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These easy Caramel Apple Nachos turn crisp apple slices into a fun snack or dessert with gooey caramel, crunchy granola, dried cherries, mini chocolate chips and a creamy marshmallow dip. They come together in about 15 minutes with no baking required, making them perfect for after-school snacking, fall parties or whenever you want an easy apple treat.
Kellie’s Note
An Apple A Day
Healthy snacks are key when school starts and the easier to make the better. We’ve been creating versions of Dessert Boards all summer long and this oldie but goodie is on repeat now that apples are back in season on the East Coast.
Apple nachos are one of my favorite ways to make an everyday apple feel a little more exciting. They have that sweet-tart caramel apple flavor without dipping whole apples or waiting for caramel to set, and everyone can grab a slice right off the platter. Around here, they disappear fast.
Crisp, juicy apple slices are loaded with our favorite toppings like granola, dried cranberries and chopped nuts before being drizzled with caramel sauce and marshmallow fruit dip.
Easy, peasy and kids make them vanish in minutes.
Why You’ll Love These Apple Nachos
- Quick and easy: There’s no baking and the whole platter comes together in about 15 minutes.
- Sweet, tart and crunchy: Crisp apples balance the gooey caramel and marshmallow dip while granola and chocolate chips add plenty of texture.
- Easy to customize: Change up the apples, sauces and toppings with whatever you have on hand.
- Perfect for sharing: Serve them for an after-school snack, easy fall dessert, Halloween party or game day.
- Easier than caramel apples: You get all that caramel apple flavor without dipping whole apples or dealing with a sticky mess.
Ingredients for Apple Nachos
- Apples: I like a combination of sweet Gala and tart Granny Smith apples. Honeycrisp, Fuji or Pink Lady are also great.
- Lemon: Helps slow browning after the apples are sliced. You can also use the honey-water method below.
- Marshmallow fluff and sour cream: Whip them together for a creamy, sweet-tangy drizzle. Plain Greek yogurt can replace the sour cream for a tangier version.
- Caramel sauce: Homemade caramel sauce or your favorite store-bought caramel sauce both work.
- Granola: Adds crunch to every bite. Use any granola you love.
- Dried cherries: Their tart, chewy flavor balances the sweet caramel. Dried cranberries or raisins work too.
- Mini chocolate chips: Mini chips are easier to eat and stick to the apple slices better than full-size chips.
- Optional toppings: Chopped pecans, walnuts, coconut, toffee bits and sprinkles are all fun additions.
Best Apples for Apple Nachos
Crisp, firm apples make the best apple nachos because they hold their shape under all those toppings. I like using a combination of Granny Smith and Gala apples so you get a little tart and sweet in every bite.
You can also use Honeycrisp, Fuji, Pink Lady or Braeburn. Whatever variety you choose, look for apples that are firm and crunchy rather than soft or mealy.
For sweeter caramel apple nachos, Granny Smith is especially good because the tart apple balances the caramel and marshmallow dip.
How to Make Apple Nachos
- Slice the apples. Core the apples and cut them into thin, roughly 1/4-inch slices.
- Keep them fresh. Treat the apple slices with lemon or the honey-water method below, then pat them dry.
- Make the marshmallow dip. Beat the marshmallow fluff and sour cream together until smooth.
- Arrange the apples. Layer the slices slightly overlapping on a large platter.
- Add the drizzles. Spoon the marshmallow dip and caramel sauce over the apples.
- Add the toppings. Sprinkle with granola, dried cherries, mini chocolate chips and any other toppings you like.
- Serve. Enjoy immediately while the apples are crisp and the granola is crunchy.
One of my favorite kitchen tools makes short work of apples, pears and more! This Apple Slicer by OXO will last forever.
Tips for the Best Apple Nachos
- Start with cold apples. Cold, crisp apples give you the best crunch.
- Slice them evenly. About 1/4 inch thick makes the apples sturdy enough to hold the toppings but still easy to eat.
- Dry the apples well. If you soak them to prevent browning, pat them dry so the caramel and toppings stick.
- Warm thick caramel. If your caramel sauce is difficult to drizzle, warm it briefly until it loosens up.
- Layer instead of piling. Slightly overlapping the apples helps every slice get some caramel, dip and toppings.
- Use mini toppings when possible. Mini chocolate chips and finely chopped nuts stay on the apple slices better.
- Assemble just before serving. The apples stay crisper and the granola keeps its crunch.
How To Keep Apples From Browning
If you’re not serving your apple nachos immediately, treating the sliced apples first will help keep them looking fresh.
- Honey water: Stir 2 tablespoons of honey into 1 cup of water. Soak the apple slices for about 30 seconds, then drain and pat them dry.
- Lemon water: Stir 1 tablespoon of lemon juice into 1 cup of water. Soak the apples for about 30 seconds, drain and pat them dry.
I prefer the honey method because it doesn’t add as much tartness to the apples. Either method works, but be sure to dry the slices well before adding the caramel and toppings.
How to Serve Apple Nachos
Caramel Apple Nachos make an easy after-school snack, but they’re just as good for fall entertaining. Serve them for Halloween, game day, an apple-picking weekend, a kids’ party or an easy dessert when you don’t feel like baking.
For a party, turn them into an apple nachos bar. Arrange the sliced apples on a platter and set out caramel, chocolate sauce, granola, mini chocolate chips, chopped nuts, dried fruit, coconut and sprinkles so everyone can make their own.
You can also add the apple nachos to a larger fall snack board with pretzels, popcorn, cookies and extra caramel for dipping.
Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Make the marshmallow dip ahead of time and store it covered in the refrigerator. The granola, chocolate chips and other toppings can also be portioned ahead. Slice the apples as close to serving time as possible.
- Preparing the apples ahead: If you need to slice them a few hours early, use the honey-water or lemon-water method above, dry them well and refrigerate until you’re ready to assemble the nachos.
- Storage: Apple nachos are best the day they’re made. Cover and refrigerate leftovers, but keep in mind that the apples will gradually soften and the granola will lose some crunch.
- Freezing: I don’t recommend freezing apple nachos. Fresh apples become softer and more watery after freezing and thawing.
- Reheating: No reheating is needed. Serve apple nachos cold or at room temperature.
More Kid Snack Ideas
If you need more quick snacks for busy afternoons, I have plenty. Try my Tuna Salad Tacos, Oatmeal Raisin Bites or Pizza Snack Mix for something easy after school, or make Pumpkin Pie Bites and Blueberry Muffins when you want another fun grab-and-go option.
- Goldfish® Pizza Snack Mix
- No Bake Monster Cookie Dough Bites
- Oatmeal Raisin Energy Bites
- The Best Blueberry Muffins
- Easy English Muffin Pizza
- Muddy Buddies Recipe
More Easy Apple Recipes
If you came home from the orchard with more apples than you know what to do with, you’re in the right place. These are a few more of my favorite easy apple recipes for fall.
- Easiest Apple Fritters Ever
- Easy Apple Strudel
- Easy Caramel Apple Dip
- The Best Caramel Apples
- Easy Apple Dumplings
- Quick Candy Apples
For more easy after school snack ideas, follow us on Instagram and Facebook!
Caramel Apple Nachos Recipe
Equipment
- 1 apple corer slicer or sharp chef's knife
Ingredients
- 2 Red Gala apples, cored and sliced about 1/4-inch thick
- 2 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced about 1/4-inch thick
- 1 lemon, cut in half
- 1/2 cup marshmallow fluff
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup caramel sauce
- 1/2 cup granola
- 1/2 cup dried cherries
- 1/2 cup mini chocolate chips
Instructions
- Arrange the sliced apples on a large serving platter and squeeze the lemon juice over the apples. Pat lightly with a paper towel if needed so the toppings will stick.
- Beat the marshmallow fluff and sour cream together in a medium bowl until smooth.
- Drizzle the marshmallow mixture and caramel sauce over the apples.
- Sprinkle with granola, dried cherries and mini chocolate chips.
- Serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- For the best texture, serve the apple nachos immediately after assembling. Honeycrisp, Fuji or Pink Lady apples can be substituted for the Gala apples.
- Dried cranberries or raisins can be substituted for the dried cherries.
- To prevent browning without adding much lemon flavor, stir 2 tablespoons honey into 1 cup water and soak the apple slices for about 30 seconds. Drain and pat dry before assembling.
- If the caramel sauce is too thick to drizzle, warm it briefly until pourable.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Apple Nachos FAQs
What are apple nachos?
Apple nachos are thin slices of crisp apples arranged on a platter and topped nacho-style with sweet sauces and toppings. This version uses caramel sauce, creamy marshmallow dip, granola, dried cherries and mini chocolate chips.
What are the best apples for apple nachos?
Crisp, firm apples are best. Granny Smith apples add tartness that balances the sweet toppings, while Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji and Pink Lady apples add sweetness and crunch. I like using one tart and one sweet variety together.
How thin should I slice apples for apple nachos?
About 1/4 inch thick is ideal. The slices are sturdy enough to hold the toppings but thin enough to eat easily.
Do I need to peel the apples?
No. Leave the peel on for extra color, texture and structure. Just wash and dry the apples well before slicing.
How do I keep apple nachos from turning brown?
Soak the sliced apples briefly in honey water or lemon water, then drain and pat them dry before assembling. This helps slow browning while keeping the apples crisp.
Can I make apple nachos ahead of time?
They’re best assembled shortly before serving. You can make the marshmallow dip and prep the toppings ahead, then slice and treat the apples a few hours before serving.
What toppings are good on apple nachos?
Caramel, chocolate, peanut butter, granola, mini chocolate chips, dried cherries, dried cranberries, chopped pecans, walnuts, coconut, toffee bits, crushed graham crackers and sprinkles are all great options.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes. Double or triple the ingredients and divide the apples between several platters so every slice still gets plenty of toppings.
Can I make apple nachos nut-free?
Yes. Nuts aren’t required for this recipe. Leave them off and use a nut-free granola if needed.
Can you freeze apple nachos?
I don’t recommend freezing them because fresh apples lose their crisp texture after freezing and thawing.
How do I store leftover apple nachos?
Cover and refrigerate leftovers. They’re still good later, but the apples will soften and the toppings will lose some crunch, so they’re best eaten the day they’re made.
Do apple nachos need to be cooked?
Nope. This is a no-cook recipe. You may want to warm thick caramel sauce for a few seconds so it’s easier to drizzle, but otherwise there’s no cooking required.
Apple nachos are the best thing ever. I love that you added fun stuff on yours. So yummy!
What a great snack, I’d love to plow into that platter right now!
We love making apple nachos, they are the perfect snack!
So, do I have to share this with the kids? ‘Cause I’d like to make a mini version of this and call it lunch. 🙂
Not at all. 🙂