about ½ of a 10 oz bag)
Caramel Apple Topping
- 3 Granny Smith apples
- 16.5 ounces caramel bits (about 1 ½ bags)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pan: Line a large cookie sheet (13” x 18”) with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy removal of the bark.
- Melt the Chocolate Base: Melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in the microwave starting with 30 seconds on high, stirring well. Continue microwaving in 15-second increments, stirring until smooth and fully melted. Set aside the remaining ½ cup for later drizzling.
- Spread Chocolate: Pour and spread the melted chocolate evenly onto the prepared cookie sheet to form the bark base.
- Add Pretzels: Arrange the pretzels in a single, even layer over the melted chocolate to introduce crunch and a salty flavor complement.
- Melt Caramels: Unwrap the caramel bits and melt them in the microwave starting with 30 seconds, stirring well, then continuing in 15-second intervals until the caramel is smooth and bubbly.
- Prepare Apples: Dice the Granny Smith apples into small pieces and gently pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the bark.
- Combine Apples and Caramel: Mix the diced apples into the melted caramel thoroughly to evenly coat the apples.
- Top the Bark: Pour this caramel-apple mixture evenly over the pretzel and chocolate base on the cookie sheet, then carefully spread to cover. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to set the topping.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt the reserved ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle it artistically over the set bark for added flavor and visual appeal.
- Final Chill and Serve: Return the bark to the refrigerator until completely set, which may take a few hours. Once firm, remove from parchment and cut into pieces to serve.
Notes
- Ensure apples are well-patted dry to avoid excess moisture which can make the bark soggy.
- Use a microwave-safe bowl when melting chocolate and caramel for safety and even heating.
- Chilling time may vary depending on refrigerator temperature; ensure bark is fully set before cutting.
- Store bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and texture.
- For variety, substitute pretzels with nuts like pecans or walnuts if preferred.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1 oz)
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, pretzel bark, holiday treat, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, caramel apple recipe
Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/caramel-apple-bark-recipe-2/
