Healthy Apple Nachos (Paleo, Whole30, Vegan)
This easy recipe for Healthy Apple Nachos make an amazing appetizer, snack, or treat for kids or adults. Easy to make ahead, they are a sugar-free crowd pleaser for anyone you’re serving.
Dude. Apple nachos. It’s a thing. And you need to get on board.
These tasty little healthy snacks are free of sugar, safe for people who eat: vegan, gluten-free, paleo, Whole30, or dairy-free. They’re the perfect alternative to sugary treats and because they are no-cook, your kids can make them their damn selves.
Self-sufficiency is huge in the Cook household. I love my kids, but don’t want them living with me forever. #boysmell
Healthy Apple Nachos are the perfect appetizer to bring to a party where you know people want snacky foods but are trying to be healthy at the same time.
What Ingredients Are In Apple Nachos?
- Apples. Don’t be shocked.
- Nut butter of choice. (I used homemade Cinnamon Almond Butter)
- Topping Options:
- Unsweetened coconut
- Dried Fruit
- Chopped nuts
- Cinnamon
- Fresh fruit
- Cocoa nibs
- Honey/maple syrup (not Whole30 compliant)
- Chocolate chips (not Whole30 compliant)
What Kind of Apples Work Best for Healthy Apple Nachos?
The best apple is the one you already have on hand! But if you’re picking up a new crop, Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith work the best. Look for a crisp and firm apple that will hold up to the layering.
How To Keep Apples From Browning
Many people will toss apples with lemon juice, citric acid, or even lemon-lime pop (soda) to keep them from turning brown. I’m not one for pop, and I feel like the lemon juice throws off the delicious flavor of the apples.
The solution? Pineapple juice!
Pineapple juice is really high in vitamin c just like lemons (citric acid is made from citrus) but it adds a natural sweetness that can help level out the apples.
The apples you see in these photos were at room temperature for over an hour. After that, I sealed them up in an air-tight glass container and stored them in the fridge. Six hours later they looked exactly the same; no browning!
Is This Really Whole30?
Yes. Maybe. It depends on how you eat them.
All the ingredients and components are Whole30 compliant, but if you’re making these as a dessert they would not be considered compliant.
I work from home and am up late most nights on my laptop. I eat sliced apples with nut butter each night when I feel that I need a brain boost to keep on working. But, if you were to eat a plate of these Healthy Apple Nachos to kill a sugar craving, then it is best to avoid.
Need help getting started off with the Whole30 on the right foot? Download my totally free Trader Joe’s Whole30 Shopping List and Whole30 Costco Shopping List. I have done all the work for you with checking ingredients and figuring out safe foods.
How to Make Healthy Apple Nachos
*Printable and detailed recipe is available at the bottom of the post
Slice your apples into 1/4 inch slices. You can slice into quarters, rings (using an apple corer or mandoline) or whatever works best for you.
In a small bowl microwave nut butter for 20 seconds and stir well. Drizzle over the apples. Repeat with chocolate almond butter if using.
Top with coconut flakes and other desired toppings.
Even picky kids love apple nachos!
Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
- You can make this up to 24 hours ahead of time and store covered in the fridge.
- Can’t or won’t eat coconut? Feel free to leave it off or use any of the other toppings listed above.
- For chocolate almond butter: If making Homemade Cinnamon Almond Butter, remove half of the finished almond butter from the food processor and add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to what remains. Mix until combined.
- Use chocolate chips like Enjoy Life to keep this paleo. Note: chocolate chips in any form are not Whole30 compliant.
- Making these for someone with a nut allergy? Sub in Sun or Soy Nut Butter for the almond butter.
More Recipes Like This
- Strawberry Fudge Energy Date Balls
- How to Make Dried Apples
- Mexican Hot Chocolate Lara Bars
- Stovetop Cinnamon Apple Recipe
- Chocolate Chip Banana Energy Bites
Making this recipe or others?
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An easy recipe for Healthy Apple Nachos make an amazing appetizer, snack, or treat for kids or adults. Easy to make ahead, they are a sugar-free crowd pleaser.
- 3 apples cored and sliced
- 2 tbsp pineapple juice
- 3 tbsp almond butter
- 2 tbsp chocolate almond butter
- 1 tbsp unsweetened coconut flakes
Slice your apples into 1/4 inch slices. You can slice into quarters, rings (using an apple corer or mandoline) or whatever works best for you.
In a small bowl microwave nut butter for 20 seconds and stir well. Drizzle over the apples. Repeat with chocolate almond butter if using.
Top with coconut flakes and other desired toppings.
You can make this up to 24 hours ahead of time and store covered in the fridge.
For chocolate almond butter: If making Homemade Cinnamon Almond Butter, remove half of the finished almond butter from the food processor and add 2 tbsp of cocoa powder to what remains. Mix until combined.
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PERFECT!! Literally just wrote on my to do list: use up apples!
Cutting up and taking to work for a healthy snack. What a concept after the past 3 weeks. My waist thanks you 🙂
From Dec 15th-31st each year I swear my diet consists mainly of sugar, fudge, and more sugar. I’m always thrilled to get back to reasonable eating in January. And when you can have apple nachos it makes it even easier!
I just sent this to Emma. Maybe she’ll make some for me tomorrow 😁
Ha!!! I love it.