High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Introduction

This High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark combines the sweetness of apples and caramel with rich dark chocolate and a hint of sea salt for a deliciously satisfying treat. Packed with protein and a crunch from mini pretzels, it’s perfect for a snack that feels indulgent but keeps you energized.

Ingredients

• 1 granny smith apple, chopped into small pieces
• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 15 caramel chews
• 3 tbsp coconut cream
• 35 mini pretzels
• 1 scoop Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma
• Flaky sea salt, for topping

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the apple if desired. Wash, then chop it into small pieces.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, add 1 cup of room temperature water with a pinch of salt. Soak the apple pieces for 5–10 minutes, then rinse under cold water and pat dry.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring until melted and smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir in 1 scoop of Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma until fully incorporated.
5. Step 5: Reserve about ¼ cup of the chocolate mixture. Pour the remaining chocolate into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Smooth it out with the back of a spoon.
6. Step 6: Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer over the chocolate, then scatter the apple pieces on top.
7. Step 7: To make the caramel, heat the caramel chews and coconut cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted and creamy.
8. Step 8: Drizzle the warm caramel over the bark, then drizzle the reserved chocolate over the top.
9. Step 9: Sprinkle flaky sea salt over the bark and place the dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to set.
10. Step 10: Once set, cut the bark into large chunks and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use any variety of apples you prefer for a different sweetness or tartness level.
• Substitute caramel chews with homemade caramel sauce if available.
• For a nutty twist, add chopped nuts such as pecans or walnuts on top before chilling.
• To make it dairy-free, ensure the chocolate chips and caramel chews are vegan-friendly.

Storage

Store the caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. It can also be frozen for longer storage. To enjoy, bring to room temperature for a few minutes or warm slightly for easier biting.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different protein powder?

Yes, you can use any vanilla-flavored protein powder you prefer. Just make sure it dissolves well in the melted chocolate for smooth texture.

Do I have to soak the apple pieces in salted water?

Soaking the apples in salted water helps prevent browning and keeps them crisp. It’s recommended but you can skip this step if short on time.

High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark is a delicious and nutritious snack that combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with rich dark chocolate, creamy caramel, crunchy pretzels, and a boost of vanilla lucuma protein powder. Perfect for a satisfying treat that balances sweet, salty, and protein-packed flavors.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruit

• 1 Granny Smith apple, chopped into small pieces

Chocolate Mixture

• 1 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 tbsp coconut oil
• 1 scoop Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma

Caramel

• 15 caramel chews
• 3 tbsp coconut cream

Toppings

• 35 mini pretzels
• Flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the apple: Peel the Granny Smith apple if desired. Wash well, then chop into small pieces. Place the apple pieces in a bowl of room temperature water with a pinch of salt and soak for 5-10 minutes. Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
2. Melt the chocolate: Combine dark chocolate chips and coconut oil in a small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring in between, until fully melted and smooth. Stir in the vanilla lucuma protein powder until well blended.
3. Assemble the bark base: Reserve about 1/4 cup of the melted chocolate mixture and pour the remaining chocolate into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Smooth the chocolate evenly using the back of a spoon.
4. Add pretzels and apple pieces: Arrange mini pretzels in a single layer over the chocolate base, followed by an even layer of the chopped apple pieces. Set aside.
5. Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt caramel chews with coconut cream, stirring occasionally until the mixture is completely melted and creamy.
6. Drizzle toppings: Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the apple and pretzel layer. Then drizzle the reserved melted chocolate over the caramel. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to taste.
7. Chill the bark: Place the baking dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to set the bark firmly.
8. Serve: Once set, chop the bark into large chunks and enjoy immediately. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Notes

• For a less tart flavor, use a sweeter apple variety or omit the soaking step.
• Be sure to pat the apple pieces dry completely to prevent soggy bark.
• Use parchment paper to easily lift the bark out of the dish after freezing.
• Store bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the caramel from melting.
• Adding flaky sea salt enhances the balance of sweet and salty flavors.

Keywords: high-protein snack, caramel apple bark, chocolate bark, protein dessert, healthy snack, gluten free, apple desserts