You’ll love caramel apple nachos because they’re quick to assemble, kid-friendly, and endlessly customizable. They deliver the classic caramel apple flavor in a much more convenient form, with every slice coated in toppings you choose. It’s a no-bake dessert that looks impressive and tastes even better. Whether you’re making a party platter or a personal treat, these nachos are sweet, crunchy, and satisfying.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
Caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
Chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or white)
Mini marshmallows (optional)
Crushed nuts (peanuts, pecans, or walnuts)
Sprinkles (optional)
Lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
Directions
Wash and core the apples, then slice them thinly.
Lightly toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Arrange the slices in a circular pattern on a large platter or plate, slightly overlapping.
Warm the caramel sauce and chocolate chips separately until pourable. (Use a microwave or stovetop.)
Drizzle the warm caramel sauce and melted chocolate over the apples.
Sprinkle with your favorite toppings like crushed nuts, mini marshmallows, or sprinkles.
Peanut Butter Drizzle: Melt peanut butter and drizzle over the top for a sweet and salty combo.
S’mores Style: Add graham cracker crumbs, mini marshmallows, and chocolate drizzle.
Candy Bar Topping: Chop up your favorite candy bars and sprinkle on top.
Yogurt Drizzle: For a lighter option, drizzle vanilla Greek yogurt instead of caramel.
Fall Flavors: Add cinnamon sugar and dried cranberries for a festive twist.
Storage/Reheating
Caramel apple nachos are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 day. Keep in mind that the apples may brown and the toppings can become soggy.
Reheating is not recommended, but if needed, briefly warm the caramel and chocolate in the microwave before adding to fresh apple slices again.
FAQs
What are the best apples for caramel apple nachos?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or sweet-crisp varieties like Honeycrisp and Fuji work best for balance and crunch.
How do I keep the apples from turning brown?
Toss them lightly in lemon juice or a mix of lemon juice and water to slow oxidation.
Can I make caramel apple nachos ahead of time?
They’re best served immediately, but you can prep the sliced apples and toppings separately, then assemble just before serving.
Is store-bought caramel sauce okay?
Yes, it works great! Choose a thick caramel that sticks well to apples.
Can I use other fruits?
Yes, sliced pears or bananas can be added, but they may brown faster than apples.
Are caramel apple nachos gluten-free?
They can be—just be sure to use gluten-free caramel, chocolate, and toppings.
How do I melt chocolate chips smoothly?
Microwave in short intervals with a little coconut oil or butter to prevent burning and create a pourable texture.
Can kids help make this?
Absolutely! Kids can drizzle sauces, sprinkle toppings, and arrange the apple slices—it’s a fun, hands-on recipe.
What nuts work best?
Chopped peanuts, walnuts, or pecans add a great crunch and flavor contrast.
Can I make a large batch for a party?
Yes, use a large platter and double or triple the ingredients as needed. Assemble just before serving.
Conclusion
Caramel apple nachos are a sweet and simple way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year. With crisp apples, warm caramel, and endless topping options, they’re a crowd-pleaser that takes just minutes to make. Whether for a party, snack, or dessert, this easy recipe is guaranteed to impress—no forks or sticks required.
Caramel apple nachos are a fun, no-bake treat featuring crisp apple slices drizzled with caramel and melted chocolate, then topped with your favorite sweets like nuts, marshmallows, or sprinkles. It’s a fast, customizable dessert perfect for parties, snacks, or fall-themed gatherings.
Ingredients
3 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/3 cup caramel sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1/4 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet, milk, or white)
2 tablespoons mini marshmallows (optional)
2 tablespoons crushed nuts (peanuts, pecans, or walnuts)
1 tablespoon sprinkles (optional)
Instructions
Wash, core, and thinly slice the apples.
Toss apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning.
Arrange the apple slices in a circular pattern on a serving platter, overlapping slightly.
Warm the caramel sauce in the microwave or on the stovetop until pourable.
Melt the chocolate chips in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring between, until smooth.
Drizzle the caramel sauce and melted chocolate over the apple slices.
Sprinkle with mini marshmallows, crushed nuts, and sprinkles if desired.
Serve immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
Use peanut butter drizzle for a sweet-salty variation.Try S’mores style with graham cracker crumbs, marshmallows, and chocolate.Add chopped candy bars or crushed cookies for extra decadence.Drizzle vanilla Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.For fall flavors, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar and dried cranberries.Best served fresh. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 day.
