Ingredients
-
1 cup melted chocolate (choose your favorite – milk, dark, or white)
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1 green apple, diced
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¼ cup Caramel Apple Fit Butters (for a healthier caramel twist)
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10 pretzels, broken into pieces
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Optional: 2 tbsp caramel sauce for an extra touch of sweetness
Directions
- Melt the Chocolate:
Start by melting your chocolate. You can use chocolate chips or a chocolate bar – just make sure to melt it slowly and carefully, either in the microwave in short bursts or over a double boiler.
- Prepare Your Workspace:
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This will make it easy to lift your bark off the sheet once it’s set.
- Spread the Chocolate:
Pour the melted chocolate onto the parchment paper and spread it out evenly with a spatula, creating a thin layer. The thickness can be adjusted according to your preference, but a quarter-inch thickness usually works well.
- Add the Apple:
Dice your green apple into small chunks. Scatter these pieces evenly over the melted chocolate. The tartness of the green apple complements the sweetness of the chocolate beautifully.
- Add Pretzels:
Break the pretzels into smaller pieces and sprinkle them over the chocolate and apple layer. The pretzels add a fantastic crunch and a salty contrast to the sweetness.
- Drizzle Caramel Apple Fit Butters:
Spoon the Caramel Apple Fit Butters over the top of the bark in a zigzag pattern. This adds a creamy caramel flavor with fewer calories and is a great option if you’re looking for a lighter alternative to traditional caramel sauce.
- Optional Caramel Sauce:
For those who love an extra caramel kick, drizzle some caramel sauce on top of the bark as well. This step is completely optional but adds an extra layer of indulgence.
- Finish with More Chocolate:
Drizzle a bit more melted chocolate over the top for a final touch. This helps to hold everything together and gives the bark a glossy finish.
- Freeze:
Place the baking sheet in the freezer and let the bark chill for 30-45 minutes, or until the chocolate is completely set.
- Break and Enjoy:
Once the bark is firm, break it into pieces. Enjoy it immediately or store it in an airtight container for a sweet treat later.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Bark
Use High-Quality Chocolate: The better the chocolate, the better the bark. Opt for high-quality chocolate chips or bars for a smoother texture and richer flavor.
Even Melting: Melt your chocolate in short bursts in the microwave or using a double boiler to avoid burning it. Stir frequently for a smooth consistency.
Prep Ingredients Ahead: Dice the apple and break the pretzels into pieces before you start melting the chocolate. This makes the assembly process quick and easy.
Dry Apple Pieces: To prevent the apples from making the chocolate too wet, pat them dry with a paper towel before adding them to the bark.
Chill Thoroughly: Make sure to let the bark freeze completely for at least 30-45 minutes. This ensures it will break into nice, clean pieces.
Extras and Variations
Add Nuts: For extra crunch and flavor, sprinkle some chopped nuts, like pecans or almonds, over the top before freezing.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or a sprinkle of sea salt on top of the chocolate for an extra layer of flavor that complements the caramel and apple.
Mix and Match: Try using different types of chocolate – dark, milk, or white – or even a combination of them for a layered effect.
Make It Festive: For special occasions, use colorful sprinkles or edible glitter on top of the bark before it sets to add a festive touch.
Alternative Toppings: Swap out the pretzels for crushed graham crackers or toffee bits for a different texture and flavor.
Storage Tips: Keep the bark in an airtight container refrigerate it for longer freshness.
Feel free to experiment with these tips and extras to create your perfect batch of Caramel Apple Crunch Bark!
Nutrition
Nutrition
- Serving Size
- 1 piece
Amount/Serving
% Daily Value
- Protein
- 3 grams
- Carbs
- 13 grams
- Fat
- 7 grams
