Apple Nachos

This easy recipe for Apple Nachos make an amazing appetizer, snack, or treat for kids or adults. Easy to make ahead, they are a sugar-free crowd pleaser.

Dude. Apple nachos. It’s a thing. And you need to get on board.

These tasty little 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

Apple nachos are the perfect appetizer to bring to a party where you know people want snacky foods but want something without added sugar 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 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 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!

How to Make 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. Toss with pineapple juice.

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.