Caramel Apple Nachos star crisp, juicy apple slices drizzled with caramel and sprinkled with mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts and pretzels. Best of all, you can take them any direction you want—from full dessert mode with complete with rainbow sprinkles to a healthy snack with peanut butter and raisins. A fun, customizable treat kids (and grown-ups!) love.
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Nachos… but make them apples. Instead of chips, we’ve got crisp apple slices. Instead of salsa, we’ve got caramel. And instead of cheese, we’ve got sprinkles, chocolate and whatever else your snack-loving heart desires. Caramel apple nachos are fast, fun, healthy(ish) and 100% customizable—which is why they disappear in my house faster than I can slice the apples.
Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack for kids, a fun after-school treat, or a lighter dessert that still feels indulgent, this recipe checks every box.
My Kids’ Favorite Snack
Around here, apple nachos aren’t just a snack—they’re an event. (I’ve even been known to set out all the toppings and let my kids build their own—it’s like a nacho bar, but way more apple-y.)
Why we keep coming back to this recipe:
- Quick, no-cook, ready in 10 minutes. Slice, drizzle, top. Done.
- Endless topping combos (healthy or indulgent).
- Perfect for any occasion. Think lunchboxes, after-school snacks or even a party platter alongside your favorite gameday snacks.
One bite and you’ll see why my kids call these “the best nachos ever.”
- Apples: Any variety works (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith—choose your favorite). I like to use a mix of red and green apples for that sweet-tart contrast and visual appeal. Here’s how I keep apples from turning brown so they actually get eaten.
- Lemon: A quick squeeze keeps the apples fresh and bright.
- Caramel or butterscotch sauce: Store-bought works, but if you want next-level? Try my foolproof homemade butterscotch sauce. It’s been a reader favorite since 2013!
- Toppings: I love a mix of sweet, salty, and crunchy (think mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, pretzels and sprinkles).
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
More Topping Ideas
From healthy apple nacho toppings to dessert-worthy add-ons, here are some of my favorites to mix and match:
- Crunchy: granola (try my protein-packed homemade granola recipe), crushed pretzels, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds
- Sweet: mini M&Ms, dried fruit, coconut flakes, cacao nibs, mini marshmallows, candied nuts
- Nutty: peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter (or sunflower seed butter for nut-free schools)
- Dessert-level: bourbon caramel sauce, chocolate sauce, butterscotch drizzle, whipped cream
- Breakfast twist: Greek yogurt, honey or maple syrup, cinnamon
Pro tip: Pick one crunchy + one sweet + one drizzle = the perfect combo every time.
My Top Tips for Making Apple Nachos
- Cut your apples into 1/4-inch slices—too thin and they flop, too thick and they’re awkward to bite.
- After tossing in lemon juice, pat slices dry so toppings stick without sliding off.
- Slightly warm nut butter or caramel sauce so it drizzles easily. A spoon works fine, or get fancy with a zip-top bag and snipped corner to pipe like a pro.
- Serve immediately. Apple nachos are best enjoyed right after topping. For make-ahead prep, slice apples and store in lemon water, then assemble right before serving.
- Kid-tested bonus: Let kids build their own healthy apple nachos. I’m a big believer that the more involved you can get your kids in the kitchen, the more likely they are to actually eat it.
This easy apple snack is one of those treats my kids—and honestly, I—can’t resist. Easy to make, fun to assemble and a sneaky way to get fruit on the table without any complaints.
FAQs
Kind of! The apples can be sliced a few hours in advance if you store them in lemon water in the fridge (up to 4 hours). But for the best texture, wait to add your toppings until right before serving.
Yes—just keep the toppings separate to prevent soggy slices. I like to use these little airtight containers for sauces and silicone muffin cups for chocolate, nuts and pretzels. Then your kids can assemble their own nachos at school—fun, mess-free and guaranteed to get eaten. For more of my favorite lunchbox gear and back-to-school tips, check out my full School Lunch Guide.
Swap the caramel for nut butter, trade sprinkles for dried fruit, and add crunchy seeds or granola instead of candy. You’ll still get the fun nacho vibe, just with more protein and fiber.
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (any variety)
- 1 lemon
- 3 Tablespoons caramel or butterscotch sauce
- 2 Tablespoons mini chocolate chips
- 2 Tablespoons chopped peanuts
- 2 Tablespoons chopped pretzels
- 1 Tablespoon sprinkles
Instructions
- Core and cut the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Add them to a large bowl then halve and squeeze the lemon juice on top. Toss to combine.
- Arrange the apple slices so that they are overlapping slightly on a serving dish.
- Drizzle the apples with the caramel sauce then top with the mini chocolate chips, chopped peanuts, chopped pretzels and sprinkles. Serve immediately.
Kelly’s Notes
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Are these, or can they be, made dairy & gluten free?
Absolutely, Annie! Just check any store-bought caramel sauce you use to confirm it’s dairy- and gluten-free. Enjoy!