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Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

5.1 from 9 reviews

Delight in the perfect balance of sweet and salty with this Caramel Apple Bark recipe. Featuring crisp Granny Smith apples, rich semi-sweet chocolate, crunchy pretzels, and gooey caramel, this festive treat is great for sharing and enjoying any time of year.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruits and Liquids

  • 2 Granny Smith Apples, cubed into 1 1/2 inch pieces
  • 1 cup water, divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Chocolate and Caramel

  • 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, divided
  • 25 caramel squares

Crunchy Topping

  • 2 cups pretzels

Instructions

  1. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large (13×18 inch) baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and set it aside.
  2. Make Lemon Water: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir to mix well. This will keep the apples from browning.
  3. Core and Chop Apples: Core the Granny Smith apples and cut them into 1 1/2 inch cubes. As you chop, transfer the pieces to the lemon water bowl to preserve freshness.
  4. Melt Chocolate (First Portion): In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, and continue heating in 15 second increments, stirring well after each, until smooth and fully melted.
  5. Spread Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly to cover the entire surface.
  6. Add Pretzels: Evenly distribute the pretzels over the melted chocolate, pressing them slightly to adhere.
  7. Dry Apples: Drain the apples from the lemon water, place them on paper towels, and pat dry thoroughly. Removing moisture is crucial to keep the chocolate firm and pretzels crunchy.
  8. Melt Caramel: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel squares with 1 teaspoon of water. Heat for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 15 second intervals, stirring each time until the caramel is smooth and melted.
  9. Drizzle Caramel: Slowly pour the melted caramel over the pretzel layer, spreading it evenly.
  10. Add Apples: Arrange the dried apple cubes in a single layer over the caramel and gently press them into the bark.
  11. Melt Chocolate (Remaining Portion): Repeat the melting process with the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips until smooth.
  12. Drizzle Chocolate: Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate over the apples to create a decorative topping.
  13. Chill Bark: Refrigerate the baking sheet until the bark is completely set, which may take several hours. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve.
  14. Serve: Once firm, use a sharp knife to cut the bark into pieces and enjoy.

Notes

  • This bark is best enjoyed the same day it is made as moisture from the apples can soften the pretzels and chocolate over time.
  • The amount of apple needed may vary based on the size of the apples used.
  • Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary depending on brands and portion sizes.

Nutrition

Keywords: caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, apple dessert, caramel treat, holiday dessert, sweet and salty bark