Easy Caramel Apple Bark With Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

Easy Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels is a delightful treat that combines tart apples, sweet caramel, crunchy pretzels, and rich chocolate. It’s a simple no-bake dessert perfect for snacking or sharing with friends and family. Ready in just a few steps, this bark is sure to satisfy your sweet and salty cravings.

The image shows a slice of chocolate bark on white parchment paper over a wooden board, with a white marbled background. The chocolate bark has a thin, dark brown chocolate base layer. On top of this base, there is a thick layer of caramel with little white puffed pieces scattered inside. The caramel layer is topped with green apple chunks of irregular shapes. Dark chocolate drizzle is spread unevenly over the apple pieces and caramel. In front of the slice, there are a few loose dark chocolate chips on the parchment paper. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 2 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped and patted dry
  • 2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 11 oz candy caramels (melting caramels work best)
  • Optional: sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. Step 2: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the prepared cookie sheet.
  3. Step 3: Sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the melted chocolate.
  4. Step 4: Scatter the chopped apples over the pretzels for a fresh, tart bite.
  5. Step 5: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels in 30-second increments, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the caramel over the apples and pretzels.
  6. Step 6: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle it on top of the caramel layer. If desired, sprinkle sea salt over the top for added flavor contrast.
  7. Step 7: Refrigerate the bark for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Once firm, break into pieces and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

  • Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate.
  • Instead of pretzels, try crushed graham crackers or nuts for a different texture.
  • To make melting caramels easier, add a teaspoon of water or milk while melting.
  • For extra flavor, sprinkle cinnamon over the apples before drizzling caramel.
  • Use dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer, less sweet taste.

Storage

Store the caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Keep it cold to maintain the chocolate and caramel’s firmness. To soften slightly before serving, let it sit at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes.

How to Serve

The image shows several pieces of a dessert bark on crinkled white parchment paper placed on a wooden board, set against a white marbled surface. The base layer is a thin, dark chocolate sheet with a smooth texture. On top, there are generous chunks of fresh green apple scattered unevenly, adding a light green color with a slightly shiny texture. A caramel drizzle covers parts of the apple, showing a glossy, soft golden brown layer that looks sticky and gooey. Over the caramel and apple, dark chocolate is drizzled thinly in irregular lines, creating a dark brown, glossy accent across the top. In the background, two dark chocolate chips rest on the white marbled surface, enhancing the chocolate theme. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples?

Yes, but tart apples like Granny Smith work best because they provide a nice contrast to the sweet caramel and chocolate. Sweeter apples may make the bark overly sweet.

How do I prevent the apples from making the bark soggy?

Make sure to pat the chopped apples dry with paper towels before adding them to the bark. This removes excess moisture and helps keep the bark crisp.

Print

Easy Caramel Apple Bark With Pretzels Recipe

This Easy Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels is a delightful no-bake treat combining the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples with the rich sweetness of caramel and semi-sweet chocolate, all layered over crunchy crushed pretzels. Perfect as a festive snack or sweet gift, it’s simple to prepare with minimal ingredients and requires just patience to set in the fridge.

  • Author: Natalie
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes (melting and assembly)
  • Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes (including chilling time)
  • Yield: About 12 servings 1x
  • Category: Dessert
  • Method: No-Cook
  • Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits

  • 2 medium Granny Smith Apples, chopped and patted dry

Chocolate

  • 2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided into 2 cups and 1/4 cup)

Other Ingredients

  • 1 cup crushed pretzels
  • 11 oz candy caramels (melting caramels work best)
  • Optional: sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pan: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and for easy cleanup.
  2. Melt Main Chocolate Layer: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring after each until completely smooth. Then, spread the melted chocolate evenly over the prepared cookie sheet.
  3. Add Pretzels: Evenly sprinkle the crushed pretzels onto the melted chocolate layer, pressing lightly if desired to help them stick.
  4. Add Apples: Scatter the chopped, dry Granny Smith apples evenly on top of the pretzels layer.
  5. Melt Caramel: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy caramels in 30-second intervals, stirring frequently until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the melted caramel generously over the layered apples and pretzels.
  6. Drizzle Remaining Chocolate and Optional Salt: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips in the microwave and drizzle over the caramel layer for a decorative touch. Optionally, sprinkle sea salt on top to enhance flavor contrast.
  7. Chill to Set: Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for at least 3 hours or until the bark is fully set and firm. Once set, break into pieces and serve.

Notes

  • Ensure apples are patted dry to prevent excess moisture which could affect the bark’s texture.
  • Crushed pretzels provide a salty crunch complementing the sweet caramel and chocolate.
  • Using melting caramels yields a smooth drizzle; avoid regular hard caramels which may not melt evenly.
  • Refrigerate fully to ensure the bark sets firmly for easy breaking and serving.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge to maintain freshness.

Keywords: caramel apple bark, caramel chocolate bark, apple dessert, pretzel bark, no bake dessert, holiday treats, easy snack

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