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Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 14 reviews

Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful and easy-to-make treat that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples, crunchy pretzels, smooth caramel, and rich semi-sweet chocolate. Perfect for a seasonal snack or dessert, this bark offers a wonderful contrast of flavors and textures with every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

  • 2 Granny Smith Apples, cubed (1 1/2 inch pieces)

Chocolate

  • 2 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips (divided: 2 cups and 1/2 cup)

Other

  • 1 cup water plus 1 tablespoon, divided
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 cups pretzels
  • 25 caramel squares

Instructions

  1. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a large 13×18 inch baking sheet with parchment paper and set it aside for later use.
  2. Make lemon water: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of water with 1 tablespoon lemon juice, stirring well. This mixture will be used to keep the apples from browning.
  3. Prepare the apples: Core and chop the Granny Smith apples into 1 1/2 inch cubes. As you chop, immediately transfer the apple pieces into the lemon water bowl to prevent oxidation and browning.
  4. Melt the chocolate (base layer): In a medium microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir well, then continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring in between, until smooth and fully melted.
  5. Spread melted chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it to cover the entire surface.
  6. Add pretzels: Place 2 cups of pretzels on top of the chocolate layer and press them down slightly so they adhere to the chocolate.
  7. Dry the apples: Drain the apples from the lemon water and spread them on paper towels. Pat them thoroughly dry to remove excess moisture. This step is vital to keep the chocolate from becoming runny and prevent pretzels from getting soggy.
  8. Melt the caramel: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine 25 caramel squares with 1 teaspoon of water. Microwave for 30 seconds, stir, then continue heating in 15-second increments, stirring each time, until the caramel is melted and smooth.
  9. Pour caramel layer: Slowly drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the pretzel layer on the bark.
  10. Add apple layer: Arrange the dried apple cubes in a single layer over the caramel. Press gently so they stick into the caramel layer.
  11. Drizzle remaining chocolate: Melt the remaining 1/2 cup of chocolate chips as previously instructed and drizzle the melted chocolate over the top of the apple layer for a beautiful finishing touch.
  12. Set the bark: Refrigerate the bark until completely set and firm, which may take several hours. Keep refrigerated until ready to serve. When ready, cut the bark into pieces using a sharp knife.

Notes

  • Make sure to thoroughly dry the apples after soaking in lemon water to avoid making the bark soggy.
  • If you prefer a softer pretzel texture, you can press them more firmly into the melted chocolate.
  • You can substitute caramel squares with homemade caramel sauce if preferred, adjusting the quantity to taste.
  • Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For a nutty twist, consider adding chopped nuts on top before the caramel sets.

Nutrition

Keywords: Caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, caramel pretzel bark, fall dessert, easy no-bake dessert

Find it online: https://thefoodrecipe.com/caramel-apple-bark-recipe/