High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Chill the bark: Place the baking dish in the freezer for 30 minutes to set the bark firmly.
- 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
