Introduction

Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful treat that combines the smoothness of chocolate, the tartness of green apples, and the sweet richness of caramel. This easy-to-make bark is perfect for fall gatherings or anytime you want a crunchy, fruity snack with a touch of indulgence.

The image shows a large square chocolate bark cut into 16 uneven square pieces, laid on white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. The bark has a thick, smooth dark brown chocolate base, topped with crunchy pretzel pieces and bright green apple slices spread evenly. The green apple slices vary in size and are scattered across the bark, adding fresh color and texture. There are thin drizzles of darker chocolate on top of the apples and pretzels. To the bottom right, there is a white bowl filled with melted milk chocolate, and near the bottom left corner, one piece of the bark is slightly separated from the main block, resting on the parchment paper. A white cloth is softly placed on the left edge. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz milk or dark chocolate
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 cup soft baking caramels (melted)
1 medium green apple (chopped or thinly sliced)
1 cup chopped gluten-free pretzels or nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
1/4 cup melted chocolate for drizzle
2 tablespoons lemon juice (for soaking apples)
1 cup water (for soaking apples)

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chopped or sliced apple pieces in a bowl with 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes to prevent browning, then drain and pat dry.
Step 2: Melt the 12 oz of chocolate and 1 tablespoon coconut oil together using a double boiler or microwave. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each until smooth and creamy.
Step 3: Line a 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment and spread it evenly with a spatula to about 1/4 inch thickness.
Step 4: Sprinkle the chopped pretzels or nuts evenly over the chocolate layer. Arrange the drained apple pieces on top.
Step 5: Drizzle the melted baking caramels and the 1/4 cup of melted chocolate over the apples and toppings for extra sweetness and flavor contrast.
Step 6: Refrigerate the bark for 1-2 hours, or until completely set. For a firmer texture, place the bark in the freezer for the last 20 minutes.
Step 7: Once hardened, break the bark into bite-sized pieces with your hands or cut into squares with a knife if you prefer uniformity.
Step 8: Serve immediately or store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Tips & Variations

For a sweeter bark, use milk chocolate; for richer flavor, choose dark chocolate.
Substitute the green apple with crisp red apples if you prefer a sweeter fruit taste.
Try adding a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg to the melted caramel for a warm spice note.
Use mixed nuts and pretzels for extra texture and flavor complexity.
Allowing the apples to dry thoroughly after soaking helps prevent excess moisture from softening the bark.

Storage

Store leftover caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and fresh. It is best enjoyed within 24 hours, as the apples may release moisture over time. To serve after storage, bring the pieces to room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly before eating.

How to Serve

The image shows a stack of three chocolate bark pieces placed on a piece of white parchment paper over a white marbled surface. Each piece has a thick, dark brown chocolate base layer topped with small clusters of light brown pretzels and bright green apple chunks with pale flesh. The top layer has thin, dark chocolate drizzle lines artistically spread over the apples and pretzels, adding texture and shine. In the background, a white bowl with a light brown creamy dip and a halved green apple are slightly out of focus. The photo captures the textures vividly, from the smooth chocolate to the crisp apple and crunchy pretzels. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, feel free to substitute green apples with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp depending on your taste preference. Just soak them equally in lemon water to keep them from browning.

Is there a way to make this bark dairy-free?

Absolutely! Use dairy-free or vegan chocolate and caramel alternatives to keep the recipe dairy-free. Make sure to check labels for gluten content if that is a concern.

Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 127 reviews

Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful, no-bake treat combining smooth milk or dark chocolate layered with crunchy gluten-free pretzels, juicy green apples, and rich caramel drizzle. This easy-to-make snack perfectly balances sweetness, tartness, and crunch, making it a refreshing and indulgent dessert or snack for any occasion.

Author: Isabella
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 12 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Chocolate Base

12 oz milk or dark chocolate
1 tablespoon coconut oil

Toppings

1 cup soft baking caramels (melted)
1 medium green apple (chopped or thinly sliced)
1 cup chopped gluten-free pretzels or nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)

Drizzle

1/4 cup melted chocolate (for drizzle)

Instructions

Soak The Apple Pieces: Place the chopped or sliced apple pieces in a bowl with 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Soak for 5-10 minutes to prevent browning and maintain freshness.
Melt Chocolate: Using a double boiler or the microwave, melt the 12 oz of chocolate together with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well between each to avoid burning, until smooth and creamy.
Spread the Chocolate: Line a 9×13 sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate onto the paper, then use a spatula to spread it evenly into about a 1/4 inch thick layer.
Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped gluten-free pretzels or nuts over the melted chocolate. Arrange the soaked and drained apple pieces on top of the pretzels.
Drizzle Caramel and Chocolate: Drizzle melted soft baking caramels over the apples, followed by a drizzle of the 1/4 cup melted chocolate for a decorative and flavorful finish.
Allow to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until the chocolate is completely hardened. For a firmer set, you can transfer it to the freezer for the last 20 minutes.
Break or Cut The Bark: Once fully set, break the bark into rustic, bite-sized pieces with your hands or for uniform pieces, use a knife to cut into squares.
Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate from melting. For best taste and texture, consume within 24 hours.

Notes

Soaking the apples in lemon water prevents browning and keeps the fruit fresh in the bark.
Use gluten-free pretzels or nuts for added crunch and to accommodate gluten sensitivities.
To melt chocolate smoothly, always stir between heating intervals and avoid overheating.
Refrigerate and optionally freeze to ensure the bark sets properly and is easy to break into pieces.
Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
This bark is best enjoyed within 24 hours for optimal texture and flavor.

Keywords: caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, gluten-free dessert, no-bake dessert, caramel chocolate snack, apple dessert