Caramel Apple Bark is incredibly simple to make and requires just a handful of ingredients. It’s a mess-free alternative to traditional caramel apples, but still delivers that irresistible combo of sweet, tart, and crunchy. You can customize it with your favorite toppings, and since it’s made in a sheet and broken into pieces, it’s ideal for sharing or storing for later.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
White chocolate chips (optional for drizzle or layering)
Dried apple slices
Soft caramels or caramel bits
Heavy cream or milk (to melt the caramels)
Chopped nuts (like pecans, walnuts, or peanuts)
Crushed pretzels or graham crackers (optional for texture)
Sea salt (optional, for a sweet-salty finish)
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate onto the lined baking sheet and spread into an even rectangle, about ¼ inch thick.
While the chocolate is still warm, press dried apple slices gently into the surface.
In a separate bowl, melt the caramels with a splash of cream or milk until smooth.
Drizzle the caramel over the chocolate and apples.
Immediately sprinkle with chopped nuts, pretzels, or any other desired toppings.
Add a light sprinkle of sea salt if using.
Chill in the refrigerator for about 30–45 minutes, or until fully set.
Once hardened, break into irregular pieces and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields approximately 12–16 pieces of bark. Preparation time: 15 minutes Chill time: 30–45 minutes Total time: about 1 hour
Variations
White Chocolate Layer: Use a layer of white chocolate instead of or in addition to dark/milk chocolate.
Extra Fruit: Add other dried fruits like cranberries or chopped dried apricots for variety.
Cinnamon Twist: Sprinkle with a bit of ground cinnamon or apple pie spice for added warmth.
Nut-Free Version: Skip the nuts and use crushed pretzels or granola for crunch.
Drizzle Options: Drizzle with both caramel and melted white chocolate for a gourmet look.
Storage/Reheating
Store Caramel Apple Bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Keep layers separated with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Freezing is not recommended, as the caramel and chocolate textures may change. No reheating is required—just let come to room temperature if stored chilled.
FAQs
What kind of apples should I use for this bark?
Use dried apple slices, not fresh, to prevent moisture that could affect the chocolate’s texture.
Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?
Yes, but make sure it’s a thicker, set-style caramel rather than a runny sauce for best results.
How do I keep the chocolate from melting at room temperature?
Use high-quality chocolate and store the bark in a cool place or refrigerate if your kitchen is warm.
Can I make this bark in advance?
Absolutely. It stores well and can be made a few days ahead of time.
What chocolate works best?
Semi-sweet or dark chocolate balances the sweetness of the caramel and apples, but you can use milk chocolate if preferred.
How do I prevent the toppings from falling off?
Press them gently into the melted chocolate before it sets, and chill the bark promptly.
Can I use homemade caramel?
Yes, homemade caramel works beautifully—just make sure it sets firm enough for bark.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as long as all your ingredients (especially pretzels or crackers) are gluten-free.
How do I cut or break the bark?
Once chilled and firm, use your hands to break it into rough pieces or a sharp knife for cleaner cuts.
Can I add fresh apple slices?
Fresh apples contain moisture and can make the bark soggy or cause spoilage, so it’s best to stick with dried apples.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful, easy-to-make treat that captures all the comforting flavors of fall in a fun, sharable format. With layers of chocolate, caramel, apples, and crunchy toppings, it’s a festive favorite for snacking, gifting, or adding to your autumn dessert table. Quick, customizable, and full of texture—it’s everything you love about caramel apples with none of the fuss.
Caramel Apple Bark is a quick and festive no-bake treat that combines layers of melted chocolate, gooey caramel, dried apple slices, and crunchy toppings. It’s the perfect sweet and salty snack for fall parties, gifts, or cozy afternoons.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:1 hour
Yield:12–16 pieces
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups semi-sweet or milk chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle or layering)
1 to 1 1/2 cups dried apple slices
1 cup soft caramels or caramel bits
2 tablespoons heavy cream or milk
1/3 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, or peanuts)
1/4 cup crushed pretzels or graham crackers (optional)
Sea salt (optional, for sprinkling)
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread into a rectangle about 1/4 inch thick.
While chocolate is still warm, gently press dried apple slices into the surface.
In another bowl, melt the caramels with the heavy cream or milk, stirring until smooth.
Drizzle the melted caramel over the chocolate and apples.
Sprinkle chopped nuts, crushed pretzels or graham crackers, and a pinch of sea salt over the top.
Optional: Drizzle with melted white chocolate for decoration.
Chill the bark in the refrigerator for 30–45 minutes, or until fully set.
Once hardened, break into pieces and enjoy.
Notes
Use dried apples, not fresh, to avoid adding moisture that can affect texture.High-quality chocolate will help the bark set better and taste richer.For a nut-free version, skip nuts and add extra pretzels or granola.Add cinnamon or apple pie spice for an extra layer of fall flavor.Let the frosting or drizzle set completely before storing.
