Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).

1. Lay the mini pretzels out on a baking sheet in a single layer, ensuring they’re not stacked.
2. Dice the apple into small pieces, ensuring they’re bite-sized for the pretzel.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the caramel sauce. If using store-bought caramel, you may need to thin it slightly with a tablespoon of heavy cream or milk.
4. Drizzle the caramel sauce evenly over the pretzels. Be sure to cover each pretzel, but don’t overload them.
5. Scatter the diced apples evenly over the caramel-covered pretzels.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the caramel is bubbly and the apples have softened slightly.
7. Remove from the oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes.
8. If using, melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring in between. Drizzle the melted chocolate over the pretzel bites for an added touch of sweetness.
9. Top with crushed nuts, if desired, for a bit of crunch and flavor.
10. Allow the bites to cool completely before serving. You can store them in an airtight container at room temperature.