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Caramel Apple Pretzel Bark Recipe

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4.3 from 7 reviews

This Caramel Apple Bark is a delicious, sweet-and-salty treat that combines smooth melted chocolate, crunchy pretzels, juicy diced apples, and gooey caramel drizzled on top. The recipe is perfect for fall or as a festive snack, with the optional flaky sea salt adding a gourmet touch. It’s easy to prepare and sets quickly in the freezer, resulting in a crunchy, flavorful bark that is best enjoyed chilled.

Ingredients

Chocolate Base

  • 1-1/4 cup chocolate chips
  • 1 tablespoon coconut oil

Toppings

  • 35 mini pretzel twists
  • 1 Granny Smith apple

Caramel Drizzle

  • 15 soft Werther's caramels
  • 1/2 tablespoon heavy cream

Optional

  • Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare Apple: Peel the Granny Smith apple if preferred. Wash it thoroughly, then chop it into small pieces suitable for sprinkling on the bark.
  2. Soak Apple: In a large bowl, mix 1 cup of room-temperature water with 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Add the diced apple pieces, letting them soak for 5 to 10 minutes to reduce browning and enhance flavor. Drain the apple pieces in a colander, rinse under cold water, and shake off excess moisture. Pat dry very thoroughly with paper towels until completely dry to ensure the bark sets properly.
  3. Melt Chocolate: Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil into a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 20-second bursts, stirring well after each, until the mixture is just melted and smooth without overheating.
  4. Separate Chocolate: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pour all but 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate onto the parchment and spread to form an even layer using the back of a spoon. Transfer the remaining 1/4 cup of melted chocolate into a zip-top bag, seal it tightly removing air, and snip off a tiny corner for drizzling later.
  5. Add Pretzels and Apple: Arrange the mini pretzel twists evenly in a single layer over the melted chocolate base. Sprinkle the thoroughly dried apple pieces evenly on top of the pretzels.
  6. Melt Caramel: In a small pot over low heat, combine the soft Werther's caramels and heavy cream. Stir constantly until the caramel just melts smoothly. Avoid overheating to prevent burning.
  7. Drizzle Caramel and Chocolate: Drizzle the melted caramel evenly over the pretzel and apple layer, then drizzle the reserved melted chocolate from the zip-top bag over the top for added visual appeal and flavor contrast. Optionally, sprinkle flaky sea salt over the entire bark for an extra salty-sweet finish.
  8. Chill the Bark: Place the baking sheet into the freezer and chill until the chocolate firms up, about 30 minutes to 1 hour.
  9. Serve: Once firm, break or cut the bark into pieces and serve chilled. For best texture, enjoy the bark the same day straight from the fridge. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month as this bark doesn’t keep well at room temperature.

Notes

  • Peeling the apple is optional; peel if you prefer a smoother texture in the bark.
  • Drying the apple pieces thoroughly is critical to prevent the chocolate from seizing or the bark from becoming soggy.
  • Use soft Werther's caramels as they melt smoothly without graininess.
  • Freezing the bark ensures it sets quickly and maintains a firm texture.
  • Flaky sea salt enhances the flavor by balancing the sweetness with a touch of saltiness.
  • Store leftovers frozen to maintain freshness and texture.

Find it online: https://dishcooks.com/caramel-apple-pretzel-bark-recipe/