These Apple Pretzel Bites are sweet, salty, crunchy and so easy to make. With just five ingredients, these bites are perfect for an easy snack or dessert!

You’ll also love this Cinnamon Apple Sauce, Easy Apple Pie Croissants, and Apple Pie Monkey Bread!

apple pretzel bites on a white surface

Fall is here and I couldn’t be more excited!

These caramel apple pretzel bites can be made year-round, but they just seem to taste a little better come fall. Now, this apple bite recipe isn’t new by any means, but I couldn’t help but test it out myself. And I can verify, it’s decadently delicious!

This sweet treat is perfect for the season. With juicy apples, salty pretzels, and creamy caramel and chocolate in one little bite…what could be better?

Much like this caramel-drizzed apple cobbler, caramel apple baked brie, and caramel apple danish, these pretzel apple bites are loaded with the good stuff.  If you’re a fan of these flavors, then you’ve got to try this.

apple pretzel bites on a white plate

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  • Easy to make: like most of my recipes, these poppable apple bites contain just 5 ingredients and are ready in minutes.
  • Kid-friendly: if you’ve got some kiddos around the house, this would be a great snack for them to help prepare (and eat).
  • Seasonal flavors: apples are in season come fall and this easy recipe is perfect for those apples from apple picking or farmer’s markets.
  • Versatile: These bites can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or as part of a brunch spread. Serve these with some caramel sauce for dipping and you’ve got a tasty combo.
  • Perfect for a party: if you’ll be going to a Halloween party, game day party, or other event, this treat is great to share with family and friends.
ingredients on a grey baking pan

Ingredients:

  • Lemon juice and cold water: fresh lemon juice and cold water will create a water bath for the apples, preventing them from browning once they’re assembled.
  • Green apples: Granny smith apples are the star of the show because of the tart flavor that pairs beautifully with caramel and chocolate.
  • Pretzels: twists or rounds give that salty, tasty crunch. 
  • Rolos: the perfect amount of chocolate and caramel in one small candy.
pretzels with rolos placed on top on a baking pan
apple slices cut into cubes on a brown cutting board with parchment paper
apple pretzel bites fully assembled on a baking pan

How to Make Caramel Apple Bites:

  • Combine: add lemon juice and cold water to a medium bowl.
  • Core and cube: core each apple, cut into slices, and then cut each slice into cubes. Place the apples into the lemon juice mixture for 5-10 minutes and then dry completely.
  • Assemble the pretzels: place pretzels in an even layer on a baking pan a top each pretzel with one Rolo. Bake for 2-3 minutes, or until softened.
  • Add the apples: place one apple cube on top of each Rolo. Allow to set at room temperature or in the refrigerator for 10-20 minutes. This is optional, but will help if you don’t want to create a gooey mess when enjoying.
apple pretzel bites on a white plate

What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

I personally prefer Granny Smith apples, as they’re used in traditional caramel apples and have a tart taste that pairs well with the chocolate. However, any kind of apple could be used.

Do I Have to Use Rolos?

Nope! You could forgo the chocolate and place a soft caramel on top of each pretzel and bake until softened. You could also use some melted chocolate for drizzling.

How to Store:

You can store this apple recipe at room temperature for the first 6-8 hours. After that, they need to be refrigerated and will last up to two days.

Tips for Making the Best Caramel Apple Bites:

  • Cut the apples in even bite-sized pieces: this will ensure that each pretzel gets the same amount of apple deliciousness.
  • Don’t skip the water bath: while this step isn’t necessary, it will help prevent the apples from browning and make them look more appealing.
  • Watch the oven closely: once the pretzels and Rolos are in the oven, keep a close eye on them. You want the Rolos to be softened slightly, not melty, as then they will create a gooey mess.
  • Add some toppings: a sprinkling of sea salt on top of the Rolos or a drizzle of caramel sauce, dark chocolate, or melted white chocolate over the apple cubes would make this extra decadent.
apple pretzel bite with a bite taken out on a white surface

Looking for More Easy Apple Recipes? I’ve Got You Covered!

apple pretzel bites on a white surface

Apple Pretzel Bites

Yield: 48 bites
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
These Apple Pretzel Bites are sweet, salty, crunchy and so easy to make. With just five ingredients, these bites are perfect for an easy snack or dessert!

Ingredients
 

  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice, (see note below)
  • 2 cups cold water
  • 2 apples, (such as Granny smith, fuji, or honey crisp)
  • 48 mini pretzel twists
  • 48 Rolo candies

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 250℉. Line two large baking pans with parchment paper. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the lemon juice and water. Set aside.
  • Core each apple, then cut into 8 slices per apple, and then cut each slice into 3 cubes (so you will end up with 48 cubes). Place the apples into the water mixture for 5-10 minutes and then remove and dry completely. Note: this step is optional but will prevent browning of the apples once they are assembled.
  • While the apples are soaking, place 48 pretzels onto the prepared baking pans. Place one rolo on top of each pretzel. Once the apples are dry, bake the pretzels for 2-3 minutes, or until the rolos start to soften (keep an eye on the oven so they don't melt).
  • Remove from the oven and place an apple cube, skin side up, on top of each rolo, pressing down lightly. Repeat with remaining apple cubes. Allow to set at room temperature for 10-20 minutes or in the refrigerator if you don't want a gooey mess when enjoying.

Notes

  • Making a water bath with lemon juice and water is optional, but will prevent the apples from browning once the bites are assembled.
  • You can store these bites at room temperature for the first 6-8 hours, but after that, leftovers will keep in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days.
  • See my tips and tricks for making these Apple Pretzel Bites above the recipe box.
Cuisine: American
Course: Appetizer, Dessert
Author: Gayle
Did you make this recipe?Let me know! Mention @pumpkin_n_spice on Instagram or tag #pumpkin_n_spice.