Description
This Caramel Apple Bark is a delightful treat combining creamy milk or dark chocolate with sweet caramel, crisp green apples, and crunchy gluten-free pretzels or nuts. Perfect as a festive dessert or a fun snack, this bark offers a satisfying blend of textures and flavors with a beautiful presentation.
Ingredients
Scale
Chocolate Base
- 12 oz milk or dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil
Caramel
- 1 cup soft baking caramels, melted
Fruit
- 1 medium green apple, chopped or thinly sliced
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Toppings
- 1 cup chopped gluten-free pretzels or nuts (pecans, walnuts, or almonds)
- 1/4 cup melted chocolate (for drizzle)
Instructions
- Soak The Apples: Place the chopped or sliced apple pieces in 1 cup of water mixed with 2 tablespoons of lemon juice. Let them soak for 5-10 minutes to prevent browning and maintain their crispness.
- Melt Chocolate: Using a double boiler or microwave, melt the 12 oz of chopped milk or dark chocolate with 1 tablespoon of coconut oil. If microwaving, heat in 30-second intervals, stirring well after each, until smooth and creamy to avoid burning.
- Spread the Chocolate: Line a 9×13 inch sheet pan with parchment paper. Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment and use a spatula to spread it evenly into a layer approximately 1/4 inch thick.
- Add Toppings: Sprinkle the chopped gluten-free pretzels or nuts evenly over the chocolate layer. Then add the drained apple pieces on top. Drizzle the softened baking caramel and the remaining melted chocolate over the apples for added sweetness and decoration.
- Allow to Set: Place the sheet pan in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours until the chocolate firms completely. For faster setting, add the bark to the freezer for the last 20 minutes.
- Break or Cut the Bark: Once fully hardened, use your hands to break the bark into rustic, bite-sized pieces or cut into uniform squares with a knife if preferred.
- Serve and Store: Serve immediately or store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Consume within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor as the chocolate can soften at room temperature.
Notes
- Soaking apples in lemon water keeps them from browning and preserves their fresh flavor.
- Use gluten-free pretzels or nuts to keep the recipe gluten-free.
- Adjust the chocolate type (milk or dark) to your taste preference.
- For uniform bark pieces, use a sharp knife to cut once set.
- Keep the bark refrigerated to prevent melting especially in warm environments.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 piece (approx. 1/16 of the bark)
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 85mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 1.5g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
