Last Updated on July 14, 2024

This Caramel Apple Date Bark is a delicious autumn-inspired treat that takes the viral date bark trend and combines it with the flavors of caramel apples and chocolate bark. This easy sweet Fall dessert features layers of carmelly dates, dairy-free rich dark chocolate, tart green apple, a luscious homemade peanut butter caramel, and chopped peanuts & pecans for the perfect balance that’s reminiscent of a caramel apple in every bite!

If you’ve spent any amount of time on Instagram the past month you have probably seen the viral date bark in its various forms. I’ll admit, I jumped on the train pretty early on and I am a huge fan! Date bark is genius! I’m not sure who first came up with idea, but I saw it on Kale Junkie’s feed and wanted to try it for myself… as my own version of course! This Caramel Apple Date Bark, however, is the ultimate date bark recipe! Oh my gosh I am so in love… we’re talking whole new level here.

The caramelly flavor of the dates paired with my healthy vegan caramel sauce, melted chocolate, chopped granny smith apple and chopped peanuts and pecans tastes just like a caramel apple! Drizzle more peanut butter caramel over top, pop in the freezer, slice and try not to eat it all at once… If you haven’t tried the viral date bark recipe already, you definitely need to now, it’s the perfect Fall sweet treat! 

The Ingredients

Whole dates. You want to use the largest, freshest whole dates you can find. I buy the dates with the pits still in them, as I find they are fresher, and then I just remove the pits. You’ll need 20 whole dates for this Caramel Apple Date Bark.

Caramel. You can use whatever vegan caramel sauce is your favorite, however, my peanut butter caramel is super easy to make and is really healthy (and of course dairy-free). If you have a peanut allergy, you can use this sunflower seed caramel.

Chocolate chips & coconut oil. You will need 1 cup of dairy-free dark chocolate chips. The teaspoon of coconut oil helps make the chocolate a tad thinner and more spreadable and helps the chocolate melt easier, but it’s optional.

Green apple. I used one large granny smith green apple in this recipe. You can use any apple variety, but I personally love the extra tartness of the green apple paired with the sweetness of the dates and caramel.

Lemon juice. To keep the apple from browning, you’ll combine 2 tablespoons of lemon juice with a cup of water and soak the apple pieces in the lemon water for 5-10 minutes.

Chopped nuts. I bought chopped peanuts and pecans together, but you can just use one or the other, or even another nut variety you like. Or if you have a nut allergy, you can omit.

Salt. Sprinkling with flake salt is optional, but if you like salty sweet treats and salted caramel and chocolate, you may opt to sprinkle that on as the perfect finishing touch 😉 .

How To Make Caramel Apple Date Bark

First, you’ll want to make the homemade peanut butter caramel. I used my Healthy Vegan Caramel Sauce and swapped out the sunflower seed butter for peanut butter. Let the caramel cool while you do the next steps.

Next, you want to wash and chop the apple and then soak the apple pieces in lemon water for 5-10 minutes. This will ensure that the apples don’t brown, and don’t worry, it won’t make the apples taste lemon-y.

While the apples are soaking, take your pitted dates and lay them 4 across in 5 rows like the below photo on a parchment-lined baking sheet, place another piece of parchment paper over top of the dates and smash the dates using the back of a glass. Try to get them as flat as you can.

Then spread a layer of the caramel over the dates, reserving some for drizzling over top.

Melt the chocolate chips with the teaspoon of coconut oil and then spread that completely over the dates from edge to edge. You can do this in the microwave or by using the double broiler method, just be careful not to burn the chocolate. Spread the melted chocolate with a spoon over the caramel layer.

Add the chopped apples evenly over top of the melted chocolate.

Sprinkle with the chopped peanuts and/or pecans over top and drizzle with the remaining caramel. Sprinkle with salt if desired.

And then place into the freezer for 20-30 minutes. Slice and enjoy!

Serving & Storage Tips

Refrigerator. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate from melting and the apples crisp. Eat within a couple of days for optimal freshness.

Freezer. If you don’t think you will enjoy it all within a couple of days (good luck with that! LOL 😜) you can store it in the freezer for up to a week. Simply add the slices to an airtight container or gallon bag. You may want to also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in an airtight container. Thaw the bark about 5 minutes before enjoying.

I adore this recipe. If you like this Caramel Apple Date Bark recipe too, consider giving it a five rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ so that others can discover it! Tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make it!

Check Out These Other Date Recipes!

Chocolate Crunch Date Truffles

Fudgy Flourless Date Brownies

Almond Flour Date Cookie Dough Bars

Ants On A Log Salad

Raw Carrot Salad with Pistachio Dukkah and Dates

“Snickers” Frozen Yogurt Chocolate Covered Date Bites

Pretzel Pumpkin Seed Date Chocolate Clusters

Peanut Butter Oat Date Crumb Bars

Cookie Dough Stuffed Dates