Pin One afternoon, my daughter came home from school absolutely starving, and I had about seven minutes before she'd start raiding the pantry for crackers. I spotted two apples on the counter and a jar of peanut butter in the cupboard, and suddenly remembered a snack platter I'd seen at a friend's house. I sliced the apples thin, warmed the peanut butter just enough to drizzle, and scattered whatever toppings I could find. She ate every single slice, standing at the counter, and asked if we could make it again the next day.
I started making these nachos on weekends when my kids would bring friends over, and it became the snack that everyone hovered around. There's something about arranging apple slices like nachos that makes them feel more exciting than just handing someone an apple. I'd hear them laughing in the kitchen, negotiating who got the slice with the most chocolate chips, and it made me realize that even the simplest food can turn into a moment.
Ingredients
- Apples: I prefer crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith because they hold up under the toppings and don't turn mushy. Slice them thin enough to overlap but thick enough to stay sturdy.
- Peanut Butter: Creamy works best for drizzling, but if you love texture, crunchy peanut butter adds an extra layer of crunch. Warming it for just 15 seconds makes all the difference in how easily it flows.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A light drizzle brings out the natural sweetness of the apples without making the snack feel like dessert. I usually go with honey because it has a floral note that pairs beautifully with peanut butter.
- Chopped Roasted Peanuts or Mixed Nuts: These add the salty crunch that makes this feel like real nachos. I keep a jar of roasted peanuts just for this.
- Mini Chocolate Chips: Totally optional, but they turn this into something my kids will choose over cookies. Just a tablespoon is enough to make it feel indulgent.
- Shredded Coconut: I started adding this after a trip to the farmers market, and now I can't imagine the nachos without the subtle tropical sweetness it brings.
Instructions
- Layer the Apples:
- Arrange the apple slices in a single, overlapping layer on a large plate or platter, just like you would with tortilla chips. The overlapping creates little pockets that catch the peanut butter and toppings.
- Warm the Peanut Butter:
- Scoop the peanut butter into a microwave safe bowl and heat it for about 15 seconds, just until it loosens up. Stir it once to make sure it's smooth and pourable.
- Drizzle the Peanut Butter:
- Use a spoon to drizzle the warm peanut butter evenly over the apple slices, moving quickly in zigzag motions. Don't worry about perfection, the messy drizzle is part of the charm.
- Add the Honey:
- Drizzle the honey or maple syrup over the apples and peanut butter, aiming for even coverage. A little goes a long way, so start light and add more if you want extra sweetness.
- Scatter the Toppings:
- Sprinkle the chopped nuts, chocolate chips, and coconut evenly over the top, making sure every apple slice gets a little bit of everything. This is where you can get creative and adjust to your taste.
- Serve Right Away:
- These nachos are best enjoyed immediately while the apples are still crisp and the peanut butter is warm and drippy.
Pin 
Pin The first time I brought these to a school potluck, a parent asked me for the recipe, and I almost laughed because it felt too simple to call a recipe. But then I watched her daughter, who usually picked at fruit, eat three servings, and I realized that sometimes the best recipes are the ones that don't ask for much but give back everything.
How to Choose the Best Apples
I've tried this with every type of apple I could find, and the crisp, slightly tart ones like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work best because they balance the sweetness of the honey and peanut butter. Softer apples like Red Delicious turn mealy under the toppings and lose their snap. If you're making this for kids, go for a sweeter variety like Fuji or Gala, but keep the slices thin so they stay crunchy.
Making It Nut Free
My friend's son has a peanut allergy, so I started making a version with sunflower seed butter, and it's just as good. Almond butter works beautifully too if tree nuts are okay. The key is to warm whatever spread you use so it drizzles easily, and then load up on seeds like sunflower or pumpkin for the crunch. It's a small swap that makes the snack safe for everyone.
Toppings You Can Try
Once you master the basic version, this snack becomes a canvas for whatever you're craving. I've added granola for extra crunch, dried cranberries for a tart chew, and even a sprinkle of cinnamon when I want it to feel cozy. Sometimes I'll use dark chocolate chips instead of milk chocolate, or swap the coconut for chia seeds if I'm feeling virtuous.
- Try a drizzle of melted dark chocolate instead of honey for a richer, more dessert like version.
- Add a pinch of sea salt over the peanut butter to bring out the sweetness of the apples.
- Toss in some dried fruit like chopped apricots or figs for a chewy contrast to the crisp apples.
Pin 
Pin This snack has become the thing I make when I need something fast, nourishing, and a little bit fun. It's the kind of recipe that doesn't ask for much but always delivers, and that's exactly what the best snacks should do.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I use other fruits instead of apples?
Yes, pears work well as a substitute, offering a slightly different but complementary flavor and texture.
- → What alternatives exist for peanut butter?
Almond butter or sunflower seed butter are great peanut-free options that keep the creamy consistency.
- → Are there ways to make this snack sweeter?
You can add dried cranberries or raisins on top to introduce more natural sweetness and a chewy texture.
- → How should I serve this snack for best texture?
Serve immediately after assembling to maintain crisp apple slices against creamy and crunchy toppings.
- → Is it possible to add chocolate to this dish?
Mini chocolate chips can be sprinkled on for a touch of sweetness and added flavor complexity.