Get ready to fall in love with our irresistible Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels! This tasty fall-inspired treat combines sweet and salty flavors while capturing the essence of classic caramel apples in a convenient, no-bake form.
Not only is this caramel apple bark with pretzels a scrumptious snack, but it also makes a fantastic homemade gift for friends and family. Package it in festive bags or boxes for a thoughtful and delicious fall treat!
Table of Contents
What Is Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark?
There are many different versions of caramel apple bark. However, in general, the recipe is a sweet, indulgent snack or dessert that is made by layering melted caramel over a base of chocolate and adding various toppings like apples and pretzels.
Then, the mixture is set aside to cool and harden before being broken into irregular pieces of “bark,” which taste like dipped caramel apples but are a whole lot less messy and way easier to make. As a result, it’s a popular seasonal treat often associated with fall and Halloween festivities and loved by both kids and adults!
Reasons Why We Can’t Get Enough of This Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels
While we love a good caramel apple, we have to admit that this pretzel bark takes the cake in terms of flavor and convenience. It’s just so darn easy to make!
Plus, this caramel apple bark recipe is:
- Made with just six simple ingredients.
- Created with minimal prep time and no baking required.
- Sweet, salty, and crunchy.
- Great to prepare in advance.
- Perfect for Halloween parties, lunchbox treats, afternoon snacks, and dessert!
Six Ingredients Are All You Need
This recipe is so full of tastes and textures that you won’t believe it contains just a few simple ingredients! Here’s what you need:
- Pretzels – These add a satisfying crunch and a salty taste. We opt for pretzel rods, but twists work well, too.
- Chocolate Chips – Semi-sweet chocolate chips are melted down to form the base of the bark. If preferred, dark chocolate or white chocolate also tastes great. Or, use a combination of your favorites!
- Coconut Oil – This helps thin out the chocolate, making it spreadable.
- Apples – We use Granny Smith apples because their tart flavor balances out the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. They also have a nice crisp, crunch. For a sweeter option, use Gala or Honeycrisp instead.
- Caramel Sauce – If you can find them we recommend using caramel bits or squares, and melting them down. Caramel sauce works in a pinch, but it is messier and doesn’t set quite the same.
- Sea Salt Flakes – The finishing touch, salt enhances the sweet and salty flavors.
How to Make This No-Bake Treat
With no baking involved, this caramel apple bark is virtually failproof and is a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen!
- Prepare. Before you begin, line a large baking sheet with
parchment paper , and set it aside. - Melt the Chocolate. Melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil together in a microwave-safe bowl or a double boiler, stirring to combine.
- Spread the Chocolate. Pour half of the melted chocolate mixture onto the prepared baking sheet, spreading it out evenly. Be sure to spread a pretty thick layer so it’s heavy enough to hold all the toppings!
- Layer. While the chocolate is still soft, gently press the pretzel sticks on top, arranging them in a single layer. Then, add the apple chunks, and drizzle the caramel on top. Add the remaining chocolate, and finish with a sprinkle of salt.
- Cool. Set the bark aside, and let it cool at room temperature until it has hardened and set. Or, to speed up the process, transfer it to the fridge instead.
- Serve. Use a knife or your hands to break the slab into pieces, and enjoy!
Variations
- Use Different Chocolate. As mentioned, you can use a combination of chocolates, or swap out the semi-sweet chocolate chips for dark chocolate or white chocolate instead. And feel free to add an extra drizzle on top!
- Add More Toppings. You don’t have to stop at just apples and pretzels. Include a variety of toppings like coconut flakes, dried fruit, chopped nuts, peanut butter drizzle, or a dusting of cinnamon sugar on top.
Common Questions About This Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
We recommend hard pretzels for added crunch, but any shape can be used.
No, feel free to use any variety you like best.
This recipe is best enjoyed right away as the apples tend to brown once sliced.
Although best eaten immediately, leftovers can be transferred to an airtight container and stored in the fridge for up to one to two days. We do not recommend freezing this recipe.
More Easy No-Bake Treats
If keeping your oven dialed to “off” is your jam, you’ll want to check out these other easy no-bake sweets!
Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- 2 cups long pretzel sticks
- 2 green apples peeled, cored, and chopped into chunks
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- Sea salt flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Line a baking dish with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl or using a double boiler, combine the semi-sweet chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring after each interval, until the chocolate and coconut oil are fully melted and well combined.1 1/2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips, 2 Tablespoons coconut oil
- Pour half of the melted chocolate and coconut oil mixture evenly into the bottom of the lined baking dish, spreading it into an even layer using a spatula.
- While the chocolate layer is still soft, press the long pretzel sticks gently into the chocolate, arranging them in an even layer.2 cups long pretzel sticks
- Sprinkle the chopped green apple chunks evenly over the pretzel sticks.2 green apples
- Drizzle the 1/2 cup of caramel sauce over the apple chunks and pretzels.1/2 cup caramel sauce
- Drizzle the remaining melted chocolate and coconut oil mixture on top of the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle sea salt flakes over the entire surface of the bark to add a delightful sweet and salty contrast.Sea salt flakes
- Allow the bark to cool at room temperature until the chocolate, caramel, and apple chunks have set. This may take a few hours, or place it in the refrigerator for quicker setting.
- Once completely set, use a knife or hands to break the Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark into bite-sized pieces.
- Serve immediately, or store in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Equipment
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Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This was much better the second go round. I used honeycrisp apples with fresh lemon juice to keep their color and crispness. I stored them in the refrigerator and served to two different groups of friends. I am quite popular right now. 😊
Thank you.
We’re so glad it turned out well! Thank you for trying it out, Cheryl. 😊
Xo,
Alia & Radwa
Hi. What is caramel sauce? How would I make my own? I see you say you can melt down caramel bits or squares….. could you give an example of those please. If I cannot get these or sauce what would be the best alternative. Thank you.
Hi Carla! We find caramel bits in the baking section of our local grocery store. You can make homemade caramel sauce with a recipe like this.
We hope this helps!
Xo,
Alia & Radwa