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You are here: Home / Recipes / Snacks

Caramel Apple Nachos

By Susie Weinrich · Date Nov 28, 2022· 2 Comments · May contain affiliate links.

Caramel apple nachos on a plate with pinterest text
apple nacho pin image with text
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Caramel Apple Nachos are a great way to enjoy “caramel apples” without all the mess and work! It is a kid friendly snack made with fresh apples layered with caramel, nuts, chocolate chips, M&M’s and sprinkles! It’s a quick, no bake snack or treat that kids will love! It would also make a “healthier” dessert option.

apples on a plate topped with caramel, pecans, chocolate chips and sprinkles

For another great apple dessert check out these recipes for Apple Pie Bars, Apple Crostata with Caramel Sauce or Apple Spice Cake with Butter Rum Sauce.

Table of Contents hide
1 Apple Variety
2 Keeping Apples from Browning
3 Toppings
4 Elegant (Adult) Caramel Apple Nachos
5 Caramel Sauce
6 More Kid Friendly Recipes to Love
7 Did you make this recipe?
8 Caramel Apple Nachos

Apple Variety

Use whatever apples you have on hand, whatever is on sale at the store, or whatever kind you (or your kids) like. We happen to love Honeycrisp apples, so that is what we use.

Some other varieties that would work well:

  • pink lady
  • granny smith (tart)
  • gala (sweet!)
  • fuji

Keeping Apples from Browning

The only snag with cutting apples is they can tend to brown quickly. To avoid this, chop your apples into slices, make a cool water bath with 6 cups of water and stir in 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Soak your apple slices for about 5 minutes.

soaking apples in lemon water to prevent browning

Drain the lemon water and place the apples on a paper towel to lightly dry.

Toppings

In this apple nacho recipe we use pecans, homemade caramel sauce, mini chocolate chips, and sprinkles. However you can use whatever toppings your crew likes, here are some ideas:

caramel, peanuts, peanut butter, sprinkles, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, almond slices, dried cranberries, melted white chocolate, white chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, mini marshmallows

Elegant (Adult) Caramel Apple Nachos

With these toppings the apple nachos can tend to look more kid friendly than something you would serve at an adult dinner. To keep them looking more adult friendly try these toppings:

Caramel pecan sauce (recipe below), milk and/or dark chocolate drizzle, crunchy toasted coconut chips (like the ones from Bare), and crumbled brownie brittle.

Caramel Sauce

You have 4 options for your caramel topping.

  1. You can buy the tub of caramel sauce that is usually near the apples in the grocery store during the fall.
  2. Make the homemade caramel sauce that is in the recipe card below. Let it cool in the fridge so it thickens a little before drizzling.
  3. Melt caramels (the individually wrapped ones, like Kraft) on the stove top.
  4. Make the Butter Rum Sauce. It is a caramel-like sauce that is made with a lot of butter and a little dark rum.
plate of apple nachos topped with caramel sauce, pecans,  sprinkles and chocolate chips

More Kid Friendly Recipes to Love

  • two bowls of chicken noodle soup for kids with legos and crackers around the table
    Chicken Noodle Soup for Kids
  • a cutting board that is full of kids foods
    Kids Charcuterie Board
  • Kids getting on a school bus
    35+ Easy Back To School Dinner Ideas

Susie leaning on the kitchen counter

💛💛💛💛💛

Did you make this recipe?

I would love to hear your review, especially if you have tips and tricks to add! Pop down to the comment section and connect with me

Rate This Recipe→
apple nachos with caramel m&m's, sprinkles and chocolate chips

Caramel Apple Nachos

Caramel Apple Nachos are a great way to enjoy "caramel apples" without all the mess and work! Fresh apples are layered with caramel, nuts, chocolate chips, M&M's and sprinkles! It's a quick, no bake snack! It would also make a "healthier" dessert option.
5 from 1 vote
Print Pin Rate Save Saved!
Prep Time: 30 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 444kcal
Author: Susie Weinrich

Ingredients

  • 3-4 large fresh apples - honeycrisp is a great option
  • mini chocolate chips
  • mini M&M's
  • sprinkles

Caramel Sauce (or see notes for other options)

  • 2 tablespoon butter
  • ¾ cup packed brown sugar
  • ⅓ cup karo syrup
  • ⅓ cup heavy whipping cream
  • ½ cup chopped pecans - or any other nut that you like!

Apple Bath to Prevent Browning

  • 6 cups cool water
  • 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions
 

Caramel Pecan Sauce

  • Start by making the caramel sauce – in a small saucepan combine the brown sugar, butter, and karo syrup, stir together to combine. Bring to a boil and stir constantly while boiling for 1 minute.
    Remove from the heat and whisk in the heavy cream. Stir in the pecans.
    Pop the caramel sauce in the fridge for about 30 minutes to cool and thicken while you prep the nachos.
    TIP: This caramel sauce can also be made up to 2 weeks in advance and kept in the fridge. It will get very thick in the fridge. Just warm a little on the stovetop when you are ready to use it!

Caramel Apple Nachos

  • Wash and slice your apples into wedges, removing the inner core and seeds.
  • In a large bowl combine the 6 cups cool water with 3 tablespoon lemon juice. Pop the apples into this liquid and let sit for 5 minutes.
    This will prevent your apples from browning for quite a while.
  • Drain the liquid from the apples and place them on a couple paper towels to dry a little.
  • Arrange the apple slices in a pinwheel pattern on a plate.
    apples layered in a pinwheel pattern
  • Drizzle with the the caramel pecan sauce. Sprinkle on the mini chocolate chips, mini M&M's and sprinkles.
  • Serve and enjoy!

Recipe Tips and Notes:

Other toppings to consider:  peanuts, peanut butter, sprinkles, peanut butter chips, butterscotch chips, almond slices, dried cranberries, melted white chocolate, white chocolate chips, Reese’s Pieces, mini marshmallows
Other caramel options: Butter Rum Sauce Recipe, purchase a tub of caramel dip from the store (usually near the apples), melt individually wrapped caramels (like the ones you make caramel apples with)
Did you make this recipe?Connect with me and let me know by commenting below!
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Serving: 1serving | Calories: 444kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 2g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 8g | Cholesterol: 31mg | Sodium: 69mg | Potassium: 181mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 65g | Vitamin A: 395IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 63mg | Iron: 1mg

About Susie Weinrich

Susie Weinrich is the recipe developer, food photographer, and content creator behind Mom's Dinner. She has over 20 years experience in the food industry. Currently, Susie shares all her recipes and food knowledge on Mom's Dinner. You will find her recipes are easy to follow and full of tips and tricks to make sure the recipe you are making turns out perfect!

Comments

    5 from 1 vote

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    Recipe Rating




  1. jill says

    October 28, 2020 at 9:56 am

    5 stars
    Seriously the best idea ever!!

    Reply
    • Susie says

      October 28, 2020 at 10:10 am

      Thank you!!!

      Reply
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Meet The Author:

Susie Weinrich is a professional food photographer and recipe developer. Her thoroughly tested recipes and step-by-step guides give readers confidence in the kitchen.

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