Caramel Apple Bark

This is the perfect treat for a Halloween party or to make eating caramel apples a little bit easier!

Ingredients:

Caramel Sauce:

• 1/2 cup granulated sugar

• 2 Tbsp water

• 3 Tbsp butter, cut into pieces

• 1/4 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 tsp vanilla

• a pinch of salt

Other bark ingredients:

• 2 cups chocolate chips, semisweet (but dark would be delicious too!)

• 2 cup pretzels, crushed

• 1 green apple, diced

Directions:

For the caramel sauce:

1. In a small saucepan, stir together the water and sugar over medium heat until the sugar dissolves and it starts to bubble (about 3-4 minutes).

2. Do not stir anymore and let the mixture bubble until the mixture thickens and turns into a deep amber color (about the color of honey). This will take 8-12 minutes but keep an eye on it because it can get too dark very quickly.

3. Remove from heat and whisk in the butter one piece at a time. The mixture will foam up but that's normal!

4. Whisk in the heavy cream, vanilla, and salt and let it cool for 10-15 minutes,

For the bark:

1. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30 second intervals until smooth.

2. Line a cookie sheet with wax paper. You want to spread out the chocolate so that there aren't any thick clumps (about 8x12 inch rectangle).

3. Spread out the pretzels and press gently into the chocolate.

4. Dice the apple and use a paper towel to lightly dab extra moisture. Spread across the bark.

5. The caramel won't be fully cool yet but after the 10-15 minutes, drizzle it over the bark. You can use a spoon, a piping bag or a squeeze bottle.

6. Chill in the refrigerator for about an hour until the caramel thickens and the chocolate hardens.

Notes:

• The bark tastes best fresh but it will last for a couple of days. The apples will start to dry out but it's still delicious!

• I've tried this with individually wrapped soft caramels instead of making a sauce, but they got very hard and stuck in your teeth when refrigerated. You could also try it with a store bought caramel sauce, but you don't want it very runny.

Love this recipe? Let me know by leaving a comment or messaging me on Instagram! I'd love to hear what you think.