Delicious Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

When the crisp breeze of autumn drifts through the air and leaves start to paint the world in shades of gold and burnt orange (my favorite fall color), it’s the perfect time to indulge in some seasonal treats. This caramel apple bark recipe is a perfect fall dessert that captures the essence of the season. It also offers a contemporary spin on the traditional caramel apple indulgence, presenting the goodness in bite-size pieces. In this post, we’ll guide you through the steps of creating your own caramel apple bark right at home.

This post is all about a caramel apple bark recipe. It contains Amazon affiliate links, meaning, we might receive a small commission, but at no cost to you.

Ingredients for Caramel Apple Bark

Makes 8 Large Squares of Bark

• 1 Granny Smith Apple (tart Granny Smith apples contrast beautifully with the sweetness of caramel)
• 1/2 Bag of Caramel Squares (unwrapped and melted)
• 3 Cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips (melted)
• 1/2 – 1 Cup Pretzels (chopped)
• 1/4 Cup Favorite Granola (we use Nature’s Path Ancient Grains)
• Chocolate Sprinkles
• Lemon Juice

How to Make Caramel Apple Bark?

Prepare the Apples

Wash, dry, and dice the apples into small wedges. Soak them in a splash of lemon juice for a few minutes and then pat them VERY dry afterward so they will stick to the melted chocolate and caramel. The lemon juice will help prevent them from turning brown.

Melt the Chocolate

Use a microwave or a double boiler to melt the semisweet chocolate separately. Stir occasionally until smooth and glossy.

Spread the Melted Chocolate

On a parchment-lined baking sheet, spread the melted chocolate evenly across the surface, being sure to extend the mixture to the edges and into the corners.

Break and Sprinkle Pretzels

Break pretzel pieces in a bag using your hands or a kitchen mallet. Next, sprinkle the pieces over the melted chocolate.

Add the Apples

Layer the diced apples onto the chocolate and pretzels, pressing them slightly into the mixture for better adherence.

Add Granola and Sprinkles

Then, top with your favorite granola and sprinkles for added flavor and a more festive look. Press everything into the chocolate once again before adding the “glue”- the caramel.

Melt the Caramel and Drizzle

Unwrap each of the caramel squares and place in a microwavable bowl. Microwave 30 seconds at a time. Take out and stir. Microwave for another 30 seconds, and stir. Do this until the caramel squares are melted and begin to puff up when heating, making it easier to pour.

Drizzle the caramel over the chocolate-coated apples, creating a crisscross caramel pattern.

Other Fun Topping Options

You can make this chocolate caramel apple bark a truly original recipe by incorporating your own favorite toppings. The sky is the limit as to what you can choose. Here are some yummy ideas.

• Cinnamon and Sugar
• Cinnamon Streusel
• Melted White Chocolate
• Crushed Oreos
• Candy Corn
• Mini M&Ms
• Reece’s Pieces
• Chopped Nuts
• White/Mini Chocolate Chips (not melted)
• Crushed Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Crumbled Cinnamon or Cake Donuts
• Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
• Different Colored/Shaped Sprinkles
• Crumbled Oreo Truffles- (click here for our favorite recipe)
• Top with course sea salt and make this sweet treat a salted caramel apple bark.

Set and Break/Cut

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about two hours, or until the bark is completely set.

Once set, gently break the bark or cut it into pieces. We cut larger chunks for the photos, but smaller, bite-size pieces are WAY easier to eat.

Serve and Devour

Your apple caramel pretzel bark is now ready to be enjoyed. Arrange the pieces on a serving platter and bon appetit!

Caramel Pretzel Apple Bark Tips

• This apple bark is best served immediately. The chocolate has a tendency to slightly soften when left at room temperature. If you plan to display it outside of the refrigerator for an extended period, it’s recommended to place the pieces on an ice pack underneath the platter. You might want to consider checking out these cooling mats on Amazon; they are a great product for keeping your food items cooler for longer periods.
• You can also arrange clusters of the chocolate caramel apple bark in muffin wrappers and position them on a platter. This prevents them from sticking together and offers a neater display, especially if you choose not to use an ice mat underneath.
• Feel free to use candy, chocolate, pretzels, or apple slices as the base for the bark. If you choose to begin with a layer of apples or pretzels, pour a slightly more liquid melted chocolate over these ingredients to prevent them from shifting as much during spreading. Heating the chocolate at a higher temperature usually makes it easier to move and flow.
• Melting the caramel squares and pouring them over the bark is like the glue that helps hold the toppings in place. Using a liquid caramel that doesn’t harden will not solidify and secure everything in position unless you freeze it before serving.
• Melt the caramel squares just before you intend to pour them. They will re-solidify in the bowl if you don’t pour them immediately.
• To prevent the pretzels from getting soft, serve the day it is made or the following.

Other Posts You Might Want to Check Out

Granola Sprinkled Peanut Butter Apples Snack

Best Gluten Free Morning Glory Muffins Recipe

Favorite No-Bake Oreo Truffles

Creating caramel apple bark is a festive sweet treat, perfect for the late summer and fall seasons. Whether you’re arranging a lively dinner party, hosting a seasonal gathering, or simply satisfying your sweet tooth, this recipe presents the timeless blend of bite-size caramel apple flavors, accompanied by varied textures and inviting aromas. Feel free to gather your ingredients, infuse your creativity into the toppings, and savor the flavors of autumn in every delicious bite.

Blessings! 🤍