Loaded Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark
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This easy Loaded Caramel Apple Bark recipe is so fun and perfect for the fall season! With layers of velvety caramel swirls, tart apple chunks, a sprinkle of salty, crunchy pretzels, peanuts and sweet peanut butter candies, this decadent chocolate bark is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Craving more fun, festive candy recipes? You’ll want to dive into these 4 Holiday Chocolate Bark Recipes, this Keto Chocolate Almond Joy Bark, and these 3 White Chocolate No-Bake Festive Candy Recipes!
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark
- Like a dreamy candy bar, but better! It’s packed with all your fall favorites in one delightful treat.
- Easy to make! The hardest part is waiting for it to set up in the fridge!
- Perfect for any occasion! Fall, Halloween, Thanksgiving, game day parties, or whenever you’re craving a loaded chocolate caramel apple bark recipe.
- Sweet and salty perfection! Each bite offers a mix of crunchy pretzels, peanuts, and gooey caramel sauce, creating a candy chocolate treat that is unbelievably delicious!
- Also gluten-free, if you use certified gluten-free pretzels, everything is good to go for gluten-free snacking!
Ingredients You Need
- 2 cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar, chopped or chocolate chips (16 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup soft baking caramels (I used Werther’s caramel apple caramels; Kraft or Cocomels also work great)
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, chopped or thinly sliced (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any crisp apple works well!)
- 1 cup salty pretzels
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts, or substitute with almonds, cashews, or pistachios
- Optional: 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s for an extra pop of color and flavor
- Optional: 1/4 – 1/2 cup melted chocolate for drizzle
Instructions How to Make Loaded Caramel Apple Bark
- Prep Your Apples: If you’re not eating this bark right away, soak the apple chunks in 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This helps prevent them from browning. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a cookie sheet pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Melt the Chocolate: Heat the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and silky.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped apples, pretzels, peanuts, and peanut butter candies over the top of the chocolate layer. Make sure to distribute them evenly so every piece of bark is loaded with deliciousness.
- Melt the Caramel: Melt the soft caramels in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until smooth and drizzle-able. Drizzle the melted caramel over the bark and toppings. For extra indulgence, melt an additional ¼ cup of chocolate and drizzle it over everything.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours or until the chocolate is hard and firm. This ensures the bark is completely set and easy to break into pieces. Once the bark has hardened, use your hands to break it into whatever size pieces you want. For more uniform pieces, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares.
Storing Your Caramel Apple Bark
- Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate from melting and the apple pieces fresh. For best results, enjoy within 24 hours to maintain the crispness of the apples and the integrity of the chocolate.
More Variations to Try
- Switch up the Caramel: Instead of caramel, try melting peanut butter, Biscoff spread, almond butter, tahini, or cashew butter for a different flavor twist.
- Experiment with Toppings: Swap the peanuts for other nuts like pecans, walnuts or pumpkin seeds. You can even add dried cranberries or raisins for a sweet and tangy contrast.
- Add a Sprinkle of Sea Salt: For an extra burst of flavor, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the top before the chocolate sets for a delicious sweet-salty combo.
- Make It Boozy: Add a splash of bourbon or rum to the melted caramel for a grown-up version of this treat.
Tips for the Best Caramel Apple Bark
- Use Fresh Apples: Make sure your apples are crisp and fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep it Cold: The chocolate can soften at room temperature, so keep the bark chilled until ready to serve.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! This bark is versatile, so mix and match your favorite ingredients.
FAQ: Loaded Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark
1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any crisp and tart apple for this recipe, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady. Granny Smith apples are popular because of their tartness, which balances well with the sweetness of the caramel and chocolate. Choose your favorite or mix a few varieties for a unique flavor!
2. How do I prevent the apples from turning brown?
To keep the apples from browning, soak the chopped apple pieces in a mixture of 1 cup of water and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice for 5-10 minutes. This helps maintain their fresh appearance and flavor in the bark.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the caramel apple bark ahead of time. However, for the best texture and freshness, it’s recommended to enjoy the bark within 24 hours. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the apples crisp and the chocolate from melting.
4. Can I substitute the chocolate with white or dark chocolate?
Absolutely! You can use white chocolate, dark chocolate, or even a combination of both to create a unique flavor profile. Just follow the same melting instructions and layer with the caramel and toppings.
5. What other toppings can I add to the bark?
Feel free to get creative with your toppings! You can add dried fruits like cranberries or raisins, other nuts like pecans or walnuts, or even sprinkle some sea salt for an extra flavor kick. You can also drizzle melted peanut butter or use other candies like toffee bits or chopped candy bars for a more decadent treat.
Wrapping It Up
In conclusion, this Loaded Caramel Apple Bark is the perfect treat for fall, combining the sweetness of caramel, crunchy salty pretzels, and the crispness of apples with the indulgence of chocolate. No matter how you slice it, caramel and apples are a winning combination.
And with this delicious caramel apple bark recipe, you can’t go wrong. So go ahead and indulge in this autumn delight, and don’t forget to share your creations with us. Happy snacking! Share on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook!
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Loaded Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark
Ingredients
- 2 cups milk or semi-sweet chocolate bar chopped or chocolate chips (16 ounces)
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
- 1 cup soft baking caramels I used Werther’s caramel apple caramels; Kraft or Cocomels also work great
- 1 large Granny Smith apple chopped or thinly sliced (Fuji, Honeycrisp, or any crisp apple works well!)
- 1 cup salty pretzels
- 1 cup dry-roasted peanuts or substitute with almonds, cashews, or pistachios
- Optional: 1/2 cup Reese’s Pieces or M&M’s for an extra pop of color and flavor
- Optional: 1/4 - 1/2 cup melted chocolate for drizzle
Instructions
- Prep Your Apples: If you’re not eating this bark right away, soak the apple chunks in 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. This helps prevent them from browning. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
- Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Set it aside.
- Melt the Chocolate: Heat the chocolate and coconut oil in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each interval, until the chocolate is smooth and silky.
- Spread the Chocolate: Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper. Use a spatula to spread it out into an even layer, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
- Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped apples, pretzels, peanuts, and peanut butter candies over the top of the chocolate layer. Make sure to distribute them evenly so every piece of bark is loaded with deliciousness.
- Melt the Caramel: Melt the soft caramels in the microwave for 15-20 seconds until smooth and drizzle-able. Drizzle the melted caramel over the bark and toppings. For extra indulgence, melt an additional ¼ cup of chocolate and drizzle it over everything.
- Refrigerate to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for about 1-2 hours or until the chocolate is hard and firm. This ensures the bark is completely set and easy to break into pieces. Once the bark has hardened, use your hands to break it into whatever size pieces you want. For more uniform pieces, use a sharp knife to cut it into squares.
Notes
- Use Fresh Apples: Make sure your apples are crisp and fresh for the best texture and flavor.
- Keep it Cold: The chocolate can soften at room temperature, so keep the bark chilled until ready to serve.
- Get Creative: Don’t be afraid to get creative with the toppings! This bark is versatile, so mix and match your favorite ingredients.
Nutrition
