Save to Pinterest I was scrounging around the kitchen one afternoon, trying to find something to quiet my rumbling stomach without resorting to chips again. I spotted a couple of apples in the fruit bowl and a jar of peanut butter in the pantry, and something clicked. Within minutes, I had arranged apple slices on a plate, drizzled them with warmed peanut butter and honey, and tossed on whatever toppings I could find. It felt less like cooking and more like playing with food, and honestly, it tasted better than I expected.
I made this for my niece one Saturday morning when she refused breakfast but claimed she was starving. She took one look at the apple slices fanned out on the plate, drizzled with peanut butter and sprinkled with chocolate chips, and her eyes lit up. She called them nachos, and the name stuck. Now every time she visits, she asks if we can make nachos together, and I never have the heart to tell her they are just apples.
Ingredients
- Apples: I like using Honeycrisp or Fuji because they stay crisp and have just enough sweetness to balance the peanut butter, but any firm apple works as long as you slice it thin enough to layer nicely.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy spreads easier, but I have used crunchy in a pinch and it adds an extra layer of texture that some people actually prefer.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A drizzle of honey brings a floral sweetness, while maple syrup adds a richer, deeper note, so pick whichever you are in the mood for.
- Chopped Roasted Peanuts or Mixed Nuts: These add the crunch that makes it feel like nachos instead of just apples with peanut butter, and I have found that a mix of cashews and almonds works beautifully.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Completely optional, but they turn this from a healthy snack into something that feels like a treat without going overboard.
- Shredded Coconut: I started adding this after finding a bag in the back of my pantry, and the slight tropical flavor was a pleasant surprise.
Instructions
- Arrange the Apples:
- Lay the apple slices in a single, overlapping layer on a large plate or platter, fanning them out like you would tortilla chips. This creates little pockets for the toppings to nestle into.
- Warm the Peanut Butter:
- Pop the peanut butter in the microwave for about fifteen seconds until it loosens up and becomes pourable. If you skip this step, you will end up with clumpy dollops instead of a smooth drizzle.
- Drizzle the Peanut Butter:
- Use a spoon to drizzle the warmed peanut butter in a zigzag pattern over the apples, making sure every slice gets a little bit. The warmth will help it spread slightly on contact.
- Add the Honey:
- Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the top in the same zigzag motion, letting it pool in the crevices between slices. This adds a glossy sheen and a hint of sweetness.
- Sprinkle the Toppings:
- Scatter the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut evenly over the top, aiming for coverage without overwhelming the apples. A light hand here keeps it from turning into a chaotic pile.
- Serve Immediately:
- Bring the platter to the table right away while the apples are still crisp and the peanut butter is slightly warm. The longer it sits, the more the apples will release moisture and soften.
Save to Pinterest The first time I brought this to a playdate, the other parents looked skeptical until their kids devoured it and asked for seconds. One mom pulled me aside and asked for the recipe, laughing when I told her it was just apples and peanut butter. Sometimes the simplest things are the ones that stick with people, and this snack has become a quiet favorite in more kitchens than I can count.
Choosing the Right Apples
I have tried this with almost every apple variety I could find, and the ones that hold up best are the firm, slightly tart ones like Granny Smith or the sweet crisp ones like Honeycrisp. Softer apples like Red Delicious tend to get mealy and do not layer as nicely, and overly tart apples can clash with the sweetness of the honey. If you are unsure, grab whatever looks freshest at the store and give it a gentle squeeze, it should feel solid without any give.
Making It Allergy Friendly
I have made this for friends with nut allergies by swapping the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter, and honestly, the flavor is just as rich and creamy. You can also use tahini for a more savory twist, though I would skip the honey in that case and maybe add a pinch of sea salt instead. If dairy is an issue, check the chocolate chips for milk ingredients or just leave them off entirely, the snack is still plenty satisfying without them.
Storage and Prep Ahead Tips
This snack is best eaten fresh, but if you need to prep ahead, you can slice the apples and toss them in a little lemon juice to keep them from browning. Store the slices in an airtight container in the fridge and assemble everything right before serving. I would not recommend drizzling the peanut butter and honey in advance, because the apples will release moisture and everything will get soggy.
- Keep the peanut butter in a microwave safe bowl so you can warm it quickly when you are ready to assemble.
- Chop the nuts and measure out the toppings ahead of time and store them in small containers for easy sprinkling.
- If you are packing this for a lunchbox, layer the apples in a container and pack the peanut butter and toppings separately in small containers or snack bags.
Save to Pinterest Every time I make this, I am reminded that the best recipes are not always the ones that take hours or require fancy ingredients. Sometimes it is just about putting a few good things together and letting them shine.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use other nut butters?
Yes, almond or sunflower seed butter work well as peanut-free alternatives, providing similar creaminess and flavor.
- → What apples are best for this snack?
Firm and crisp varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji hold their texture well and balance sweetness with tartness.
- → How should I prepare the peanut butter for drizzling?
Warm the peanut butter in the microwave for about 15 seconds to make it easier to drizzle evenly over the apples.
- → Can I add other toppings?
Absolutely, dried cranberries, raisins, or small chocolate chips enhance flavors and textures nicely.
- → Is this suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free, making this snack safe for gluten-free eating.