The Best Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

This bark is great as a snack or dessert, especially during gatherings or holiday parties. It’s easy to make ahead, so you can whip up a batch for your next movie night or bring it to a potluck for a seasonal crowd-pleaser. With its flavor of traditional caramel apples, this treat delivers the taste of the fall season without the hassle!

Since you are here and love recipes with the taste of a caramel apple, check out this Easy Caramel Apple Cheesecake Dip Recipe or this Caramel Apple Cookies.

Ingredients for this Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Here are the ingredients you will need to make this chocolate caramel apple bark. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements. 

• Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips:  A chocolate layer is what holds the bark together and pairs well with the salt. Make sure that you are using a high quality chocolate for the best flavored dessert.
• Pretzels: Pretzels bring a satisfying crunch and a touch of saltiness, creating a perfect contrast to the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel.
• Green Apples: The Granny Smith apples add a tangy bite that complements the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel. They should be washed, dried, and cut into small pieces.
• Caramel Sauce: adds a buttery sweetness, creating a topping that enhances the good caramel apple experience. You can use store-bought from a squeeze bottle or. a jar or make a homemade one if you’d like.
• Sea Salt: balances the sweetness of the chocolate and caramel.

How to make this gooey Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

This is how you can make this creamy caramel dessert made with fresh apples. Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions! 

1. Line a large baking sheet pan with parchment paper or wax paper, making sure the apple pieces are completely dry.
2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl, heating in 30-second intervals and stirring between each until fully smooth.
3. Spread ⅔ of the melted chocolate on the parchment paper in an even layer, forming a rectangle about 1/4-inch thick.
4. Place the pretzels evenly over the chocolate, followed by the chopped apples, pressing them down gently.
5. Drizzle caramel sauce over the apple and pretzel layer, then finish with the remaining chocolate.
6. Sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top.
7. Refrigerate for about 30 minutes, or until the bark is firm.
8. Once set, break into pieces and serve, or keep it stored in the fridge for later.

Why do you need to make this Caramel Apple Bark Recipe?

• It’s a sweet and salty snack that will satisfy every craving.
• This easy dessert only requires a few simple ingredients that you can quickly find at any grocery store.
• You can easily customize it to fit your flavor preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ

What type of caramel sauce works best for this recipe?

​Determining which style of caramel sauce you should use depends on how much time and effort you want to spend.

• Buying a pre-made, squeeze-bottle caramel from the store is easiest and most convenient.
• The next option is to get caramel squares or Kraft caramel bits and melt them down the same way you would with the chocolate chips.
• If you’re looking for the best flavor though, try a super simple and fail-proof homemade caramel recipe, like this Easy Homemade Caramel Sauce.

Can I use different types of chocolate for the chocolate base?

Absolutely! Semi-sweet is just useful because it doesn’t overly sweeten and balances out the caramel. But if you want more sweetness and a different flavor, try milk chocolate, white chocolate, or dark chocolate chips.

How do I store leftovers?

Place your leftover Caramel Apple Bark recipe into an airtight container or Ziploc bag and put it in the fridge. It should last up to 3 or 4 days. The other ingredients will last longer than that, but you will have to keep a close eye on the apples since they are fresh fruit, and the air will oxidize them.

​How Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Since fresh apples don’t keep very well once they’re peeled and cut, the main thing you’re going to have to do is add lemon juice to them. This will help slow the oxidation process to keep them fresh for longer. Once you peel and chop them, toss them in a bowl with a squirt of lemon juice, then let them sit and dry fully before using them in the recipe. It won’t last much longer though, so make sure to enjoy this bark fresh.

what other flavors can I add?

• Any tasty seed butter like peanut or almond butter would taste great with these flavors.
• Add an extra touch of sweetness with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup.
• Sprinkle of dash of cinnamon or pumpkin spice to really add that holiday flavor.

The Best Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

If you enjoyed this Caramel Apple Bark recipe, make sure to pin it for later!