Satisfy your sweet and salty cravings with this Caramel Apple Bark recipe made with pretzels, fresh apples, creamy caramel, and rich chocolate. This easy no-bake fall dessert comes together in minutes and is perfect for Halloween parties, after-school snacks, or anytime you're craving a caramel apple-without the sticky mess!
With Fall comes apple season, the perfect time for caramel apple desserts! Every year my family heads to the orchard, picks way too many apples, and comes home ready to bake. From Apple Cheesecake Bars to Apple Fritter Bread, apples sneak into everything- but this caramel apple bark recipe is by far the easiest and most fun. With tart Granny Smith apples, chocolate, pretzels, and gooey caramel, this caramel apple pretzel bark is a no-bake treat perfect for Fall gatherings, Halloween, or anytime a caramel apple craving hits.
Quick Look: Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
- ⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ❄️ Chill Time: 3 hours
- 🕒 Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- 🍴 Servings: 10-12
- 🍎 Calories: 336 calories per serving (may vary)
- ✋ Serving Suggestions: break into pieces using your hands or use a knife to cut into uniform pieces.
- ✅ Difficulty: Easy, no-bake, perfect for Fall gatherings, sweet tooth cravings, and anytime.
Jump to:
Why You Need to Make This Recipe
- Classic Fall Treat Without the Mess– Enjoy the nostalgic taste of caramel apples in a simple apple bark recipe that's easy to eat and share.
- Sweet & Salty Perfection– Crunchy pretzels, tart Granny Smith apples, rich chocolate, and gooey caramel in every bite.
- Crowd-Pleaser– Perfect for parties, bake sales, or family movie nights.
- No-Bake & Easy– With just 4 ingredients, this easy caramel apple bark recipe comes together in minutes.
Love bark recipes? Also check out my Salted Caramel Pretzel Bark and Oreo Peppermint Bark too!
Ingredient Notes
Full ingredient measurements and instructions can be found in the recipe card below.
- Granny Smith Apples– Their tartness balances the sweetness of caramel. Other options: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples.
- Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips– Dark chocolate works too if you prefer less sweetness. I find milk chocolate chips to be too sweet, however, those work too.
- Crushed Pretzels– use gluten free, regular pretzels, or pretzel sticks, crushed. Adds salty crunch. Swap with nuts if preferred.
- Caramels– Kraft caramels or wrapped caramel bits are best for melting (not caramel sauce).
- Optional: Sea Salt– A light sprinkle makes this caramel apple pretzel bark even better.
How to make Easy No-Bake Caramel Apple Bark
Step 1. Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Step 3. Pour the melted chocolate onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it into an even layer using a rubber spatula.
Step 4. While the chocolate is still soft, sprinkle the crushed pretzels in an even layer over the top.
Step 5. Dice apples and pat them very dry with paper towels.
Step 6. In another bowl, melt caramels in 30-second intervals until smooth.
Step 7. Scatter apples over pretzels, drizzle with melted caramel.
Step 8. Finish with remaining ¼ cup melted chocolate. If desired, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on top of the chocolate. Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Baking Tips
- Get creative– Add white chocolate drizzle, graham cracker crumbs, spices like cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or dried fruit for a fun twist.
- Pat apples dry– Prevents sogginess and helps bark stay crisp.
- Make-ahead friendly– Chill in advance for parties or holiday gatherings.
👉 Want a dip instead of this bark? Try my Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip!
Serving & Storing
- Serve– Break into rustic pieces by hand or cut into squares for neat presentation.
- Refrigerate: If you have any leftovers, store in an airtight container in the fridge. Best enjoyed within 2-3 days.
- Freeze: Wrap tightly and store for up to 5 days. Thaw in fridge before serving.
Caramel Apple Bark Recipe FAQs
Granny Smith apples are my favorite, but Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Opal work too.
Always use melting caramels. Caramel sauce doesn't set properly and will make the bark messy.
Toss chopped apples in lemon water for 5 minutes, then pat completely dry before adding to the bark.
More Apple Recipes You’ll Love
If you loved this caramel apple bark, it's sure to become a fall favorite. With tart apples, sweet chocolate, and gooey caramel, this no-bake treat is simple and delicious. Share it with family and friends for the perfect seasonal dessert! Also try my Loaded Fall Harvest Cookies for another great autumn sweet!
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Easy Caramel Apple Bark With Pretzels
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 Granny Smith Apples medium apples, chopped and patted dry
- 2 ¼ cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
- 1 cup pretzels crushed
- 11 oz candy caramels melting caramels work best
- optional: sea salt for sprinkling
Instructions
- Line a large cookie sheet with parchment paper.
- In a microwave-safe bowl, melt 2 cups of chocolate chips in 30-second intervals, stirring until smooth. Spread evenly on the prepared pan.
- Sprinkle crushed pretzels over the melted chocolate.
- Scatter chopped apples over the pretzels.
- In a separate microwave-safe bowl, melt the caramels in 30-second intervals until smooth. Drizzle over apples and pretzels.
- Melt remaining ¼ cup chocolate chips and drizzle on top. Optional: sprinkle with sea salt.
- Refrigerate for at least 3 hours or until fully set. Break into pieces and enjoy!
Notes
- Pat apples completely dry to prevent sogginess.
- Feel free to add spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, pumpkin spice), white chocolate drizzle, or crushed graham crackers for extra flair.
- This easy caramel apple bark recipe can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge.
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Thaw in fridge before serving, up to 5 days.
Katie Crenshaw says
I was looking for an easy fall dessert to bring to a party and found this recipe. It was gone in minutes. Both kids and adults LOVED it! I will be making it again at our Halloween party.
Kristin Hayes says
Yay!! Love hearing this! Glad you enjoyed!!
Amy says
This is such a fun fall treat! Love the combo of tart apples, salty pretzels, and gooey caramel. I’m definitely making this for our next movie night.
Kristin Hayes says
Soooo tasty!
Maria says
This is the most fall recipe I’ve seen in a while. I love how easy it is, and those flavors are great!
Kristin Hayes says
So yummy and so simple to make! Glad you enjoyed!!
Beth says
I love the chocolate and caramel with the apples. It tastes like a caramel apple!
Kristin Hayes says
So glad you enjoyed!!
Kristin Hayes says
My kids LOVE this bark! We put a few pieces into plastic bags during the Fall season and give them as little gifts to friends and teachers!