Description
Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful no-bake treat combining crisp Granny Smith apples, rich semi-sweet chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and sweet melting caramel bits. This easy-to-make dessert offers a perfect balance of tart, sweet, and salty flavors and a satisfying crunch in every bite, making it an ideal fall or holiday snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruits
- 3 Granny Smith apples
Chocolate
- 2 ½ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
Other
- ½ 10-oz bag pretzels (about 3 cups), broken into pieces
- 1 ½ 11-oz bags melting caramel bits
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Wash and dry the Granny Smith apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife, slice the apples into thin, even rounds, removing any seeds but leaving the skins on for texture and color.
- Melt Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth and fully melted.
- Arrange Apple Slices: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the parchment paper to form a rough rectangle around ¼ inch thick. Quickly place the apple slices on top of the melted chocolate in a single layer.
- Add Pretzels: Scatter the broken pretzel pieces evenly over the apple slices, pressing gently so they adhere to the chocolate base.
- Melt Caramel Bits: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramel bits in 30-second intervals, stirring well until smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle Caramel: Drizzle the melted caramel over the apples and pretzels, distributing it evenly to cover the surface with a beautiful caramel coating.
- Melt Remaining Chocolate: Melt the remaining ½ cup of semi-sweet chocolate chips and drizzle in a thin layer over the caramel for a decorative finish and added chocolate flavor.
- Set the Bark: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chocolate and caramel to harden completely.
- Break into Pieces: Once set, remove from the refrigerator and break the bark into irregular pieces using your hands or a knife.
- Serve or Store: Serve immediately or store the caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for the perfect tartness that balances the sweetness of chocolate and caramel.
- Make sure to line the baking sheet with parchment or wax paper to prevent sticking.
- You can substitute pretzels with crushed nuts if preferred, for a different texture and flavor.
- If you want thicker bark pieces, use more chocolate or double the recipe quantities.
- Store leftovers refrigerated to prevent the caramel from melting.
