Save to Pinterest One Tuesday afternoon, my daughter came home from school starving and bored of her usual snacks. I sliced an apple, warmed some peanut butter, and let her go wild with toppings. She called them nachos, and the name stuck. Now it's our go-to when we need something quick that feels like a treat but isn't actually junk food.
I started making these for playdates, and without fail, every parent asks for the recipe. It's funny because there's barely a recipe to give. But watching kids pile on their own toppings and actually eat fruit without being asked never gets old. It's become my secret weapon for after-school chaos.
Ingredients
- Apples: Use crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith so they hold up under the toppings and don't turn mushy. I slice them thin but not paper-thin, about the thickness of a cracker.
- Peanut butter: Creamy works best for drizzling, but if you love crunch, go for it. Warming it for just a few seconds makes all the difference between clumpy globs and smooth ribbons.
- Honey or maple syrup: A little sweetness balances the tartness of the apples. I prefer honey for its floral note, but maple syrup works beautifully too.
- Chopped roasted peanuts or mixed nuts: This is where the crunch lives. Roasted nuts have deeper flavor than raw, and I like using whatever I have on hand.
- Mini chocolate chips: Totally optional, but they turn this into dessert territory. My kids will do anything for a handful of these scattered on top.
- Shredded coconut: Adds a chewy texture and a hint of tropical sweetness. Toast it lightly if you want even more flavor.
Instructions
- Arrange the apples:
- Lay the apple slices flat on a big plate or platter, overlapping them slightly like you're laying shingles on a roof. This creates little pockets for the toppings to nestle into.
- Warm the peanut butter:
- Pop it in the microwave for about 15 seconds until it's just loose enough to drizzle from a spoon. Don't overheat it or it'll separate and get oily.
- Drizzle the peanut butter:
- Use a spoon to zigzag the peanut butter across the apples in quick, messy strokes. It doesn't have to be perfect, it's nachos, not a wedding cake.
- Add the honey:
- Drizzle the honey or maple syrup the same way, letting it pool in the gaps. The sweetness soaks into the apples and makes every bite a little different.
- Sprinkle the toppings:
- Scatter the nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut over everything like confetti. Let kids do this part if they're around, they love it.
- Serve right away:
- These are best eaten fresh while the apples are still crisp and the peanut butter is warm. They don't hold well, so make them when you're ready to eat.
Save to Pinterest The first time I brought these to a potluck, someone asked if I'd catered it. I laughed so hard I almost choked. It's just apples and peanut butter, but arranged on a platter with a little flair, it looks like you tried. That's the magic of nachos, even the healthy kind.
Swaps and Variations
If peanuts are off the table, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work just as well and keep the same creamy texture. I've also used pears instead of apples when they're in season, and the softer sweetness is a nice change. For a more dessert-like version, add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a few mini marshmallows.
Serving and Pairing
These are perfect with a glass of cold milk or unsweetened iced tea, something simple that doesn't compete with the toppings. I've served them as an after-school snack, a light breakfast on weekends, and even as a party appetizer. They disappear fast no matter the occasion.
Storage and Timing
Honestly, these don't store well at all. The apples brown and get limp, and the toppings slide off into a sad little pile. Make only what you plan to eat in the next few minutes. If you need to prep ahead, slice the apples and toss them with a tiny bit of lemon juice to slow browning, then assemble right before serving.
- Slice apples no more than 30 minutes before assembling or they'll oxidize and look dull.
- Warm the peanut butter fresh each time for the best drizzle.
- Let everyone build their own plate if you're serving a crowd, it keeps things interactive and fun.
Save to Pinterest This is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a genius with almost no effort. Keep the ingredients on hand, and you'll always have a snack that feels special.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of apples work best for this snack?
Choose crisp, firm apples like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp to maintain texture and provide a nice balance of sweetness and tartness.
- → Can I substitute peanut butter with other spreads?
Yes, almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great alternatives for different flavors or to avoid peanuts.
- → How can I add sweetness besides honey?
Maple syrup is an excellent alternative drizzle that complements the nutty and fruity flavors.
- → Are the chocolate chips necessary?
No, they are optional and add a subtle sweetness and texture contrast if desired.
- → Can this snack be prepared ahead of time?
It’s best served immediately to keep apple slices crisp and prevent them from browning too much.
- → How can I make this snack nut-free?
Swap peanut butter for seed butters like sunflower seed butter and omit the chopped nuts or replace them with seeds.