Ingredients
Scale
- 2-3 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala), cored and sliced into ¼-inch rounds or wedges
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
- ¼ cup natural peanut butter (or alternative nut/seed butter)
- 1-2 teaspoons honey or water (to thin peanut butter for drizzling)
- ¼ cup mini chocolate chips (semi-sweet, dark, or white chocolate)
- 2-3 tablespoons chocolate sauce or melted chocolate
- ⅓ cup granola (your favorite variety)
- 3 tablespoons shredded coconut (sweetened or unsweetened)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (for drizzling)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, almonds), mini marshmallows, dried cranberries, caramel sauce, fresh berries, chia seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and dry your apples thoroughly. Using a sharp knife or apple corer, remove the core from each apple. Slice the apples into ¼-inch thick rounds or wedges, depending on your preference. If you’re not serving immediately, toss the apple slices gently with 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice to prevent them from browning.
- Arrange the apple base: On a large serving plate, platter, or baking sheet, arrange the apple slices in an overlapping pattern, similar to how you’d arrange tortilla chips for traditional nachos. You can do a single layer in a circular pattern or pile them slightly for a more dramatic “nacho” presentation. Make sure the apples cover most of the serving area.
- Prepare the peanut butter drizzle: Place the peanut butter in a microwave-safe bowl. If your peanut butter is thick and hard to drizzle, add 1-2 teaspoons of honey or warm water. Microwave for 15-20 seconds, then stir until smooth and drizzle-able. If it’s still too thick, add a bit more liquid and stir well.
- Add the first drizzle: Using a spoon or transfer the peanut butter to a squeeze bottle, drizzle the warmed peanut butter back and forth over the arranged apple slices in a zig-zag pattern. Don’t worry about being perfectly neat – rustic is beautiful here! Make sure to get some on most of the apple slices.
- Add chocolate: Drizzle your chocolate sauce or melted chocolate over the apples in a similar zig-zag pattern, alternating with the peanut butter drizzle for a pretty striped effect. Then sprinkle the mini chocolate chips evenly over the entire plate of apples, distributing them so each piece gets some chocolate.
- Add crunchy toppings: Sprinkle the granola evenly over the apple nachos, making sure it’s distributed across the plate. Follow with the shredded coconut, sprinkling it over everything. If using additional toppings like nuts or dried fruit, add them now.
- Final touches: Drizzle the honey or maple syrup lightly over the entire creation for extra sweetness and to help everything stick together. Finish with a generous dusting of ground cinnamon over the top, using a small fine-mesh strainer for even distribution if you have one.
- Serve immediately: These Apple Nachos are best enjoyed fresh! Serve on the platter with small plates and forks, or let everyone dig in and grab pieces by hand. If serving at a party, provide small appetizer plates and napkins.
Notes
- Prevent browning: Toss apple slices with lemon juice immediately after cutting to keep them looking fresh and bright, especially if preparing slightly ahead.
- Adjust toppings: Feel free to use more or less of any topping based on your preferences. This recipe is extremely flexible!
- Nut-free version: Replace peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, tahini, or cream cheese thinned with milk.
- Vegan option: Use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure chocolate chips are dairy-free.
- Lower sugar: Skip the honey drizzle and use dark chocolate chips and unsweetened coconut for a less sweet version.
- Serving size: This recipe easily scales up or down. For a party, use 5-6 apples and double the toppings.
- Best apples: Tart, crisp varieties work best as they provide nice contrast to sweet toppings and won’t get mushy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 1 cup (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 285
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 43g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg