Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels
iamwinfred
This caramel apple bark with pretzels is the treat I make on repeat every single fall. Crunchy pretzels, tart apple bits, and gooey caramel meet a thick layer of chocolate, and the whole thing sets up in the fridge with almost no effort.
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Total Time 20 minutes mins
Course Dessert, Snack
Cuisine American
Servings 20 pieces
Calories 160 kcal
12 oz semi-sweet chocolate chips 2 cups 6 oz white chocolate chips 1 cup 2 cups mini pretzels roughly chopped 2 Granny Smith apples medium, cored and diced small 11 oz caramel bits or unwrapped soft caramels 2 tablespoons heavy cream 1 teaspoon flaky sea salt optional 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Core and dice apples into 1/4-inch pieces, chop pretzels, and measure all ingredients.
Melt semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second bursts, stirring between each, until smooth.
Pour melted chocolate onto prepared pan and spread into an even 1/4-inch thick layer with an offset spatula.
Sprinkle chopped pretzels and diced apples evenly over the melted chocolate, pressing them in gently.
Combine caramel bits and heavy cream in a bowl. Microwave in 20-30 second bursts, stirring well, until fully melted and smooth.
Drizzle melted caramel over the bark and gently spread into any bare spots. Sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
Melt white chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle back and forth over the bark in thin lines.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours until completely firm.
Once set, lift from pan using parchment and break into rustic pieces. Serve immediately or store in the fridge.
Dice apples small (about 1/4 inch) and pat dry with paper towel to prevent excess moisture from making the caramel seize.
Melt chocolate in short microwave bursts (30 seconds or less) and stir well to avoid scorching or seizing.
Work quickly once the chocolate base is spread, as it firms up faster than expected.
Use tart apples like Granny Smith; sweeter varieties can make the bark taste one-note.
Chill the bark on a flat surface in the fridge so it sets evenly.
Break into pieces only after completely firm or the layers may separate.
Substitute milk chocolate for semi-sweet for a sweeter bark, or add toasted pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, with layers separated by parchment paper.
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
For a marbled look, drizzle white chocolate in thin lines and use a toothpick to swirl gently.
Serving: 1 piece Calories: 160 kcal Carbohydrates: 21 g Protein: 1.5 g Fat: 8 g Saturated Fat: 4 g Cholesterol: 5 mg Sodium: 110 mg Fiber: 1 g Sugar: 16 g Vitamin A: 2 IU Vitamin C: 2 mg Calcium: 2 mg Iron: 4 mg
Keyword caramel apple bark, fall dessert, no bake treat, pretzel chocolate bark, sweet and salty snack