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, 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.
- 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
Scale
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
- Prepare the Pan: Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper to ensure the bark doesn’t stick and for easy cleanup.
- 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.
- Add Pretzels: Immediately sprinkle the crushed pretzels evenly over the melted chocolate layer so they stick.
- Add Apples: Scatter the chopped Granny Smith apples evenly over the pretzels, distributing them carefully for balanced flavor in each bite.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
