This no-bake treat is fast, fun, and full of irresistible textures and flavors. It’s everything you love about caramel apples—tart fruit, rich caramel, and sweet chocolate—without the sticky mess. The combination of salty pretzels and sweet caramel makes every bite feel balanced and indulgent. Plus, it’s super customizable and easy to make in big batches for parties or holiday treats.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
White chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
Dried apple slices or chopped dried apples
Small pretzels, broken into pieces
Soft caramel candies or vegan caramels
Coconut cream or plant-based milk (for melting caramels)
Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt the chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in short bursts, stirring until smooth.
Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment and spread into a thin, even layer with a spatula.
Press broken pretzel pieces and dried apple bits into the melted chocolate.
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels with coconut cream until smooth and pourable. Drizzle the caramel over the bark.
If using, melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for contrast.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Refrigerate the bark for 30–45 minutes until firm.
Once set, break into pieces and enjoy.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 12 servings and takes approximately 15 minutes to prepare, plus 30–45 minutes for chilling.
Variations
Nutty Twist: Add chopped roasted pecans or almonds for extra crunch.
Spiced Flavor: Sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice before chilling.
Vegan Option: Use vegan chocolate, vegan pretzels, and dairy-free caramels.
Extra Fruit: Add dried cranberries or raisins for a chewy, tart element.
Gluten-Free: Use certified gluten-free pretzels to make the bark suitable for gluten-sensitive eaters.
Storage/Reheating
Store the caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. No reheating is necessary—just let frozen bark sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying.
FAQs
Can I use fresh apples instead of dried?
No, fresh apples will release moisture and make the bark soggy. Stick with dried apples for best texture and shelf life.
How do I keep the caramel from getting too hard?
Add a splash of coconut cream or non-dairy milk when melting the caramels to keep them soft and gooey.
Can I make this bark vegan?
Yes, just use vegan chocolate, pretzels, and plant-based caramels.
What kind of chocolate works best?
Dark or semi-sweet chocolate provides a good balance to the sweet caramel and apples, but milk chocolate works if you prefer it sweeter.
Is this bark freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze in a single layer, then transfer to a sealed container or bag for up to 2 months.
Can I make it without white chocolate?
Yes, the white chocolate drizzle is optional and purely for decoration and extra sweetness.
Do I need to temper the chocolate?
Not for this casual recipe—melting and chilling works fine, though tempered chocolate will give a shinier finish.
Can I use caramel sauce instead of melting candies?
You can, but it needs to be thick enough to drizzle without running off the bark.
Can I make this bark nut-free?
Yes, just avoid adding any nuts or nut-based ingredients.
How thick should I spread the chocolate layer?
About 1/4 inch thick works best—thick enough to hold toppings but thin enough to break easily.
Conclusion
Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels is a quick, fun, and flavorful treat that brings together the best of fall in every crunchy, chewy, sweet-salty bite. It’s easy to customize, simple to make ahead, and ideal for sharing—or keeping all to yourself. Whether you’re prepping for a party or just want a festive snack, this bark delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
Caramel Apple Bark with Pretzels is a sweet, salty, and crunchy no-bake treat that combines the cozy flavors of caramel apples with the convenience of chocolate bark. Topped with dried apples, crunchy pretzels, gooey caramel, and sea salt, it’s the perfect snack or dessert for fall gatherings or gifting.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:45 minutes (including chilling)
Yield:12 servings
Category:Dessert
Method:No-Bake
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
2 cups dark or semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup white chocolate chips (optional, for drizzle)
1/2 cup dried apple slices or chopped dried apples
1 cup small pretzels, broken into pieces
12 soft caramel candies or vegan caramels
2 tablespoons coconut cream or plant-based milk
Flaky sea salt (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Melt chocolate chips in a double boiler or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring until smooth.
Spread melted chocolate into a thin, even layer (about 1/4 inch thick) on the parchment-lined sheet.
Press broken pretzel pieces and dried apple bits evenly into the chocolate.
In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt caramels with coconut cream until smooth and pourable.
Drizzle the caramel over the bark.
If using, melt white chocolate chips and drizzle over the top for contrast.
Sprinkle with flaky sea salt if desired.
Refrigerate for 30–45 minutes until fully set.
Break into pieces and serve or store chilled.
Notes
Use vegan chocolate, caramels, and pretzels for a fully plant-based version.
Add chopped nuts or dried cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
Sprinkle with cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice for a seasonal twist.
Store in fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months.
Let frozen bark sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving.
