Discover the easiest way to make Apple Nachos—a sweet, crunchy, and healthy snack! Perfect for kids and adults, these loaded apple slices are topped with peanut butter, chocolate, nuts, and more for an irresistible treat. Ready in minutes, this no-bake snack is great for any occasion!
Yields: 4-6 servings
Prep time: 15 minutes
Ingredients:
- For the “Chips”:
- 3-4 medium apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala – choose your favorites!), cored and thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (to prevent browning)
- For the “Cheese” Sauce (optional, but delicious!):
- 1/4 cup peanut butter (or other nut/seed butter)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup (or honey)
- 1 tablespoon milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Toppings (get creative!):
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (pecans, walnuts, almonds, peanuts)
- 1/4 cup shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 2 tablespoons dried cranberries or raisins
- A drizzle of caramel sauce (optional)
- A sprinkle of cinnamon (optional)
Equipment:
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife or mandoline
- Large plate or platter
- Small bowl
- Whisk or spoon
Let’s Get Started!
Step 1: Prepare the Apple “Chips”
- Wash and dry your apples thoroughly.
- Core the apples. You can use an apple corer or carefully cut around the core with a knife.
- Thinly slice the apples into rounds, about 1/8 to 1/4 inch thick. A mandoline can make this process faster and more uniform, but a sharp knife works just as well.
- Place the apple slices in a bowl and drizzle with lemon juice. Gently toss to coat all the slices. This will help prevent them from browning.
- Arrange the apple slices in a single layer on a large plate or platter. You can slightly overlap them if needed.
Step 2: Prepare the “Cheese” Sauce (Optional)
- In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, maple syrup (or honey), milk, vanilla extract, and salt.
- Whisk or stir the ingredients together until smooth and creamy. If the sauce is too thick, add a tiny bit more milk until it reaches your desired consistency.
Step 3: Assemble and Top the Apple Nachos
- Drizzle the prepared “cheese” sauce (if using) generously over the arranged apple slices. You can use a spoon or a small piping bag for a more even distribution.
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, and dried cranberries (or raisins) over the apple slices and sauce.
- If desired, drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!
- Your apple nachos are ready to be served immediately! Encourage everyone to grab a slice and enjoy the delicious combination of sweet, crunchy, and creamy flavors.
Pro Tips
- No Browning: Serve immediately or store sliced apples in cold water + 1 tsp lemon juice for up to 1 hour.
- Kid-Friendly: Let kids customize their own “nachos” with toppings.
- Extra Decadent: Add a caramel drizzle or mini marshmallows.
Variations
- Tropical: Use mango slices + macadamia nuts + lime zest.
- Savory-Sweet: Add cheddar cheese cubes + honey drizzle.
- Protein Boost: Swap nut butter for Greek yogurt + protein powder mix.
Serving Ideas
- Party Snack: Double the recipe for a crowd.
- Breakfast: Pair with yogurt for a parfait.
Enjoy your delightful Apple Nachos! They’re a fun and healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings.