Apple Nachos are a quick, easy snack or dessert with endless topping options. They’re a simpler alternative to homemade caramel apples!

Use any leftover apples in apple pie, apple coffee cake, or caramel-filled apple crumble bars.

Overhead image of Apple Nachos

Table of Contents

Apple Nachos

Apple nachos have been one of my favorite after-school snacks to serve my kids for years. I always have apples in the fridge and random toppings, and my kids love them when they get home.

After years of making them, I knew it was time to share my favorite combos, tips, and tricks to make them extra delicious! They’re the perfect fall treat and an easy way to enjoy caramel apple flavors without all the effort.

What Apples To Use

Use your favorite apples—green or red.

For apple nachos, I love using crisp, sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji as the base.

If I’m making dessert apple nachos, Granny Smith is my go-to. Their tartness pairs perfectly with sweeter dessert toppings.

Overhead image of the chocolate version of this treat

Good Toppings For Apple Nachos

  • Nut butters: Add peanut, almond, or cashew butter. I love RX maple nut butter packs.
  • Granola: Gives a fun crunchy texture.
  • Nuts: Try almonds, pecans, walnuts, pistachios, cashews, or peanuts.
  • Chia seeds: Full of nutrients and give a nice texture.
  • Dried fruits: Raisins, cranberries, cherries, or dates are perfect toppings.
  • Coconut: Toasted, unsweetened coconut gives texture and flavor.
  • Sweetener: Add honey, maple syrup, or agave for more sweetness.
  • Spices: A sprinkle of cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, or apple spice gives extra flavor.

Dessert Toppings

  • Caramel sauce: This caramel sauce is super easy to make (no candy thermometer needed).
  • Chocolate chips: Use chopped chocolate bars or mini chocolate chips.
  • Sprinkles: I prefer jimmies because they’re the easiest to eat without baking.
  • M&M® Minis baking bits: These are cheaper and easier to find than small tubes of M&Ms.
  • Milk Chocolate English Toffee® bits: Also found with the baking chips.
  • Candy: Chop up candy bars (Snickers®, Reese’s®, Butterfingers®, etc.) or use M&Ms® or Reese’s® Pieces.
Overhead image of the heath Apple Nachos version

How To Make Apple Nachos

  1. Prep the apples: Make apple nachos just before eating. Wash, dry, and slice the apples into 1/4 to 1/2-inch thick slices.
  2. Layer the apples: Arrange slices in a circle on a plate. This looks great and makes it easier to get toppings on each slice, though it can get messy.
  3. Top: Warm the nut butter or caramel sauce and drizzle over the apples. Add your favorite toppings and enjoy right away!
Overhead image of the almond butter, peptic, and cranberry version of these treats

Storage

Leftovers?

I like making apple nachos right before eating — this is when they’re best. Yes, there are some ways to keep the apples from browning, but they’re definitely the most crisp and tasty right after being cut.

More Delicious Snack Recipes

Pin Print
5 from 2 votes

Apple Nachos

By Chelsea Lords
A fun spin on a fall classic, these Apple Nachos are quick, easy, and totally customizable.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings

Equipment

  • small bowl microwave-safe

Ingredients 
 

Nutritious Apple Nachos

  • 2 large apples sliced, see note 1
  • 1/4 cup nut butter of choice
  • 1/4 cup mini chocolate chips see note 2
  • 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds
  • 2 tablespoons dried sweetened cranberries
  • Toppings optional, see note 2

Caramel Apple Nachos

  • 2 large apples sliced, see note 1
  • 1/4 cup caramel sauce see note 3
  • 1/4 cup English Toffee baking bits
  • 2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips

Instructions 

  • Prepare apples (see note 1) and lay apple slices in a single layer around the outside of your plate. Layer more slices on top in a circular motion towards the center of the plate.
  • Place nut butter or caramel in a small microwave-safe bowl and heat until just warm, about 10–15 seconds in the microwave. Transfer to a small plastic bag and cut off the tip. Pipe generously over the apple slices.
  • Top with desired toppings, adding as much or as little as you'd like. That's it, dig in! These are best enjoyed right after being made!

Video

Recipe Notes

Note 1: This recipe is best with cold apples, consider refrigerating before you begin. Wash, dry, and thinly slice the apples, 1/4-inch thick. The choice of apples is up to your personal preference, but I like the tartness of Granny Smith apples when making dessert nachos. They help moderate the sweetness of the toppings. For more nutritious apple nachos, we like using Honeycrisp or Fuji. 
Note 2: The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup toppings. I like to use a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for sweeter nachos, melted dark chocolate drizzle, toasted coconut, chia seeds, granola, and lightly salted nuts, but feel free to modify as you like—these are your nachos just add what, and how much, you want!
Note 3: You can use a store-bought sauce, but my preference is homemade. This homemade caramel sauce is so easy to make (no candy thermometer needed) and ridiculously tasty!
Storage: I recommend eating these apple nachos right after making them, but if they are going to sit out for a little, I recommend creating a water bath for the apple slices with a ratio of 1 cup cool water to 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Soak apple slices for 3–5 minutes, then drain, rinse, and thoroughly dry them. This will prevent the apples from browning for several hours.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 248kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 16g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 19mg | Potassium: 285mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 6mg | Calcium: 80mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Meet Chelsea

Hello, and welcome to Chelsea’s Messy Apron! I’m Chelsea, the recipe developer, food photographer, and writer behind the site. I’m passionate about creating simple, reliable, and delicious recipes that anyone can make.

Thanks for stopping by—I hope you find something delicious to make!

Read more

More Recipes You'll Love

5 from 2 votes (2 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating