High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark Recipe
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.
- 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
