Description
Caramel apple bark delights dessert enthusiasts with layers of crisp apple slices and golden caramel. Sweet, salty, and irresistible, this treat provides quick satisfaction and will leave guests craving more.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate and Apple Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) milk chocolate chips
- 16 ounces (454 grams) pretzels
Fruit:
- 1 green apple
Caramel Topping:
- 35 individually wrapped caramels (or 13.5 ounces/383 grams caramel dip)
Instructions
- Prepare a clean workspace and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy chocolate spreading and removal.
- Melt chocolate chips in microwave at 50% power, stirring every 15 seconds until completely smooth and glossy, avoiding overheating.
- Carefully pour melted chocolate onto parchment paper, using a spatula to create an even rectangular layer about 1/4 inch thick.
- Quickly arrange pretzels across the entire chocolate surface, creating a complete and uniform coverage.
- Thoroughly dry diced green apple pieces with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture that could compromise caramel consistency.
- Microwave caramels in short intervals, stirring between each to ensure smooth melting without burning, then gently fold in apple pieces.
- Evenly distribute caramel-apple mixture over pretzel layer, creating a consistent coating that covers all surfaces.
- Refrigerate bark for 30 minutes until chocolate and caramel set firmly but not completely hardened.
- Remelt remaining chocolate and drizzle decoratively across the bark’s surface using controlled zigzag motions.
- Return to refrigerator for additional 45-60 minutes until completely firm and crisp.
- Cut into irregular bite-sized pieces using a sharp knife, ensuring clean edges.
- Store in sealed container in refrigerator, consuming within 5-7 days for optimal texture and flavor.
Notes
- Use high-quality chocolate chips for a richer, more luxurious flavor that elevates the entire bark.
- Choose crisp, tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness of caramel and chocolate.
- Thoroughly dry apple pieces prevents soggy texture and helps caramel adhere better to the bark.
- Store bark in an airtight container to maintain crunchiness and prevent moisture absorption.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Category: Desserts, Snacks
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 12
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 18 g
- Sodium: 250 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 2 g
- Cholesterol: 5 mg