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.
Tips and Variations:
- Different Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties for varying textures and flavors. Tart apples like Granny Smith can offer a nice contrast to the sweet toppings.
- Nut/Seed Butter Alternatives: Use almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini for the “cheese” sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of cinnamon or apple pie spice to the apple slices before arranging them for an extra layer of flavor.
- Vegan Option: This recipe is naturally vegan if you use a plant-based milk and ensure your chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Make it Ahead (Partially): You can slice the apples and toss them with lemon juice up to an hour before assembling. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to prevent browning. Prepare the sauce ahead of time as well and store it at room temperature. Assemble just before serving.
- Warm Apple Nachos: For a cozy treat, briefly warm the apple slices in a microwave or oven before adding the toppings.
Enjoy your delightful Apple Nachos! They’re a fun and healthy way to satisfy your sweet cravings.
