DIY Caramel Apple Nachos Bar
What’s super fun, super delicious, AND makes a nutritious snack? Caramel apple nachos! I’ll show you how to set up an apple nacho bar for a party-worthy sweet treat that kids and adults will love making. DIY meals and snacks are some of my favorites because they let everyone get involved in the process and make their own perfect combination – everyone loves an interactive snack! Be sure to try my creamy apple dip recipe next time you need an apple snack, it’s equally as delicious.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Table of Contents
I’m so excited to partner with Honeybear Pazazz apples to bring you this healthy apple nachos recipe that’s both nutritious and delicious! (sponsored) Apples are a year-round staple for us for meals and snacking and let me tell you, you’re going to want to get your hands on the Pazazz variety. Created right here in Minnesota, this apple is a cross between Honeycrisp and mystery pollinator and it’s the perfect blend of sweet, tart, and crunchy. Perfect for nacho apples!
Minnesota locals, you can find Honeybear Honeycrisp apples at Cub, Aldi, and Lunds & Byerlys.
What You’ll Love About Caramel Apple Nachos
- Sweet and crunchy treat
- Infuses fun into a nutritious snack
- Everyone loves apples
- Made with pantry ingredients
- DIY lets everyone get involved
- Easy to customize according to taste
- Just 10 minutes total time
Ingredients
This recipe for apple nachos comes together with a few basic ingredients:
- Caramel sauce – Make your own (recipe below in recipe card) or buy a caramel sauce from the store. You’ll want one with a thinner consistency so that you can drizzle it over the apple slice nachos.
- Maple syrup – This sweetens the caramel sauce and also gives it a nice dark color.
- Peanut butter – Use a creamy peanut butter for best results. I used a no-stir peanut butter which works best, but feel free to use your favorite type. You could also use almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option.
- Coconut oil – This helps create a drizzly sauce. Use refined coconut oil for less coconut flavor.
- Apples – We’re using Pazazz apples, which are the perfect combination of crunchy, sweet, and tart. They are perfect for loaded apple nachos.
- Toppings – I have a full list below, but definitely be sure to include some shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles!
How to Make Apple Nachos
Ok, let’s get to these caramel apple nachos! This fun spread takes just a few minutes to pull together:
- Make peanut caramel sauce. If you’re making this from scratch, you’ll want to combine the peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil in a small bowl. Microwave in 30 seconds increments, stirring in between until smooth.
- Set up toppings. Choose your toppings and place in small bowls or pinch bowls so that everyone has access.
- Slice apples. Remove core and seeds and slice apples thinly.
How to Set Up an Apple Nacho Bar
Once everything is prepped, all you need to do is put it out on a spread and let everyone go at it! Put out small plates and a bowl of apple slices, the peanut caramel sauce, and alllllll of the toppings.
And then everyone can make their own apple nachos for a fun and interactive snack!
Apple Nachos Topping Ideas
Now for the fun part…toppings for apple nachos! I’ve included a reasonable list above, but here are even MORE ideas:
- Chopped nuts (peanuts, almonds, walnuts, pecans)
- Shredded coconut
- Diced fresh fruit
- Diced dried raisins or cranberries
- Hemp seeds
- Chia seeds
- Crushed cereal
- Crushed pretzels
- Crushed cookies
- Chopped candy bars
- Mini chocolate chips (or chopped chocolate)
- Mini m&ms
- Hot fudge or chocolate sauce
- Sprinkles (here are the ones we like that are naturally colored)
Storage Instructions
Apple caramel nachos are best eaten immediately. If you want to prep ingredients ahead, feel free to make caramel sauce (it will stay a nice drizzling consistency even when it cools) and put out toppings in dishes or pinch bowls. (I used these pinch bowls for our toppings.)
How to prep apples so they don’t get brown
If you’ll be cutting the apples ahead of time to put out for a party spread, you have a few options for preventing browning (read full article), but I think the best way is to submerge the sliced apples in a combination of 1 cup water and 2 tablespoons honey. Drain before putting out spread and you should have a few hours without them turning brown.
More Apple Recipes
If you like this caramel apple nacho recipe, you might also like some of these other easy and delicious apple recipes:
- Cozy Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
- Apple Monkey Bread
- Whole Grain Apple Muffins
- Instant Pot Applesauce
- Kale Apple Slaw
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DIY Caramel Apple Nachos
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
Description
Caramel apple nachos are a sweet, crunchy, and nutritious treat that’s so fun! Put out an apple nacho bar spread for an interactive snack.
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup peanut butter + 1 Tbsp.
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp. coconut oil
- 2 lbs. Pazazz apples (about 4-5 apples)
- toppings: shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, sprinkles, hemp seeds
Instructions
- In a microwave safe bowl, combine peanut butter, maple syrup, and coconut oil. Microwave for 30 second increments, stirring in between until a smooth caramel sauce has formed….
- Meanwhile prep ingredients. Thinly slice apples, chop peanuts, and put out toppings in small bowls.
- Assemble nachos. Place apple slices in a plate and drizzle with peanut caramel sauce. Add toppings as desired and …..
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