Description
Enjoy the delightful combination of rich chocolate, gooey caramel, crisp green apples, and salty pretzels in this easy-to-make Caramel Apple Bark. This sweet and savory treat features a smooth dark chocolate base topped with luscious caramel mixed with diced apples and finished with crunchy pretzels and a sprinkle of sea salt. Perfect for parties or a cozy snack.
Ingredients
Chocolate Base
- 8 ounces good quality dark chocolate chips
- 8 ounces chocolate bark, roughly chopped
Caramel Apple Topping
- 2 cups melting caramels (e.g., individually wrapped Kraft Baking Caramels or Kraft Caramel Bits)
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
- 2 ½ cups diced green apple, divided
- 1 cup mini pretzels or chopped pretzels
- ½ teaspoon sea salt flakes such as Maldon Sea Salt Flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and ensure easy removal of the bark.
- Melt Chocolate: Place dark chocolate chips and chopped chocolate bark in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until the chocolate is completely smooth and melted.
- Form Chocolate Layer: Spread the melted chocolate evenly into a ¼-inch thick layer on the prepared baking sheet. Chill in the refrigerator to set while preparing the caramel.
- Melt Caramel: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine melting caramels and heavy cream. Stir frequently until the caramel is smooth and fully melted, about 5 minutes.
- Mix Apples into Caramel: Remove the caramel from heat and immediately stir in 2 cups of diced green apples until well combined.
- Add Caramel Apple Topping: Spread the caramel apple mixture evenly over the chilled chocolate layer on the baking sheet.
- Garnish: Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup diced apples, mini pretzels, and sea salt flakes evenly over the caramel layer for added texture and flavor contrast.
- Chill to Set: Return the bark to the refrigerator and chill until the caramel topping is firmly set, approximately 1 to 2 hours.
- Slice and Serve: Once set, slice the bark into 20 large pieces and enjoy immediately or store refrigerated until ready to serve.
Notes
- Use tart green apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor balance with the sweet caramel and chocolate.
- For easier slicing, let the bark chill fully and use a sharp knife warmed with hot water for clean cuts.
- Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week to maintain freshness.
- Feel free to substitute pretzels with nuts like pecans or walnuts for a different crunchy texture.
- If you prefer a softer bark, reduce chilling time slightly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
