Easy Caramel Apple Bark With Pretzels Recipe

Introduction

This Easy Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels combines sweet, salty, and crisp flavors in a delightful treat. Perfect for fall or any time you crave a crunchy, chocolaty snack with a fruity twist.

Ingredients

• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped and patted dry
• 2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 cup pretzels, crushed
• 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 the chocolate chips by heating in 30-second intervals, stirring between each until smooth. Spread the melted chocolate evenly over the prepared pan.
3. Step 3: Sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the melted chocolate.
4. Step 4: Scatter the chopped apples over the pretzels, distributing them evenly.
5. Step 5: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle the caramel over the apples and pretzels.
6. Step 6: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle over the top. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt over the bark to enhance the flavors.
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 crisp apples like Granny Smith for a refreshing tartness that balances the sweetness.
• Try different types of pretzels such as mini twists or sticks for variation in texture.
• Substitute dark chocolate chips if you prefer a richer chocolate flavor.
• For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts along with the pretzels.

Storage

Store the caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. To enjoy, simply remove from the fridge and serve chilled or at room temperature. If the bark softens, a short return to the fridge will firm it back up.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use other firm, crisp apples such as Honeycrisp or Fuji, though the flavor and tartness may vary slightly from Granny Smith.

Will the apples brown after assembling the bark?

Since the apples are chopped and assembled fresh, slight browning may occur if left out too long. To minimize this, pat the apples dry and refrigerate the bark promptly.

Easy Caramel Apple Bark With Pretzels Recipe

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4.4 from 114 reviews

This Easy Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels is a delightful no-bake treat combining the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples, the rich sweetness of melted caramel and semi-sweet chocolate, and the salty crunch of crushed pretzels. Perfect for snack time or a festive dessert, it sets quickly in the refrigerator and is simple to prepare with just a few ingredients.

• Author: Luna
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes (melting and assembly)
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time)
• Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
• Category: Dessert
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Fruits

• 2 medium Granny Smith apples, chopped and patted dry

Chocolate

• 2 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips

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 ensure the bark doesn’t stick and for easy cleanup.
2. Melt Chocolate Base: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of semi-sweet chocolate chips by microwaving in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly after each until smooth. Once melted, spread the chocolate evenly across the prepared cookie sheet to form a base layer.
3. Add Pretzels: Immediately sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the melted chocolate layer so they stick.
4. Add Apples: Scatter the chopped Granny Smith apples evenly over the pretzels, distributing them carefully for balanced flavor in each bite.
5. Melt and Drizzle Caramel: Melt the caramels separately in a microwave-safe bowl using 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Drizzle the melted caramel generously over the apples and pretzels.
6. Finish with Chocolate Drizzle: Melt the remaining 1/4 cup of chocolate chips and drizzle this on top of the caramel layer for an attractive finish. Optionally sprinkle sea salt over the top to enhance flavor with a salty contrast.
7. Set the Bark: Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 3 hours or until the bark is fully set and firm.
8. Serve: Once set, break the bark into pieces and enjoy this crunchy, sweet, and salty treat.

Notes

• Ensure apples are patted dry to prevent soggy bark.
• Use melting caramels for easy and smooth melting without graininess.
• Sea salt is optional but adds a nice flavor contrast.
• Store bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• For easier breaking, let bark come to room temperature slightly before handling.

Keywords: caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, pretzel bark, easy dessert, no-bake dessert, caramel pretzels, holiday treat