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    You are here: Home / Recipes / Snacks

    Caramel Apple Nachos

    Published: Oct 28, 2020 · Modified: Dec 23, 2020 by Susie Weinrich · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    Caramel apple nachos on a plate with pinterest text
    apple nacho pin image with text

    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 this recipe for Apple Crostata with Caramel Sauce or Apple Spice Cake with Butter Rum Sauce.

    Apple Variety

    Use whatever apples you have on hand, whatever is on sale at the store, or whatever kind you (or your kids) like. I 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

    Caramel Apple Nacho 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
    Prep Time: 30 minutes
    Cook Time: 0 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
    Prevent your screen from going dark while you are cooking!

    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!

    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 try this recipe? Connect with me & let me know how it turned out by commenting below!
    Jump to Comments
    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

    If nutrition facts are provided they are calculated as an estimate to the best of our knowledge.

    More snacks Recipes

    • Candy Corn Snack Mix
    • Mini Chocolate Chip Muffins
    • Healthy Breakfast Egg Cups
    • Easy Chocolate Chip Scones
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    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!

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. jill

      October 28, 2020 at 9:56 am

      5 stars
      Seriously the best idea ever!!

      Reply
      • Susie

        October 28, 2020 at 10:10 am

        Thank you!!!

        Reply

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