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Nothing disappears faster on my snack table than a tray of Caramel Apple Bark. The chocolate base stays firm and snaps cleanly, while salty pretzels crunch against tart Granny Smith apples and gooey caramel. Every piece has that perfect sweet-and-salty combo I crave, and the best part is there’s no baking involved. You’ll be snacking on it straight from the fridge.
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I make this for fall parties, classroom potlucks, and family gatherings because it feeds a crowd. It works for Halloween treats, Thanksgiving dessert tables, and Christmas gifts since it travels well and everyone loves it. The bark stays fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freezes for 3 months.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Caramel Apple Bark with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
I’ll walk you through each layer so your bark turns out perfectly every time.
Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper so the chocolate releases cleanly once it sets. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easy.
Melt and Spread the Chocolate Base
Melt 2 cups of the semi-sweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each burst until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate onto your lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer using an offset spatula.
Layer the Pretzel
While the chocolate is still soft and tacky, evenly sprinkle the crushed pretzels on top. Press them gently into the chocolate so they stick.
The pretzels add that essential salty crunch that balances the sweetness.
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
Prepare the Apples
Chop the Granny Smith apples into small pieces, about ¼-inch cubes. I like using this salad spinner; it helps remove moisture from chopped ingredients quickly.
Pat them very dry with paper towels to remove any remaining moisture. Reusable Swedish dishcloths are even better for this final drying step since they absorb more water than regular paper towels.
This step is crucial because wet diced apples can make the bark soggy and reduce its shelf life.
Melt the Caramel
In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the candy caramels in 30-second bursts, stirring between each interval until smooth and pourable. If the caramel seems too thick, you can add a teaspoon of water or milk to thin it slightly.
Layer the Apples and Caramel
Scatter the dried apple pieces over the pretzel layer. Drizzle the warm caramel over the top using a spoon or a squeeze bottle for more control.
You don’t need perfect coverage since the rustic look adds to the charm.
Add the Final Chocolate Drizzle
Melt the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips the same way you melted the base layer. Drizzle it over the caramel and apples in a zigzag pattern.
If you want a sweet-salty finish, sprinkle a touch of sea salt over everything while the top of the chocolate is still wet.
Chill Until Set
Refrigerate the bark for at least 3 hours or until completely firm. You can also leave it overnight if you’re making it ahead.
Once set, break it into irregular pieces using your hands, or cut it into uniform squares.
Serve and Enjoy
Break the bark into pieces and arrange them on a platter. Enjoy!
If you’re transporting the bark to a party or potluck, layer the pieces on a sheet pan with a lid so they stay flat and don’t break further during travel. This insulated casserole carrier helps keep the bark chilled on the way since the chocolate and caramel stay firmest when cold.
Caramel Apple Bark
Ingredients
- 2 medium Granny Smith apples
- 2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup crushed pretzels
- 11 ounces candy caramels
- Sea salt optional
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of the chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth. Pour the melted chocolate onto the lined baking sheet and spread it into an even layer.2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- While the chocolate is still soft, evenly sprinkle the crushed pretzels on top.1 cup crushed pretzels
- Chop the apples into small pieces and pat them very dry with paper towels. This helps prevent excess moisture that can affect the texture and shelf life.2 medium Granny Smith apples
- In another microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and pourable.11 ounces candy caramels
- Scatter the dried apple pieces over the pretzels. Drizzle the warm caramel over the top.
- Melt the remaining ¼ cup of chocolate chips and drizzle it over the caramel and apples. If using, sprinkle a touch of sea salt for a sweet-salty finish.Sea salt
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until the bark is completely firm.
- Once set, break into pieces and enjoy! Store in the fridge in an airtight container for best texture.
Notes
- Work quickly with the chocolate base: Sprinkle the pretzels while the chocolate is still soft, so they stick properly. If the chocolate starts to set, warm it slightly in the microwave for 10 seconds.
- Dry the apples thoroughly: Pat the chopped apples multiple times with paper towels to remove all moisture, or they’ll make the bark soggy and reduce shelf life.
- Use tart apples like Granny Smiths: they provide the best flavor contrast against the sweet caramel and chocolate, making this different from traditional caramel apples. Sweeter varieties like Honeycrisps or Pink Ladys can make the bark taste one-dimensional.
- Thin the caramel if needed: If your melted caramel is too thick to drizzle, stir in a teaspoon of milk or cream until it reaches a pourable consistency.
- Customize the toppings: Try adding toasted pecans, white chocolate drizzle, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for variation while keeping the base recipe the same.
- Flash-freeze before storing: Freeze the bark pieces on a baking sheet for 1 hour, then transfer to a container so they don’t stick together in storage.
Nutrition
SERIOUSLY GOOD
DESSERTS!
Dessert First is a collection of 61 RECIPES to show you that you can make beautiful, impressive desserts right in your own kitchen, no matter your skill level.
Immediate eBook download. No physical book available.
Includes ad-free recipes like:
∙ Lemon Pound Cake
∙ Starbucks Cake Pops
∙ Boston Cream Pie
∙ Chocolate Mousse
∙ Matcha Tiramisu
...and much more!
How to Store Leftovers
Keep your bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for the best texture since the chocolate and caramel stay firm when chilled. This bread loaf container works perfectly for storing bark pieces because it’s the right shape and keeps air out.
It’ll last up to 2 weeks this way, though I’ve never had a batch stick around that long. For longer storage, freeze individual pieces on a parchment-lined tray for about an hour until solid, then transfer them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, separating the layers with parchment so they don’t stick together.
Frozen bark keeps for up to 3 months, and you can eat it straight from the freezer for a firmer, candy-like texture, or let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes if you prefer it slightly softer.
What to Serve With Caramel Apple Bark
I love setting this bark out on a dessert table alongside warm apple cider, hot chocolate, or coffee, since the chocolate and caramel flavors pair perfectly with all of them. It also works well as part of a fall charcuterie board with other sweet and salty snacks like popcorn, nuts, and dried fruit.
If you’re serving it at a party, break it into bite-sized pieces and arrange them on a platter with fresh apple slices and a small bowl of extra sea salt for guests who want an additional salty kick. The bark also makes a great addition to cookie trays during the holidays, adding variety in both texture and flavor.
More Easy Dessert Recipes for You to Try at Home
You’ll love these other cozy fall treats, perfect for sharing at parties.
