Print

High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 332 reviews

This High-Protein Caramel Apple Bark is a delicious and nutritious treat that combines tart granny smith apples, rich dark chocolate, creamy caramel, crunchy mini pretzels, and a boost of vanilla lucuma protein. It’s a perfect snack or dessert that balances sweetness and saltiness with a satisfying texture, all while packing a good protein punch.

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

Caramel Sauce

  • 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 you prefer, then wash thoroughly. Chop the apple into small pieces to ensure easy layering and even distribution in the bark.
  2. Soak the Apple Pieces: Fill a bowl with 1 cup of room temperature water and add a pinch of salt. Submerge the chopped apple pieces in the bowl and let them soak for 5-10 minutes. This step helps to soften the apple pieces slightly and remove excess starch. Afterwards, rinse the apples under cold water and pat dry with paper towels.
  3. Melt the Chocolate and Mix Protein: In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the dark chocolate chips and coconut oil. Microwave in 30-second increments, stirring between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Stir in one scoop of Epic Protein Vanilla Lucuma until the mixture is well incorporated.
  4. Form the Chocolate Base: Reserve about ¼ cup of the melted chocolate mixture for drizzling later. Pour the remaining chocolate into an 8×8 inch baking dish lined with parchment paper. Use the back of a spoon to smooth out an even layer of chocolate across the dish.
  5. Add Pretzels and Apple: Arrange the mini pretzels in a single layer on top of the chocolate base. Then scatter the drained apple pieces evenly over the pretzels, pressing lightly to set them in place.
  6. Make the Caramel Sauce: Place the caramel chews and coconut cream in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until the caramel has melted completely and the mixture turns creamy and smooth.
  7. Assemble the Bark: Drizzle the warm caramel sauce evenly over the apple and pretzel layer. Next, drizzle the reserved melted chocolate over the caramel to create decorative swirls. Sprinkle flaky sea salt on top to enhance the flavor profile.
  8. Set the Bark: Transfer the baking dish to the freezer and chill for 30 minutes until the bark is firm enough to cut.
  9. Serve and Store: Cut the bark into large chunks. Enjoy immediately or store the bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain texture and freshness.

Notes

  • Peeling the apple is optional but can reduce bitterness and provide a smoother texture.
  • Soaking the apple pieces in salted water prevents browning and slightly softens them for better texture in the bark.
  • Use a high-quality dark chocolate for better flavor and richer texture.
  • The coconut cream in caramel adds a dairy-free creamy texture; do not substitute with regular cream if avoiding dairy.
  • Store bark chilled to prevent melting and keep pretzels crunchy.
  • Adjust flaky sea salt amount according to your taste preference for sweet-salty balance.

Keywords: high-protein, caramel apple bark, protein dessert, paleo friendly, gluten free, healthy snack, chocolate bark, caramel sauce, apple dessert

Find it online: https://dishedbydana.com/high-protein-caramel-apple-bark-recipe/