Healthy Caramel Apple Date Bark
Enjoy all the flavors of candy apples with this easy-to-make & no-bake healthy Caramel Apple Date Bark made with dates, nut butter, pretzels, apples, and vegan chocolate.
If you love candy apples, get ready to fall in love with this healthier twist. This no-bake recipe is made with juicy medjool dates, creamy nut butter, crunchy pretzels, rich chocolate, and sweet green apples. It’s all the flavors of a candy apple but in bark form and much healthier.
You might be surprised to know that I was never a big fan of candy apples as a kid. They were just too messy – and I wasn’t a fan of being a messy kid (surprising, again). Plus, they were hard to eat. That’s where this Caramel Apple Date Bark comes in. It’s easy to make, easy to eat, and delivers all the delicious flavors of a candy apple in bite-sized form. Just slice, bite, and enjoy!
If you love the classic candy apple flavor, you’ll also want to check out my No Bake Caramel Apple Donuts.
What is Date Bark?
When date bark first started trending last year, I couldn’t get enough of it – and I’m still hooked!
If you’re new to date bark, it’s a layered treat that uses Medjool dates as a base. Dates are naturally sweet and taste like candy, but are packed with fiber and nutrients, making them the perfect healthy sweetener for desserts.
Haven’t tried date bark yet? Be sure to check out my Samoas Date Bark – it’s amazing!
Looking for more date-inspired treats? Check out all my tasty date recipes here!
Why You’ll Love This Caramel Apple Date Bark
- Packed with natural sweetness from dates
- Perfect balance of sweet, salty, crunchy, and creamy
- Healthier than traditional candy apples, but just as delicious!
- Easy to make and customize
- Vegan, gluten-free and refined sugar-free
Ingredients Needed
Scroll down to the recipe card to get the full recipe with measurements.
- Medjool dates – the natural sweetness and caramel-like flavor make them the perfect base for this recipe. I love using Joolie’s Dates (you can shop using my discount code: booboo for a discount!). It’s important to use Medjool dates over other types because they’re much sweeter and have that rich, caramel-like taste that brings this treat to life.
- Apple – treen or red – your choice! I find that green apples bring a tart bite that contrasts beautifully with the sweet dates.
- Pretzels – to add crunch. Use gluten-free pretzels if needed.
- Nut butter – I use peanut butter (because apples and PB are a match made in heaven), but almond butter or sunflower seed butter works great too.
- Vegan chocolate chips – I use Hu Chocolate (you can shop with my discount code: booboo for money off).
How to Make Caramel Apple Date Bark
- Prep the dates. Start by pitting your Medjool dates, spreading them apart, and pressing them down onto a lined baking sheet to create the base layer of your bark.
- Layer with nut butter. Spread a generous layer of nut butter on top of the dates.
- Add the toppings. First, layer the pretzels on top of the nut butter. Then, spread the melted vegan chocolate evenly over the pretzels. Next, sprinkle chopped apples and crushed pretzels on top. Finally, drizzle extra nut butter and melted vegan chocolate (because why not?)
- Chill and slice. Let the bark chill in the freezer for about 20 minutes to set, then slice and enjoy!
Make it Your Own
One of the best parts about this recipe is how customizable it is! Get creative with the toppings – sprinkle on some nuts, seeds, or even dried fruit for extra flavor and texture. Just like the candy apple booths at your local fair, the possibilities are endless.
More Healthy Fall Desserts You’ll Love
- Baked Apple Cider Donuts (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
- No Bake Caramel Apple Donuts
- Vegan Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies
- Mini Vegan Pumpkin Cheesecakes
- Pumpkin Peanut Butter Cups
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If you make this recipe, please be sure to leave a comment and ★★★★★ star rating below letting me know how you liked it! This helps others find my recipes. I appreciate your support, as always. xo, Megan
Caramel Apple Date Bark
Ingredients
- 1 green apple, chopped
- 10 medjool dates, pitted
- 1 cup pretzels
- ½ cup vegan chocolate chips
- ⅓ cup peanut butter, plus more for drizzling
- 1 tsp coconut oil, optional, to help the chocolate melt
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- If your dates still have the pits, remove the pits from your dates and smoosh them down and together onto the baking sheet, forming a rectangle shape.
- Spread the peanut butter (or other nut butter) on top of the dates.
- Layer the pretzels in even rows on top of the nut butter, covering the entire surface.
- Melt the vegan chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in the microwave. Spread the melted vegan chocolate evenly over the pretzels.
- Sprinkle chopped apples and crushed pretzels on top. Finally, drizzle extra nut butter and melted vegan chocolate for a finishing touch (if desired).
- Let the bark chill in the fridge for about 20 minutes to set, then slice and enjoy!
Notes
- If your dates are hard and dry, soak them in hot water for 5-10 minutes until they become soft and juicy. Then, drain and pat them dry.
- I like to use Joolie’s Medjool Dates. You can shop with my code BOOBOO for a discount!
- I like to use Hu Chocolate – it’s made with clean ingredients and is my all-time favorite chocolate. You can shop with my code BOOBOO for a discount.
- Store the date bark in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days (because of the fresh apples it doesn’t last as long in the fridge).
- For longer storage, keep the date bark in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1-2 weeks. When ready to enjoy, simply let it thaw for a few minutes at room temperature.
I love dates! but I never would have thought to make dates taste like a caramel apple! this recipe is amazing and I can’t wait to make it again to share with friends!
YAY so happy to hear you loved it, Alaina!