Like so many others, we recently spent a gorgeous Fall day here in NY picking apples at a local apple orchard.
When all was said and done, Rene, Emi, our niece, Leah, and I filled a bag until it was practically overflowing with different varieties of apples. We also went on a tractor ride around the orchard, picked some juicy peaches, and indulged in some fresh apple cider and delicious food from local vendors (we miiiight have finished it all off with some warm apple cider donuts…how could we resist?!).
There are so many things we could have done with our juicy red, green, and golden apples. Apple crisp, apple pie, apple bread, apple juice, apple sauce…but I knew exactly what I wanted. Apple Nachos! Michelle Leotta, founder of She’s Got Power, created a recipe for Healthy Caramel Apple Nachos that I’ve made in the past for parties and they’re always a huge hit. I was excited to whip up a quick batch to share with my family.
Ehhhh…who am I kidding. I ate most of it, so be warned – these are addicting and will quickly become a favorite for you and your family.
Healthy Caramel Apple Nachos (Vegan & Gluten-Free)
Ingredients
- 6 apples (and/or pears), thinly sliced
- 1 cup coconut oil, melted
- 1 cup natural peanut butter
- ½ cup pure maple syrup (we love Roxbury Mountain Maple)
- 2 TB vanilla
- ½ tsp. salt
- 1 cup pecans, toasted and chopped
- ¾ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
- 6 oz. chocolate chips (we love Enjoy Life Mini Chocolate Chips)
- Ground cinnamon
- Optional: Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Optional: Rub lemon juice onto exposed flesh of apples and pears. This keeps them from turning brown.
- Combine peanut butter, oil, maple syrup, vanilla and salt to make sauce.
- Layer on a plate (or in a baking dish): fruit, sauce, nuts, coconut, sprinkle of cinnamon, cacao nibs (or chocolate chips). Repeat with a second layer and keep going until plate is full.
*Tips:
- Split the recipe in half in you want to make a smaller batch for 1-2 people, which will last for a few days. I use the full recipe for parties and larger groups of people.
- I LOVE these nachos warm with the chocolate chips slightly melted. Makes them ooey and gooey and oh so delicious. To do this, add a serving or two of Apple Nachos to a baking dish and put into a 300 degree oven for about 8 minutes, or until you see the chocolate begin to melt.
- All of Michelle’s recipes are beyond awesome. Here’s another one of my favorites. You can find a ton of other mouth watering recipes on her blog.
