Name: Caramel Apple Chocolate Date Bark with Pretzels
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 1 green apple; 2 cups pretzels ((gluten-free)); 12 medjool dates ((pitted)); 2/3 cup chocolate chips; 1/4 cup almond butter; 3 tablespoons maple syrup; 2 tablespoons coconut oil; 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract; dash salt

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How to make the best healthy Caramel Apple Chocolate Date Bark with Pretzels & an almond butter caramel sauce w/ maple syrup

If you’re craving the flavors of caramel apples but want something quicker and easier, my Caramel Apple Chocolate Date Bark with Pretzels is the perfect solution. This recipe combines simple, clean ingredients like dates, almond butter, coconut oil, apples, pretzels, and your choice of chocolate chips to create a deliciously satisfying treat. The naturally sweetened dates mimic the caramel flavor, giving you that sweet-salty balance, while the crunch of pretzels and the richness of chocolate complete the experience.

This bark comes together in just a few minutes, making it an easy go-to dessert for fall gatherings or whenever you need a sweet fix without the fuss of traditional caramel apples. It’s one of those recipes that I’ve refined to deliver the perfect balance of flavors, without any unnecessary refined sugars. You’ll love how quickly this bark satisfies your craving for something sweet, salty, and chocolaty, with a wholesome twist.

Why You’ll Love My Healthier Apple Caramel Bark with Dates Recipe

Quick and Easy: Comes together in just a few minutes with simple, wholesome ingredients.
Perfect Sweet and Salty Balance: Dates, apples, pretzels, and chocolate create a satisfying mix of flavors.
Naturally Sweetened: Made without refined sugar, using dates and almond butter for sweetness.
Great for Fall Gatherings: This bark is perfect for sharing at fall events or enjoying as a cozy snack.

Ingredients & Substitutions

Here is everything you need to make the best-tasting caramel apple chocolate date bark w/ pretzels:

Green Apples: Substitute with a Granny Smith apple or any other crisp and tart apple variety for the diced apples.

Pretzels (gluten-free): Use gluten-free pretzels if you have a gluten intolerance or substitute with air-popped popcorn for a different crunch.

Medjool Dates (pitted): You can replace Medjool dates with other dried fruits like apricots, figs, or raisins for a different flavor profile.

Chocolate Chips: Opt for dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips if you have dietary restrictions. You can also chop up a dark chocolate bar into small pieces if you prefer.

Almond Butter: Replace almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter if you have allergies or prefer a different nut/seed butter flavor.

Maple Syrup: Substitute with honey, agave nectar, or date syrup for a different natural sweetener.

Coconut Oil: Use melted butter or ghee as a substitute for coconut oil.

Vanilla Extract: You can use almond extract, caramel extract, or omit it if necessary.

Salt: Any type of salt (sea salt, kosher salt, etc.) will work.

Close-up of caramel apple chocolate date bark with pretzels on parchment paper

How to Make My Apple Caramel Date Bark Recipe

Step 1: Make the Almond Butter Caramel Sauce

In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract (if using), and a dash of salt. Stir with a fork until well combined. It will have a similar texture to melted caramel.

Adding the almond caramel ingredients to a small measuring bowl.

Mixing the almond caramel ingredients in a small measuring bowl with a fork.

Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients

Core the green apple and dice it into small chunks.

Chop about six pretzels into small pieces.

Juiced and zested orange on a kitchen counter.

Step 3: Melt the Chocolate

In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and melted.

If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth and creamy. Stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate.

Adding coconut oil to chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl.

Stirring the melted chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl.

Step 4: Prepare the Date Base

Fold a piece of parchment in half and then open.

Pit the Medjool dates if needed. Slice them in half, but not all the way through. Butterfly them and arrange them on your sheet of parchment paper.

Spreading the date halves on a piece of parchment paper in rows.

Rolling the date halves between two pieces of parchment paper with a small rolling pin.

Step 5: Assemble the Layers

Drizzle the caramel sauce over the dates in an even layer.

Spread a layer of whole pretzels and press them into the caramel.

Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the pretzels. Hold back 2-3 tablespoons of chocolate to drizzle later.

Spread the chocolate layer with a spatula, allowing it to fill in all the crevices.

Sprinkle the chopped apple bits over the chocolate and gently press them down.

Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the apples.

Then sprinkle chopped pretzels over the top of the chocolate. Gently press the pretzels down so they all make contact with melted chocolate.

Spreading almond caramel sauce over the Medjool date halves.

Layering pretzels over the almond caramel on top of the dates.

Spreading the melted chocolate over the pretzel layer.

Adding diced green apples over the melted chocolate layer.

Drizzling melted chocolate over the diced apples.

Sprinkling a few more broken pretzel bits on top of the drizzled chocolate.

Step 6: Chill and Set

Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.

Once the bark has fully set, remove the sheet pan from the refrigerator or freezer.

Using your hands or a knife, break the bark into bite-sized pieces or irregular shapes. Serve and Enjoy!

A large piece of caramel apple chocolate date bark with pretzels on parchment paper.

Caramel Apple Chocolate Date Bark Recipe Notes

Date Selection: When using dried fruits like Medjool dates, ensure they are soft and moist for the best texture. If your dates are dry, you can soak them in warm water for a few minutes to soften them before blending.

Chocolate Choices: Choose chocolate chips that align with your dietary requirements, such as dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips if you’re vegan. You can also use white chocolate, milk chocolate, or dark chocolate chips. You can add multiple layers of chocolate if you like.

Salt Adjustments: Adjust the salt to your taste. You can start with a small pinch and add more if needed, as salt enhances the overall flavor balance of this salty treat.

Delicious Serving Suggestions

Break into pieces: Serve the bark in bite-sized pieces for easy snacking or sharing.
Pair with hot drinks: Enjoy with a cup of tea, coffee, or hot apple cider for a perfect fall treat.
Add extra toppings: Sprinkle extra chopped nuts or sea salt on top for added texture and flavor.
Serve chilled: Keep the bark in the fridge before serving for a refreshing, cool snack.

Refrigeration: Store the bark in an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag in the refrigerator. The cool temperature will help maintain its texture and prevent the chocolate from melting. It’s especially important if your kitchen is warm.

Separate Layers: If you’re stacking multiple layers of bark in a container, place parchment paper or wax paper between the layers to prevent sticking. This will also help maintain the appearance of the bark.

Avoid Moisture: Keep the bark away from moisture, as it can make it soggy and affect its texture, particularly of the crushed pretzels. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to prevent condensation from forming inside.

Consume Promptly: While the bark can last in the refrigerator for a few days, it’s best enjoyed within the first couple of days for the freshest taste and texture.

Freezing (Optional): If you want to extend the shelf life further, you can freeze the bark. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in an airtight container or a freezer-safe bag. Properly stored, it can last for several weeks in the freezer. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving.

Room Temperature: If you plan to serve the bark at room temperature for an event or gathering, place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. However, this is not the ideal long-term storage option, as the chocolate may become soft in warm conditions.

Remember that the quality of the bark may slightly degrade over time, with the pretzels potentially becoming less crispy and the chocolate possibly developing a white “bloom” due to temperature fluctuations. However, it should still be safe to eat within a reasonable time frame, provided it has been stored properly.

Can I use other fruits besides green apples?

Yes, you can use the type of apples you love most. You can also experiment with other fruits like pears or berries.

What can I use as a substitute for gluten-free pretzels?

If you need a gluten-free option, you can use gluten-free pretzels. Alternatively, air-popped popcorn can be a good substitute for a different texture and crunch.

Can I use dried fruits other than Medjool dates?

Absolutely! You can substitute Medjool dates with dried apricots, figs, raisins, or other dried fruits of your choice. Adjust the sweetness to your liking.

Can I use a different nut or seed butter for the caramel sauce?

Yes, you can substitute almond butter with peanut butter, cashew butter, sunflower seed butter, or any other nut/seed butter you prefer or have on hand.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the caramel sauce?

You can adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of maple syrup or using alternative sweeteners like honey, agave nectar, or date syrup. Taste as you go and add more sweetener if needed.

Is there a dairy-free option for the chocolate chips?

Yes, you can use dairy-free or vegan chocolate chips to make the recipe dairy-free. Many brands offer dairy-free chocolate chips made from ingredients like coconut or almond milk you can use for the chocolate base.

How long does the bark need to set in the refrigerator or freezer?

It typically takes 30 minutes in the refrigerator or 10-15 minutes in the freezer for the bark to set. You’ll know it’s ready when it’s firm to the touch.

Can I store the bark at room temperature?

It’s best to store the bark in the refrigerator to maintain its texture and prevent the chocolate from melting. Room temperature storage may cause the chocolate to soften in warm conditions.

How long does the bark stay fresh?

The bark is best enjoyed within the first couple of days for the freshest taste and texture. If properly stored, it can last in the refrigerator for a few days or in the freezer for several weeks, which is much longer than a traditional caramel apple.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party or event?

Yes, you can prepare the bark ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator or freezer until needed. Just make sure to allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before serving if it has been frozen.

Do you love homemade chocolate treats? Check out more of my easy and delicious date bark recipes:

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Caramel Apple Chocolate Date Bark with Pretzels

Craving caramel apples but need something quick? My Caramel Apple Chocolate Date Bark with Pretzels is made with dates, almond butter, coconut oil, apples, pretzels, and chocolate chips. Ready in minutes, this naturally sweetened treat is the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and chocolaty flavors for fall gatherings.

5 from 3 votes

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Servings

Prep Time 15

Total Time 25

Ingredients

1 green apple
2 cups pretzels (gluten-free)
12 medjool dates (pitted)
2/3 cup chocolate chips

Almond Butter Caramel Sauce:

1/4 cup almond butter
3 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
dash salt

Instructions

In a microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, combine the almond butter, maple syrup, coconut oil, vanilla extract (if using), and a dash of salt. Stir with a fork until well combined. It will have a similar texture to melted caramel.
Core the green apple and dice it into small chunks.
Chop about six pretzels into small pieces.
In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the chocolate chips and 1/2 teaspoon of coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between until smooth and melted.
If using a double boiler, melt the chocolate chips until smooth and creamy. Stir frequently to avoid burning the chocolate.
Fold a piece of parchment in half and then open.
Pit the Medjool dates if needed. Slice them in half, but not all the way through. Butterfly them and arrange them on your sheet of parchment paper.
Drizzle the caramel sauce over the dates in an even layer.
Spread a layer of whole pretzels and press them into the caramel.
Pour the melted chocolate over the top of the pretzels. Hold back 2-3 tablespoons of chocolate to drizzle later.
Spread the chocolate layer with a spatula, allowing it to fill in all the crevices.
Sprinkle the chopped apple bits over the chocolate and gently press them down.
Drizzle the remaining chocolate over the apples.
Then sprinkle chopped pretzels over the top of the chocolate. Gently press the pretzels down so they all make contact with melted chocolate.
Step 6: Chill and Set
Place the baking sheet in the refrigerator for 30 minutes or in the freezer for 10 minutes or until the chocolate has hardened.
Once the bark has fully set, remove the sheet pan from the refrigerator or freezer.
Using your hands or a knife, break the bark into bite-sized pieces or irregular shapes. Serve and Enjoy!

Video

Nutrition

Calories: 223kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 3gFat: 7gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.2gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.2gSodium: 166mgPotassium: 284mgFiber: 4gSugar: 22gVitamin A: 44IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 41mgIron: 2mg

Keyword apples, candy bar, caramel apple, chocolate, date bark, gluten free, maple syrup, pretzels, salted caramel

Did you make this recipe and love it?Please let me know in the comments below how it turned out 🙂