This caramel apple bark is the perfect delicious and spooky treat for Halloween! Made with crisp Granny Smith apples, rich chocolate and sticky caramel, this bark combines the classic flavors of a caramel apple in a less messy, easier-to-eat form. Think layers of chocolate, caramel, pretzels, tart apples and flaky sea salt. I used my homemade caramel recipe here, which is so delicious!
Perfect for fall gatherings, this bark is a crunchy, sweet and slightly sour treat! It’s so easy to make! Plus, it’s made with simple ingredients, requires only 10 minutes of prep and is decadent and fun.
These bite-sized pieces are flavorful and kid-friendly! They’re also gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free and vegan for those with dietary restrictions. You can even add pretzels for an extra salty-sweet crunch. If you love caramel apples, you will also love these gluten free caramel apple Crumbl copycat cookies and these caramel apple grapes!
What Is Caramel Apple Bark?
Caramel apple bark is a sweet and crunchy treat that combines the classic flavors of a caramel apple in a more convenient form. It’s made by melting chocolate and caramel, spreading them over a baking sheet and then sprinkling with chopped Granny Smith apples and pretzels. Once set, it’s broken into bite-sized pieces, creating a delicious and festive snack.
Why You’ll Love This Dessert
It’s so easy to make!
You only need a handful of ingredients to make it.
This caramel apple bark is gluten free, dairy free and refined sugar free!
It’s kid-friendly!
This dessert is the perfect combination of sweet, salty and tart.
It only takes about 10 minutes to whip up!
This dessert is perfect for fall and Halloween.
Equipment Needed
All you need to make this caramel apple bark is a bowl, baking sheet, parchment paper, spatula and a spoon. If you are making my homemade caramel you will also need a blender!
Ingredients Needed
Chocolate: I used dairy free chocolate in this recipe because I am dairy free. You can use any chocolate though!
Caramel Sauce: I used my homemade caramel sauce for this recipe, but you can also use store-bought!
Pretzels: I use gluten free pretzels because I am gluten free, but feel free to use regular pretzels if you are not! I used the classic pretzel shape!
Apples: I love using Granny Smith apples for this recipe!
Sea Salt: Flaky sea salt adds a nice touch to this caramel apple bark.
Nut or Seed Butter: I also added a drizzle of sunflower butter on top! This is completely optional!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Melt the chocolate.
Step 3: Pour chocolate on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
Step 4: Add caramel sauce on top.
Step 5: Chop apples.
Step 6: Add chopped apples, pretzels and flaky sea salt.
Step 7: Freeze until hardened, break into pieces and enjoy!
Storage
Store this caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months!
Variations
Apples: I used a Granny Smith apple for this recipe, but feel free to use any kind of apple. Honey crisp and Gala apples also work well for this!
Caramel: I used homemade caramel for this, but you can also use store-bought!
Chocolate: I used dairy free dark chocolate because I am dairy free. Feel free to use milk chocolate or white chocolate!
Add Ins: I used pretzels in this recipe but you could also try out other mix ins. I think that almonds, pistachios, mini marshmallows or candies would also be delicious!
Nut Butter: I drizzled sunflower butter on top of my bark but this is optional! You could also add peanut butter or almond butter instead!
How To Serve
Here are a few ways to serve caramel apple bark:
As a snack:
- Break off pieces and enjoy on their own.
- Serve with a cup of hot chocolate or coffee.
- Pack pieces in a lunchbox for a sweet treat.
As a dessert:
- Serve as a topping for ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Crumble over a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt.
- Use as a garnish for a cake or pie.
For a special occasion:
- Arrange pieces on a platter and serve as a centerpiece.
- Use as a party favor or gift.
Recipe FAQ
What is the best way to melt the chocolate?
I just melt my chocolate in the microwave in 30 second increments, stirring in between.
How can I prevent apples from turning brown?
Add a little lemon juice to your apples to prevent them from turning brown!
Can I use another kind of apple?
Yes! Fell free to use a Gala or Honey Crisp apple instead!
Is caramel apple bark gluten free?
This caramel apple bark is gluten free if you use gluten free pretzels.
Is caramel apple bark dairy free?
This caramel apple bark is dairy free if you use dairy free caramel and chocolate!
Can I freeze this caramel apple bark?
Yes! Freezing this bark is the best way to store it.
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these fun desserts next:
Gluten Free Apple Cider Donuts
Gluten Free Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies
If you make this caramel apple bark and love it, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
Caramel Apple Bark
Equipment
- 1 bowl
- 1 spoon
- 1 spatula
- 1 baking sheet
Ingredients
- 1 bag chocolate chips
- 1/2 cup caramel
- 1/2 cup pretzels
- 1 tbsp flaky sea salt
- 2 tbsp nut or seed butter
- 1 Granny Smith apple
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Melt the chocolate.
- Pour chocolate on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Add caramel sauce on top.
- Chop apples.
- Add chopped apples, pretzels and flaky sea salt.
- Freeze until hardened, break into pieces and enjoy!
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