Healthy Apple Nachos (Easy + Fun)

This healthy apple nachos recipe with creamy peanut butter and crunchy chocolate nibs is the perfect afternoon snack or school snack you can put together with your kids. Ready in just 5 minutes, it’s a fun way to eat more fruit. 

These apple nachos not only look incredible, but they are amazingly healthy and indulgent at the same time.

Fresh fruit + nut butter+ chocolate = Fiber + protein + healthy fats.

What’s not to like?

And if you follow a specific diet, this simple recipe is naturally vegan, gluten-free, and grain-free! 

What Are Apple Nachos?

Well, apple nachos aren’t your typical nachos! They don’t have any gooey cheese topping, but if you spread them out nicely, they do resemble nachos in a way.

They’re a fun, healthy snack or dessert made from apple slices with sweet toppings like caramel, chocolate, and nuts.

Plus, apple nachos is a much fancier name than apples with peanut butter.

Don’t you think? Lol.

Are Apple Nachos Healthy?

You bet! Apple nachos can be a healthy snack or dessert, depending on your toppings.

Apples are packed with fiber and nutrients, so it’s all about how much of the sweet stuff you want to add.

Ingredients you’ll need

These healthy apple nachos require a few simple ingredients, but you can use your creativity to add a touch of personality to this easy snack.

• Fresh apples: Any apple will work! So pick your favorite variety and color. I used some in-season red apples here, but Granny Smith apples, honey crisp apples, fuji apples, or any other kind of apples will work just fine. Don’t peel the apples! You’ll lose most of the fiber! 
• Peanut butter: Here, I used smooth peanut butter, but crunchy works well, too, although it’s a bit less spreadable. A great alternative is almond butter, especially if you make your own. Or any other nut butter, like cashew butter, works as well. And if you want to make your apple nachos extra decadent, try drizzling them with homemade Nutella or a chocolate sauce. Pure heaven!
• Chocolate nibs: Chocolate nibs, also known as cocoa or cacao nibs, are incredibly healthy. They are made with pure cacao beans, with no added fat or sugar. But you can also opt for mini chocolate chips (I prefer dark) if you like.
• Lemon: Adding some lemon juice to the apples will prevent them from browning. It’s not essential, but if you want to keep the apple nachos in the fridge for a day or two or want to prep them in advance (let’s say in the morning), it’s best to add it.
• A sprinkle of cinnamon: Because cinnamon and apples are perfect together. But if you don’t like cinnamon, omit it. Or you can add a bit of vanilla.
• Chopped nuts: Perfect as a top layer to add a bit of extra crunchiness. You can use chopped peanuts, hazelnuts, walnuts, or other nuts. Or coconut flakes. You can also add a sprinkle of sunflower seeds, hemp seeds, or flax seeds for an extra boost of protein and omega 3.

How to make apple nachos

Making apple nachos couldn’t be easier. 

1. Slice the apples: Wash the apples. Cut them into quarters and remove the core. Then slice them into thin slices. Squeeze half a lemon on a large plate and coat the apple slices. This little bit of lemon juice will keep them from browning. But you can skip this step if you plan to eat the apple nachos straight away.
2. Layer the apples: Arrange the sliced apples in a nice circle in a single layer on a plate. 
3. Warm peanut butter: You can warm 1/4 cup of peanut butter in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. This will make it more spreadable and easy to drizzle on the apples. If you don’t have a microwave, place the peanut butter into a heatproof bowl and place the bowl over a pan of simmering water (bain-marie). Stir occasionally for a couple of minutes until warm.
4. Add toppings: Drizzle the melted peanut butter on top of the apples. Then sprinkle with cinnamon, chocolate nibs, chopped nuts, or any other toppings.
5. Enjoy this sweet treat straight away!

How To Store Apple Nachos

Storing apple nachos can be tricky as the apples tend to brown. Your best bet is to eat them right away.

But if you coat the apples with a good amount of lemon juice, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container, a Ziploc bag, or a glass container like this one.

They’ll keep for 2-3 days.

Can You Meal Prep Them?

Yes, you can! Just store the apple coated with lemon juice in the fridge.

You can add your favorite toppings straight away, but I usually add them at the last minute as I prefer warm, decadent peanut butter on top. 

Why I love these apple nachos

• Such an easy recipe: it’s the perfect snack to prep in little time
• A fun treat you can make with your kids that the whole family will enjoy
• A great way to eat more fruit!
• Naturally plant-based and gluten-free!

More healthy snacks recipes

• No-Bake Peanut Butter Balls
• Frozen Yogurt Bark
• Black Bean Brownies
• Vanilla Chia Pudding
• No-Bake Granola Bars
• Bounty Balls
• Frozen Grapes
• Healthy Oatcakes

Or check out all my favorite Healthy Snack Ideas!

If you try this apple nachos, please leave a comment and a rating and let me know how much you liked it!