This is the kind of snack that disappears fast — like, don’t blink kind of fast. Sweet, salty, a little crunchy, and full of cozy caramel apple flavor.
I love making these for fall get-togethers, football Sundays, or just when I have a few apples lying around and want to turn them into something fun.
Why I Love This Recipe
I first made these during a fall movie night when I wanted something a little salty, a little sweet, but super easy. We ended up standing around the kitchen island, grabbing one after another until the plate was totally empty.
- It uses simple ingredients I usually already have
- No baking required — just quick melting
- The flavor combo hits every craving: sweet, salty, crunchy, gooey
- Makes a perfect bite-sized treat for parties or cozy nights in
Servings: Makes about 30 bites
Time: 20 minutes total
What You’ll Need
- 60 mini pretzels (you’ll make 30 bites, using 2 pretzels each)
- 1 large green apple, finely diced
- 30 soft caramel candies (like Kraft), unwrapped
- 1 tablespoon heavy cream
- ¼ cup white chocolate chips
- Flaky sea salt (optional, for topping)
Pro Tips
- Dice the apples tiny so they sit nicely on the pretzel and don’t fall off.
- Use parchment paper when assembling for easy cleanup and to keep things from sticking.
- Don’t skip the cream when melting the caramel — it makes it smooth and easy to spoon.
- Work fast when assembling! Caramel sets quickly as it cools.
- Use a spoon, not your fingers, when placing caramel — it’s sticky and hot.
Tools You’ll Need
- Microwave-safe bowl
- Spoon for stirring
- Knife and cutting board
- Parchment paper
- Small zip-top bag or piping bag (for white chocolate drizzle)
- Sheet pan or large plate (for assembling)
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap white chocolate with dark or milk chocolate
- Use red apples if you like things sweeter
- Add chopped pecans on top for crunch
- Use caramel sauce instead of melting candies for a shortcut (though it won’t set as firmly)
Make Ahead Tips
You can make these 1 day ahead. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and bring them to room temp for 10 minutes before serving so the caramel softens up again.
Recipe + Instructions
Step 1: Dice the Apple
Finely dice 1 large green apple into tiny cubes, about ¼-inch pieces.
Step 2: Melt the Caramel
Place 30 unwrapped soft caramel candies and 1 tablespoon of heavy cream in a microwave-safe bowl. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring between, until smooth and melted.
Step 3: Lay Out the Pretzels
Place 30 mini pretzels flat on a sheet of parchment paper. These are your base.
Step 4: Add the Caramel
Spoon a small amount of melted caramel onto each pretzel base. About ½ teaspoon per pretzel.
Step 5: Add Apple
Immediately place a few tiny diced apple pieces (from Step 1) on top of the caramel while it’s still warm and sticky.
Step 6: Top with Second Pretzel
Place another mini pretzel on top of each bite and gently press to sandwich it all together.
Step 7: Melt White Chocolate
Melt ¼ cup of white chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 15-second bursts until smooth.
Step 8: Drizzle with White Chocolate
Transfer the melted white chocolate to a zip-top bag, snip the corner, and drizzle over each pretzel bite.
Step 9: Sprinkle Sea Salt (Optional)
Sprinkle a pinch of flaky sea salt over the top of each bite, if using.
Step 10: Let Them Set
Let the bites sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes so the chocolate can set. Serve on a round plate.
Leftovers and Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Let them sit at room temp for 10 minutes before eating so the caramel softens a bit. You can also freeze them — just pop them into a freezer bag and thaw before serving.
Macros Information (Per 1 Bite, Approximate)
- Calories: 75
- Carbs: 12g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 3g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Sugar: 8g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Caramel is sticky and acts like glue, making it perfect for holding chopped apples in place. Adding cream to the caramel helps emulsify the sugars and fats, making it smoother and easier to spoon. The pretzels bring salt and crunch, balancing out the sweet apple and chocolate.
Common Mistakes
- Caramel too thick: Add more cream if it’s hard to spoon. It should be pourable.
- Apple pieces too big: If they’re too chunky, they’ll fall off. Keep them tiny.
- Drizzling too early: Let the bites cool for a minute before drizzling so the chocolate doesn’t slide off.
What to Serve With
- Apple cider or spiced tea
- A warm latte or hot chocolate
- Sharp cheddar cheese (it’s a good salty contrast)
- A cozy fall snack board
FAQ
Can I use caramel sauce instead of candies?
Yes, but it’ll be stickier and may not hold as well once cooled.
Can I make these nut-free?
They’re already nut-free! Just skip any added nuts on top if you’re customizing.
What if I don’t have a microwave?
Melt the caramel and chocolate on the stove over low heat using a double boiler method.
How long do they last?
About 3 days in the fridge, or 1 month in the freezer.
That’s It!
These little bites are seriously addictive. If you try them, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment, share how yours turned out, or ask any questions — I’m here to help. Happy snacking!