Description
These Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites are a delightful combination of salty pretzels, gooey caramel, tart apple pieces, and a drizzle of smooth white chocolate. Perfect as a sweet and salty snack or party treat, they offer a wonderful mix of textures and flavors with an optional cinnamon and nut garnish for an extra touch of indulgence.
Ingredients
Scale
Base Ingredients
- 50 small pretzels
- 25 soft caramels, unwrapped
- 1/2 cup finely diced apple pieces (firm, tart variety)
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup white chocolate chips or candy melts
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 cup crushed pretzels or nuts (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 250°F (120°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Arrange Pretzels and Caramels: Place half of the pretzels evenly on the prepared baking sheet and top each one with a single unwrapped caramel.
- Bake Caramels: Bake in the preheated oven for 4-5 minutes, just until the caramels become soft and pliable but not fully melted, ensuring they hold their shape.
- Add Apple Pieces and Top: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and quickly press a small piece of the finely diced apple onto each softened caramel, then sandwich each with another pretzel to form bites.
- Melt White Chocolate: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the white chocolate chips or candy melts by heating in short intervals and stirring in between until smooth and glossy.
- Decorate Bites: Drizzle the melted white chocolate over the assembled pretzel bites, then sprinkle with cinnamon and garnish with crushed pretzels or nuts if using, adding flavor and texture contrast.
- Cool and Set: Allow the pretzel bites to cool completely at room temperature or in the refrigerator so the caramel firms up and the chocolate sets before serving.
Notes
- Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for the best flavor contrast with the sweet caramel and chocolate.
- White chocolate chips can be substituted with candy melts or even milk chocolate if preferred.
- Optional cinnamon and crushed nut garnishes enhance the flavor and add a nice crunch.
- Serve these bites at room temperature or slightly chilled for best texture.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness for up to 3 days.
