Go Back

Easy Caramel Apple Bark

5 from 1 vote
This easy caramel apple bark has a chocolate and pretzel base, then is topped with caramel, apples and more chocolate! This treat is perfect for fall, and can be decorated with additional sprinkles or chocolate chips. It's also fun to make with kids!
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Set time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Servings: 12 people
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method

Ingredients
  

For the caramel apple bark
  • 2½ cups chocolate chips or baking chocolate (milk, dark or semi-sweet chocolate, divided)
  • 2-3 cups pretzels
  • 13.4 ounces canned dulce de leche (or 11 oz bag of baking caramels)
  • 2-3 chopped apples (cored and diced into 1-centimeter cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (optional, to stop the apples from browning)
Additional topping ideas
  • sprinkles
  • marshmallows
  • mini chocolate chips
  • butterscotch or peanut butter chips

Equipment

  • 13"x18" cookie sheet
  • parchment or wax paper
  • microwave safe mixing bowls (or saucepans if using the stove to melt the chocolate/caramel)
  • silicone spatula
  • sharp knife (for chopping the apples)

Method
 

To make the caramel apple bark
  1. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper or wax paper. Set aside.
  2. Chop up the apples into 1-centimeter cubes and toss them in lemon juice, if desired, to slow browning. Set aside.
  3. Pour the chocolate into a microwave safe bowl (or saucepan if using the stove) and heat until melted and smooth.
  4. Evenly spread the melted chocolate (RESERVE ¼ cup for drizzling on top later) throughout the lined cookie sheet. The chocolate layer should be thin, but you shouldn't be able to see through it.
  5. Place pretzels evenly throughout the melted chocolate (see photo above).
  6. In a microwave safe bowl (or saucepan if using the stove), melt the baking caramels or dulce de leche until smooth. The dulce de leche will already be smooth, but heating it will make it easier to spread throughout the apple bark.
  7. Spread the melted caramel evenly over the chocolate and pretzels. Take care to spread the caramel gently as to not mix the layers.
  8. Sprinkle the chopped apples over the caramel evenly, pressing them down lightly.
  9. Use the reserved melted chocolate to drizzle over the top of the apples. Add more toppings if desired (ideas listed above).
  10. Place the cookie sheet in the fridge for at least an hour to allow the chocolate and caramel to set. Once the chocolate has fully hardened, break the caramel apple bark into smaller pieces to enjoy.