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Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites

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These irresistible caramel apple pretzel bites give you all the flavors of a classic caramel apple in one perfect bite-sized treat! Ready in just 30 minutes, they combine sweet, salty, and tart flavors with the ideal mix of crunchy and chewy textures.

Plate of caramel-covered pretzels with chocolate and nuts, surrounded by apples.

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Each pretzel bite starts with a crispy base topped with gooey caramel and fresh apple, then finished with a drizzle of chocolate and chopped peanuts. They’re perfect for fall parties, after-school snacks, or any time you’re craving that magical caramel apple combination!

If you love easy fall treats, you’ll also want to try my Apple Caramel Fudge or these adorable Nutter Butter Chocolate Acorns. And for another sweet and salty combo, check out my Christmas Pretzels Dipped in Chocolate!

Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes from start to finish
  • No special skills needed: Simple assembly anyone can master
  • Perfect party food: Bite-sized and crowd-pleasing
  • Sweet and salty combo: Hits all the right flavor notes
  • Budget-friendly: Uses simple ingredients from any grocery store

Recipe Ingredients

Ingredients for a treat: apples, caramel squares, pretzels, chocolate, peanuts.

Ingredient Notes:

  • Pretzel snaps—These square-shaped pretzels provide the perfect base for our treats. Their flat surface helps hold the caramel and toppings.
  • Kraft caramel squares – These classic candies melt perfectly for our topping. Make sure to unwrap them before starting.
  • Granny smith apples – Their tart flavor balances the sweet caramel beautifully. The firm texture holds up well in these bites.
  • Peanuts – Finely chopped peanuts add crunch and that classic caramel apple flavor combination.
  • Semisweet chocolate chips – These create the perfect finishing drizzle. Dark chocolate melting wafers work great too.

See the recipe card below for a complete list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Additions

  • Pretzels: Use mini twists, rounds, or pretzel crisps instead of snaps
  • Caramel: Try Rolos or other caramel-filled chocolates
  • Nuts: Swap peanuts for chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds
  • Chocolate: Use milk chocolate, white chocolate, or colored candy melts
  • Toppings: Add mini chocolate chips, toffee bits, or coconut

How to Make Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites (step-by-step directions)

Step-by-step pretzel snack preparation with caramel and diced apples.
  1. Start by preheating your oven to 275°F and lining a baking tray with parchment.
  2. Arrange pretzel snaps in a single layer, placing them 1 inch apart. (Photo 1)
  3. Center a caramel square on each pretzel. (Photo 2)
  4. Bake for 10-15 minutes until caramels soften but don’t completely melt. (Photo 3)
  5. While baking, prepare apple pieces and have chocolate ready to melt. (Photo 4)
Pretzels topped with caramel, apples, and chocolate drizzle on a baking sheet.
  1. Add apple pieces to warm caramel, drizzle with chocolate, and sprinkle with nuts. (Photos 5, 6 & 7)
Caramel apple pretzel bites drizzled with chocolate and topped with nuts.

Recipe Tips

  • Don’t overbake the caramels – they should be soft but not completely melted.
  • Pat the apple pieces very dry to prevent excess moisture
  • Work quickly when adding apples to the warm caramel
  • Have your chocolate and nuts ready to go before removing pretzels from the oven
  • Line your baking tray well to prevent sticking

Storing Tips

  • Best served: On the same day, they’re made for optimal freshness. Store in a single layer if needed for a few hours
  • Refrigeration: Refrigeration will harden caramel and make pretzels stale, so it isn’t a good idea.
  • Make ahead: Prepare components separately and assemble just before serving

Serving Suggestions

These pretzel bites are perfect for fall gatherings! Serve them alongside my Fall Chex Party Snack Mix Recipe, or pair them with Maple Pecan Cookies. For a complete autumn dessert spread, add some Easy Apple Oatmeal Bars to your table.

Bowl of caramel apple pretzel bites drizzled with chocolate and sprinkled nuts.

FAQs

Why did my caramel spread too much during baking? 

The oven temperature might have been too high, or they baked too long. Watch carefully and remove when just softened.

How can I keep my apples from browning?

Soak cut apples in lemon water or salt water, then pat completely dry before using.

Can I make these ahead for a party? 

These are best served the same day. The moisture from the apples can affect the pretzel’s crunch over time.

What if I can’t find pretzel snaps?

Any flat pretzel will work – try pretzel crisps, rounds, or even mini twists.

Why isn’t my chocolate drizzling smoothly?

Make sure to heat chocolate gradually on low power, stirring between intervals to prevent overheating.

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Plate of caramel apple bites drizzled with chocolate and topped with nuts.
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Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites


Author: Kim Schob
Course: Desserts
Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Setting Time 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
These irresistible caramel apple pretzel bites give you all the flavors of a classic caramel apple in one perfect bite-sized treat!

Ingredients 

  • 50 pretzel snaps
  • 50 Kraft’s caramel squares unwrapped
  • 3 granny smith apples cored and cut into 1-inch cubes
  • ¼ cup (36 ½ g) finely chopped peanuts
  • cup (60 g) semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate melting wafers

Instructions

  • Start by preheating your oven to 275°F and lining a baking tray with parchment.
  • Arrange pretzel snaps in a single layer, placing them 1 inch apart.
    50 pretzel snaps
  • Center a caramel square on each pretzel.
    50 Kraft’s caramel squares
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes until caramels soften but don’t completely melt.
  • While baking, prepare apple pieces and have chocolate ready to melt.
    3 granny smith apples,⅓ cup semisweet chocolate chips or dark chocolate melting wafers
  • Add apple pieces to warm caramel, then drizzle with chocolate and sprinkle with nuts.
    ¼ cup finely chopped peanuts

Notes

  • Don’t overbake the caramels – they should be soft but not completely melted
  • Pat the apple pieces very dry to prevent excess moisture
  • Work quickly when adding apples to the warm caramel
  • Have your chocolate and nuts ready to go before removing pretzels from the oven
  • Line your baking tray well to prevent sticking

Want To Save This Recipe?

Enter your information below, and I’ll send it straight to your inbox! Plus, you’ll get complimentary gifts!

Save Recipe

Nutrition Information

Calories: 78kcal (4%) Carbohydrates: 15g (5%) Protein: 1g (2%) Fat: 2g (3%) Saturated Fat: 1g (6%) Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.5g Trans Fat: 0.001g Cholesterol: 1mg Sodium: 99mg (4%) Potassium: 59mg (2%) Fiber: 1g (4%) Sugar: 8g (9%) Vitamin A: 11IU Vitamin C: 1mg (1%) Calcium: 18mg (2%) Iron: 0.4mg (2%)

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