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Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
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★★★★★

4.8 from 23 reviews

Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful layered treat combining the crispness of Granny Smith apples with sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for fall or holiday gatherings, this easy no-bake recipe offers a satisfying blend of tart, sweet, and salty flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 3 medium to large Granny Smith apples

Chocolate

  • 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: 2 cups + 1/2 cup)

Others

  • 3 cups pretzels
  • 17 ounces Kraft Caramel Bits (approximately 1 and 1/2 bags of 11oz caramels)

Instructions

  1. Prepare pan: Line a large cookie sheet (about 13” x 18”) with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat to prevent sticking and to make removal easier.
  2. Melt chocolate base: Microwave 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips starting with 30 seconds on high. Stir well, then heat in 15-second intervals, stirring after each, until smooth and fully melted. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the prepared cookie sheet.
  3. Add pretzels: Arrange 3 cups of pretzels in a single even layer over the melted chocolate, pressing lightly if needed to ensure they stick.
  4. Melt caramel bits: Microwave 17 ounces of caramel bits starting with 30 seconds on high. Stir thoroughly and continue microwaving in 15-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth with some bubbles.
  5. Prepare apples: Dice the Granny Smith apples into small pieces and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps with adhesion.
  6. Mix apples with caramel: Combine the diced, dried apples into the melted caramel, ensuring an even coating.
  7. Assemble bark: Pour the apple-caramel mixture evenly over the pretzel and chocolate layer, then spread carefully to cover.
  8. Chill: Refrigerate the pan for 30 minutes until the layers firm up.
  9. Drizzle chocolate: Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using the same microwave method and drizzle the melted chocolate over the set bark.
  10. Final refrigeration: Return the bark to the refrigerator for at least 2 hours until completely set and firm.
  11. Serve and store: Remove from the fridge, cut into pieces, and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Drying the apples well before mixing with caramel prevents sogginess and helps the bark hold together better.
  • Use parchment paper or silicone mats to avoid sticking and make cleanup easier.
  • For a more intense chocolate flavor, consider using dark chocolate chips instead of semi-sweet.
  • Bark can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
  • Be cautious while melting caramels and chocolate – overcooking can lead to burning or seizing.
  • Feel free to swap pretzels for nuts if a less salty crunch is desired.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple bark, caramel bark, apple dessert, chocolate bark, pretzel bark, no bake dessert, fall dessert, holiday treat, caramel chocolate apple

Find it online: https://foodbylina.com/caramel-apple-bark-recipe-3/