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This caramel apple chocolate bark is a delicious rich treat or snack made with tart apples sandwiched between chocolate and caramel and topped with crunchy nuts.
This sweet and tart bank is naturally gluten free making it perfect for fall parties or gifts!
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At Sweet C’s, I add lots of tips in all of my recipes – because I am a home cook without any formal training, and I find I am more confident making dishes when I understand why it works, and what each ingredient means to the flavor of a recipe. My goal is for even the most beginner home cook to feel empowered in the kitchen.
Table of Contents
Sweet and Tart Caramel Apple Chocolate Bark
This caramel apple chocolate bark is no exception to my new rule. Chocolate and caramel go hand in hand in this dessert. I’ve been meaning to make caramel apples all season but the task has seemed a little too tedious – which I know, it is essentially dipping an apple in caramel. But you have to scrub the apples so that the caramel will stick and get the perfect sticks for dipping. This recipe is much simpler. It uses already dried apples for a no hassle dessert and has no sticks required! Win win in my book!
This caramel apple chocolate bark tastes just like a bite of fall. Warm cinnamon spices accent the chocolate layer with melted caramel sauce swirled in. Dried apple, pepitas, almonds and fleur de sel dotted on top. With an extra drizzle of caramel for good measure. You can’t get much more fall flavored then that! You’ll love how easy this dessert is to prepare for all of your fall gatherings!
Anyone who has ever known me in life knows that I have a slight caramel addiction.
Growing up, give me the choice between chocolate and caramel and I’d always choose caramel. Toppings for ice cream? Caramel. Drizzled over fruit? Caramel. Cheesecake? Caramel again. You see what I mean. But now that I’m an adult, I choose…. both! Why? Because I can!
How to Make Caramel Chocolate Apple BArk
First assemble the following ingredients:
- Semi-sweet chocolate chips (1 ¼ cup) – These provide a rich and slightly bitter flavor that balances the sweetness of the caramel and apples.
- White chocolate chips (1 ¼ cup) – These add a creamy sweetness that complements the tartness of the Granny Smith apples.
- Granny Smith apples (3) – Their tartness provides a refreshing contrast to the sweet chocolate and caramel.
- Kraft Caramel bites (16 oz) – These deliver a smooth, buttery caramel flavor that’s easy to melt and drizzle over the bark.
- Almonds (¼ cup) – Adding chopped almonds introduces a satisfying crunch and a nutty flavor to the bark.
- Pepita seeds (¼ cup) – These seeds contribute a subtle nuttiness and a slightly chewy texture, enhancing the overall complexity of the bark.
Use this Method
Prep. Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside. Dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Use paper towels to pat the excess moisture from the apples. In two separate bowls, melt 1 cup of both the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips by heating them in the microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Be careful not to burn the chocolate by heating it too quickly.
Assemble. Pour the chocolate onto the parchment paper in alternating lines. Use a rubber spatula or a spoon to spread the chocolate out into a fairly thick layer, swirling the two kinds together for a marbled look. It’s okay if they smear together! Sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the chocolate.
Heat and Add Topping. Add the caramel bits to a medium bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, until fully melted. Carefully spoon the caramel over the bark, getting it as even as you can over the top. Melt the remaining ¼ cup of each chocolate and drizzle over the top of the caramel.
Go Nuts. Sprinkle the almonds and pepita seeds over the bark.
Chill. Refrigerate the bark for 2-3 hours, until the chocolate and the caramel is fully set up. Cut into pieces and serve the same day.
Tips and Tricks for Making Caramel Apple Bark
Use High-Quality Chocolate: Opt for good-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate to ensure a smooth and rich flavor.
Melt Chocolate Carefully: Melt the chocolate slowly in a double boiler or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Prepare a Smooth Caramel: Make sure your caramel is smooth and not too thick so it can be easily drizzled over the chocolate.
Thinly Slice Apples: Use a mandoline or sharp knife to thinly slice the apples, ensuring they dry out properly and add the right amount of crunch.
Dry Apples Thoroughly: Ensure the apple slices are fully dried or dehydrated to prevent moisture from affecting the texture of the bark.
Layering: Spread a thin layer of melted chocolate on parchment paper, then drizzle caramel evenly over it before adding the dried apple slices.
Add Texture: Sprinkle sea salt, chopped nuts, or crushed pretzels over the top for added texture and flavor.
Chill Properly: Let the bark set in the refrigerator until fully hardened before breaking it into pieces.
Cut Even Pieces: Use a sharp knife to cut the bark into even pieces once it’s set for a neat presentation.
Store Correctly: Store the bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place to keep it fresh and crisp.
FAQs
High-quality dark, milk, or white chocolate all work well. Choose based on your preference, but ensure it melts smoothly for the best results.
Ensure the caramel is not overcooked, which can make it too thick. If it’s too thick, gently reheat it or add a small amount of cream to reach the desired consistency.
Yes! Making it with dry apples will increase the shelf life and keep the bark from having too much moisture. I just prefer the taste of fresh granny smith apples.
When stored in the refrigerator the bark can stay fresh for up to 10 days. For best quality, consume within the first week.
Yes, you can add toppings like sea salt, chopped nuts, crushed pretzels, or even dried cranberries for added texture and flavor.
Store the bark in an airtight container in a cool, dry place. It can also be stored in the refrigerator to keep it fresh and crisp.
Yes, you can freeze the bark. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. Thaw in the refrigerator before serving.
If the caramel is too thick, gently reheat it or add a small amount of cream or milk to thin it out to a drizzling consistency.
What to Enjoy with Your Chocolate Caramel Apple Bark
Chocolate bark is one of my favorite holiday treats to make and I love coming up with different flavors such as pomegranate and pistachio chocolate bark and chocolate peppermint bark.
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Caramel Apple Chocolate Bark
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ cup semi sweet chocolate chips, divided
- 1 ¼ cup white chocolate chips, divided
- 3 large Granny Smith apples
- 16 oz Kraft Caramel bites or 70 unwrapped kraft caramels
- ¼ cup almonds
- ¼ cup pepita seeds
Instructions
- Line a 9×13 baking sheet with parchment paper and set aside.
- Dice the apples into small, bite-sized pieces. Use paper towels to pat the excess moisture from the apples.
- In two separate bowls, melt 1 cup of both the semi-sweet and white chocolate chips by heating them in the microwave in 30-second intervals until completely melted. Be careful not to burn the chocolate by heating it too quickly.
- Pour the chocolate onto the parchment paper in alternating lines. Use a rubber spatula or a spoon to spread the chocolate out into a fairly thick layer, swirling the two kinds together for a marbled look. It’s okay if they smear together! Sprinkle the diced apples evenly over the chocolate.
- Add the caramel bits to a medium bowl and heat in the microwave in 30-second intervals, until fully melted.
- Carefully spoon the caramel over the bark, getting it as even as you can over the top.
- Melt the remaining ¼ cup of each chocolate and drizzle over the top of the caramel.
- Sprinkle the almonds and pepita seeds over the bark.
- Refrigerate the bark for 2-3 hours, until the chocolate and the caramel is fully set up. Cut into pieces and serve the same day.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Wonderful!
I was not able to locate nor access the Carmel apple bark recipe ???
Pls send
Thank you for pointing that out! We lost it when doing a software update, I just restored it so you should be able to see it at the bottom now.