Description
This Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels is a delightful and festive treat combining the rich flavors of semisweet and white chocolate, crunchy pretzel sticks, fresh apple slices, and luscious caramel drizzled on top. Finished with a sprinkle of sea salt and optional nuts for added texture, this no-bake dessert is perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Layers
- 1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup white chocolate chips
Toppings
- 1 cup pretzel sticks, roughly chopped
- 1 green apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts (optional)
- Sea salt for sprinkling
Caramel Sauce
- 1 cup caramel candies, unwrapped
- 2 tablespoons heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and ease the removal of the bark later.
- Melt Semisweet Chocolate: Place semisweet chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Spread it evenly over the prepared baking sheet.
- Melt White Chocolate: Using the same method, melt white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl. Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the semisweet chocolate layer and gently swirl with a toothpick or knife to create a marbled effect.
- Add Pretzels: Sprinkle chopped pretzel sticks evenly over the chocolate layers to provide crunch and saltiness.
- Add Apple Slices: Arrange thinly sliced, cored green apples evenly over the pretzels, pressing gently so slices adhere to the chocolate base.
- Prepare Caramel Sauce: In a separate microwave-safe bowl, combine caramel candies and heavy cream. Heat until the caramel melts completely and is smooth, stirring occasionally.
- Drizzle Caramel: Generously drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the apple slices and pretzels, adding a rich sweetness to the bark.
- Add Nuts and Sea Salt: If desired, sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts over the caramel layer. Finish by lightly sprinkling sea salt over the entire bark to enhance all the flavors.
- Chill to Set: Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator and chill for at least 1 hour, or until the chocolate and caramel are firm and fully set.
- Serve: Once set, break the bark into pieces. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for later enjoyment.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm apples for the best texture and flavor contrast.
- If you prefer, substitute caramel sauce instead of caramel candies melted with cream to save time.
- For a nuttier flavor, toast the chopped pecans or walnuts before sprinkling.
- Store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent melting.
- You can omit nuts to keep the recipe nut-free if needed.
