Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites

These easy-to-make and festive snacks are perfect for tailgating, fall parties, or even as a packaged gift for autumn celebrations.

While many people get excited about pumpkin everything, I always gravitate toward apples when fall arrives. Apples bring that nostalgic “back to school” feeling and are a perfect complement to the season’s warm, cozy spices without diving straight into full-on pumpkin frenzy.

Recently, as I was brainstorming game day snacks for a tailgate, the idea for these Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites popped into my head. It sounded like the ideal combination of salty, sweet, and crunchy—so I grabbed the ingredients and gave it a try. Spoiler alert: they were even better than I imagined!

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Game days are the perfect time to embrace fall flavors, and these pretzel bites are an easy, portable snack to bring along. The salty crunch of mini pretzels paired with gooey caramel and the crisp texture of crushed apple chips make them irresistible.

For a quicker version, you can use pretzel rods instead of mini pretzels, which cuts down on prep time. I tried this hack when I took these to a pool party, and it worked like a charm. You can also mix it up by using different flavored apple chips, like cinnamon or caramel, or even toss in some finely chopped nuts for an added layer of texture.

These aren’t just for game day either—they’d be a great addition to any fall gathering, whether it’s Halloween, Thanksgiving, or any cozy autumn event. And let’s be honest, nothing says fall quite like caramel apples (don’t even think about saying pumpkin!).

Make a batch (or two—they disappear fast) and watch everyone dig in!

How to Make Caramel Apple Pretzels

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easy.

2. Melt the Caramels

• Place the unwrapped caramels in a microwave-safe bowl and pour the heavy cream over them.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. This should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes total. Stir well to ensure the caramel is creamy and lump-free.

3. Crush the Apple Chips

• While the caramel is melting, crush the apple chips into small pieces. You can do this by placing the chips in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan to crush them. Spread the crushed apple chips out on a small plate or shallow dish.

4. Dip the Pretzels

• Working one pretzel at a time, dip half of each mini pretzel into the melted caramel. Be sure to scrape off any excess caramel on the side of the bowl to prevent dripping.
• Immediately dip the caramel-coated pretzel into the crushed apple chips, gently pressing the chips onto the caramel to help them stick.

5. Set the Pretzels

• Place the coated pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to prevent sticking.
• Continue dipping and coating until all of the caramel is used up. You should end up with about 50-60 bites depending on the amount of caramel and apple chips used.

6. Allow to Set

• Let the pretzel bites sit for a few minutes to allow the caramel to firm up.
• Once set, transfer the pretzels to a serving dish or package them up for later enjoyment. They can be eaten as soon as they’re ready, or stored for later snacking.

Recipe Notes

• Caramel Consistency: Be sure to melt the caramels with the heavy cream, as this helps achieve a smoother texture that’s easier to work with. Stir the caramel thoroughly between microwave sessions to prevent it from burning.
• Crushing Apple Chips: Crushing the apple chips into smaller pieces ensures they stick well to the caramel and provide a good crunch. Try not to pulverize them into a powder—aim for small, bite-sized pieces.
• Storage: These pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, they’re best eaten fresh, as the pretzels can soften over time.

Caramel Apple Pretzel Bites

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• Author: Dianna Muscari
• Total Time: 18 minutes
• Yield: 50-60 pretzels 1x

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Description

The perfect quick snack or party food, these bites come together in just a few minutes and are ideal for fall gatherings, and a fun treat to enjoy anytime.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 15 wrapped caramels, unwrapped (about 5.3 oz or 150g)
• 1 tsp heavy cream (5ml)
• 1 bag (2.5 oz or 70g) apple chips, crushed
• 55–60 mini pretzels

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Baking Pan

• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the caramel from sticking to the pan and make cleanup easy.

2. Melt the Caramels

• Place the unwrapped caramels in a microwave-safe bowl and pour the heavy cream over them.
• Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each session, until the caramels are completely melted and smooth. This should take about 1 to 1.5 minutes total. Stir well to ensure the caramel is creamy and lump-free.

3. Crush the Apple Chips

• While the caramel is melting, crush the apple chips into small pieces. You can do this by placing the chips in a resealable bag and using a rolling pin or the bottom of a pan to crush them. Spread the crushed apple chips out on a small plate or shallow dish.

4. Dip the Pretzels

• Working one pretzel at a time, dip half of each mini pretzel into the melted caramel. Be sure to scrape off any excess caramel on the side of the bowl to prevent dripping.
• Immediately dip the caramel-coated pretzel into the crushed apple chips, gently pressing the chips onto the caramel to help them stick.

5. Set the Pretzels

• Place the coated pretzels onto the prepared baking sheet, spacing them out to prevent sticking.
• Continue dipping and coating until all of the caramel is used up. You should end up with about 50-60 bites depending on the amount of caramel and apple chips used.

6. Allow to Set

• Let the pretzel bites sit for a few minutes to allow the caramel to firm up.
• Once set, transfer the pretzels to a serving dish or package them up for later enjoyment. They can be eaten as soon as they’re ready, or stored for later snacking.

Notes

• Caramel Consistency: Be sure to melt the caramels with the heavy cream, as this helps achieve a smoother texture that’s easier to work with. Stir the caramel thoroughly between microwave sessions to prevent it from burning.
• Crushing Apple Chips: Crushing the apple chips into smaller pieces ensures they stick well to the caramel and provide a good crunch. Try not to pulverize them into a powder—aim for small, bite-sized pieces.
• Storage: These pretzel bites can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days. However, they’re best eaten fresh, as the pretzels can soften over time.

• Prep Time: 15 min
• Cook Time: 3 min
• Category: Party Food
• Method: No-Bake
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 bites
• Calories: 180
• Sugar: 10g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 6g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 2mg