Description
Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the sweetness of caramel and chocolate, accented by crunchy pretzels. Perfect for a snack or a festive dessert, this bark layers melted chocolate, salty pretzels, gooey caramel, and fresh apple cubes for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.
Ingredients
Scale
Fruit
- 2 Granny Smith Apples, cubed (about 1 1/2 inch pieces)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 cup water (divided)
Chocolate
- 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: 2 cups + 1/2 cup for drizzling)
Other
- 2 cups pretzels
- 25 caramel squares
Instructions
- Prepare baking sheet: Line a large 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside to prepare for the chocolate bark base.
- Make lemon water bath: In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to create an anti-browning solution for the apples.
- Chop apples and soak: Core and chop the Granny Smith apples into 1 1/2 inch cubes. As you chop, transfer the pieces into the lemon water to prevent them from browning while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Melt chocolate (base layer): In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat for 30 seconds, stir well, then continue heating in 15-second intervals, stirring each time, until smooth and fully melted.
- Spread melted chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly across the entire surface to form the base layer.
- Add pretzels: Evenly distribute pretzels over the melted chocolate, gently pressing them into the chocolate so they stick.
- Drain and dry apples: Remove the apples from the lemon water and place them on paper towels. Pat them dry carefully to remove excess moisture to prevent sogginess in the bark.
- Melt caramel: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the caramel squares with 1 teaspoon of water. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring each time, until the caramel is fully melted and smooth.
- Drizzle caramel over pretzels: Slowly pour the melted caramel over the pretzel layer, spreading it evenly.
- Add apple layer: Arrange the dried apple cubes in a single layer on top of the caramel. Press gently to adhere them to the caramel layer.
- Melt remaining chocolate (topping): Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips using the same microwave method as before until smooth and melted.
- Drizzle chocolate over apples: Drizzle the melted chocolate evenly over the apple layer, adding a decorative and flavorful topping.
- Chill to set: Place the entire baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill until the bark is fully set and firm. This usually takes several hours. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Serve: Use a sharp knife to cut the bark into pieces for serving.
Notes
- Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness which hold up well in the bark.
- Drying the apples thoroughly before adding them to the bark prevents sogginess and ensures the chocolate sets properly.
- Store the finished bark refrigerated to maintain freshness and prevent the chocolate from melting.
- The bark can be customized by substituting pretzels with nuts or adding sea salt for extra flavor contrast.
- Be sure to use parchment paper to avoid the bark sticking to the pan for easy removal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack
- Method: No-bake, Refrigeration
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/24th of recipe)
- Calories: 160 kcal
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 120 mg
- Fat: 8 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 23 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg
Keywords: caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, caramel dessert, apple chocolate bark, easy dessert, no bake dessert
