Introduction

This High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark combines the crisp freshness of Granny Smith apples with rich dark chocolate, gooey caramel, and crunchy pretzels for an irresistible treat. Enhanced with a scoop of vanilla protein powder, it’s a delicious snack that satisfies your sweet tooth while giving you a protein boost.

The image shows several square pieces of a layered treat placed on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a dark chocolate base layer, followed by a layer of twisted pretzels adding an orange-brown color and crunchy texture. On top of the pretzels, there is a layer of smooth caramel drizzled unevenly, giving a shiny light brown touch. Scattered small white chunks, possibly apple pieces, add contrast across each piece. The overall look is rich and textured, with the layers distinct and glossy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Peel the apple if desired, wash it, then chop into small pieces.
Step 2: Place the apple pieces in a bowl of room temperature water with a pinch of salt and let them soak for 5–10 minutes. Rinse under cold water and pat dry thoroughly.
Step 3: Add the chocolate chips and coconut oil to a small bowl. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between, until the chocolate is melted and smooth. Stir in the protein powder until fully combined.
Step 4: Reserve about ¼ cup of the melted chocolate, then pour the remaining chocolate into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Smooth out the chocolate with the back of a spoon.
Step 5: Arrange the pretzels in a single layer over the chocolate, then scatter the apple pieces on top. Set aside.
Step 6: To make the caramel, heat the caramel chews and coconut cream in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until melted and creamy.
Step 7: Drizzle the caramel over the bark, followed by the reserved chocolate. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top.
Step 8: Place the baking dish in the freezer for 30 minutes until the bark is firm.
Step 9: Once firm, chop into large chunks and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a sweeter apple, try using Fuji or Honeycrisp instead of Granny Smith.
For a vegan option, replace caramel chews with vegan caramel or date syrup.
Add chopped nuts like almonds or pecans for extra crunch and flavor.
Ensure apples are patted very dry to prevent the bark from becoming soggy.

Storage

Store the caramel apple bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Before serving, you can let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes to soften slightly. Avoid leaving it out too long to prevent melting.

How to Serve

The image shows several rectangular pieces of a snack bar arranged closely together on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a thin dark chocolate base topped with small pretzel twists whose golden-brown color contrasts with the dark chocolate. On top of the pretzels, there are small chunks of light yellow apple scattered unevenly, adding a fresh look. The entire snack is drizzled with smooth, glossy caramel in thin, wavy lines, giving a shiny texture that catches the light. Some pieces have tiny flakes of sea salt sprinkled on them, adding a touch of roughness. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use milk chocolate instead of dark chocolate?

Yes, you can substitute milk chocolate if you prefer a sweeter, creamier flavor. Just keep in mind that it will reduce the bitterness and protein content slightly.

Is it necessary to soak the apple pieces in salted water?

Soaking the apples in salted water helps prevent browning and keeps them crisp longer, which enhances the texture of the bark.

High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.8 from 619 reviews

This High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark is a delicious and nutritious treat combining the tartness of Granny Smith apples with rich dark chocolate, creamy caramel, crunchy pretzels, and a boost of vanilla lucuma protein powder. This no-bake dessert is easy to prepare and perfect for a guilt-free snack or sweet indulgence, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavors with added protein for energy and muscle support.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit

1 Granny Smith apple, chopped into small pieces (peeled if desired)

Chocolate Mixture

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

Caramel Topping

15 caramel chews
3 tbsp coconut cream

Additional Toppings

35 mini pretzels
Flaky sea salt, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the apple pieces: Peel the apple if desired, then wash thoroughly and chop into small pieces.
Remove excess starch from apples: In a bowl, combine 1 cup of room temperature water with a pinch of salt. Soak the chopped apple pieces in this solution for 5-10 minutes. After soaking, rinse the apples under cold water and pat dry with a clean towel.
Melt the chocolate and combine protein powder: In a small microwave-safe bowl, add the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted. Stir in one scoop of Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma powder until well combined and smooth.
Prepare the bark base: Reserve approximately ¼ cup of the melted chocolate mixture for drizzling later. Pour the remaining chocolate mixture into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Spread evenly with the back of a spoon to create a smooth chocolate layer.
Add toppings onto the chocolate base: Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer over the chocolate. Then evenly distribute the dried apple pieces on top of the pretzels and set the dish aside.
Make the caramel sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the caramel chews and coconut cream. Stir occasionally until the caramel chews melt completely and the mixture becomes creamy and smooth.
Assemble the bark: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce over the apple and pretzel layer. Follow by drizzling the reserved chocolate mixture on top. Sprinkle flaky sea salt evenly over the entire bark.
Chill the bark: Place the baking dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to allow the bark to set completely.
Serve and store: Once set, cut the bark into large chunks. Enjoy immediately or store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness.

Notes

Soaking the apple pieces in salted water helps to reduce starch and enhances their texture when included in the bark.
You can peel the apple if you prefer a smoother texture; otherwise, the skin adds extra fiber and nutrients.
If you do not have Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma, you can substitute with another vanilla-flavored protein powder, but it may alter the flavor slightly.
Store the bark refrigerated to prevent the caramel from becoming too hard or the chocolate from melting.
The bark can be customized by swapping pretzels for nuts or seeds if preferred.

Keywords: high protein caramel apple bark, protein dessert, dark chocolate bark, caramel apple recipe, healthy snack, gluten free dessert, no bake dessert, vanilla lucuma protein