Sometimes the simplest snacks spark the most joy—especially when it comes to Peanut Butter Apple Slices! This playful, nutritious treat is all about crisp apples spread with creamy peanut butter and sprinkled with a medley of colorful toppings. It’s a hands-on snack that brings out your inner kid, while fueling your day with wholesome deliciousness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fun & Hands-On: Everyone gets to customize their Peanut Butter Apple Slices with exciting toppings, making snack time interactive and creative.
- Naturally Nutritious: This snack is packed with fiber, protein, and natural sugars, giving you sustained energy without any fuss.
- Quick & Simple: Minimal prep, no baking, and just a handful of staple ingredients make this a lifesaver during busy days.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for kids and adults alike—great for lunchboxes, after-school bites, or sharing with friends at a topping “station.”
Ingredients You’ll Need
You only need a few pantry and fridge favorites to bring these Peanut Butter Apple Slices to life, but each one is essential. The beauty is in their contrasts—creamy, crunchy, tangy, and sweet, all coming together for the ultimate fruity snack plate.
- 2 tbsp peanut butter: The creamy (or crunchy!) spread is the protein-rich anchor, offering richness and a satisfying mouthfeel.
- 2 apples, cored and cut into 5mm (¼in) slices: Choose sweet or tangy apples for a crisp, juicy foundation that holds up to all your favorite toppings.
- 1 handful raspberries, halved: These add bursts of tart flavor and beautiful color. Fresh is best, but frozen raspberries (thawed and gently dried) also work in a pinch.
- 2 bananas, thinly sliced: Creamy banana coins add sweetness and soft texture—fantastic for making smiley faces!
- 2 tbsp runny honey: A drizzle over the top brings everything together with golden sweetness—plus, it’s sticky fun for little helpers.
- 2 tbsp mixed nuts, seeds, or raisins (as desired): Think chopped almonds, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, or chewy raisins for crunch and variety.
Variations
One of the absolute joys of Peanut Butter Apple Slices is how endlessly adaptable they are. Whatever you have in your pantry or whatever your cravings suggest, you can make these snacks utterly your own in just seconds.
- Go Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunflower seed butter, tahini, or soy nut butter to keep things allergy friendly and just as delicious.
- Chocolate Dreams: Sprinkle with mini dark chocolate chips or a dusting of cocoa powder for a seriously decadent twist—think dessert-for-snack without guilt.
- Spiced-Up: Add a shake of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice to the apples or peanut butter for cozy, warming flavor notes.
- Tropical Flair: Top with dried coconut flakes, pineapple pieces, or a touch of lime zest for an unexpected, sunny snack.
How to Make Peanut Butter Apple Slices
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by washing and coring your apples—no fancy gadgets needed, but an apple corer can make it even quicker. Carefully slice them into rings about 5mm (¼ in) thick so they’re sturdy enough to hold toppings, yet easy for little hands to pick up.
Step 2: Spread with Peanut Butter
Lay the apple slices out on a platter or serving board. Using a small butter knife or spatula, gently spread a little peanut butter onto one side of each apple ring—thick enough for a creamy bite, but not so much that it overwhelms the freshness of the apples.
Step 3: Create a Topping Station
Set out the sliced bananas, halved raspberries, honey, and your chosen mix of nuts, seeds, or raisins in cute little bowls. Invite everyone to make their own Peanut Butter Apple Slices masterpieces—encourage creativity with faces, patterns, or even “abstract art!”
Step 4: Finishing Touches
Once your apple slices are decorated to your heart’s content, give them a light drizzle of runny honey to add shine and sweetness. Serve immediately, or snap a quick photo before the snacking begins—you’ll want to remember these creations!
Pro Tips for Making Peanut Butter Apple Slices
- Apple Variety Counts: Choose crisp apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith—they won’t brown as quickly and their crunch is unbeatable.
- Keep the Slices Fresh: If you’re prepping ahead, brush apple slices with a little lemon juice to prevent browning before adding peanut butter.
- Room Temperature Peanut Butter: Slightly warm or room-temp peanut butter spreads more easily, so it won’t tear your beautiful apple rings.
- Topping Prep: Chop nuts and halve berries ahead of time for a smooth “topping station” experience that’s especially fun for kids’ parties.
How to Serve Peanut Butter Apple Slices
Garnishes
For that extra flourish, try a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, a dash of ground cinnamon, or a handful of micro-chopped dark chocolate. Even an extra drizzle of local honey can make your Peanut Butter Apple Slices shine—with a little crunch from toasted seeds or a zest of lemon over the top for sparkle.
Side Dishes
Pair these cheerful bites with yogurt parfaits, a fruity smoothie, or even whole grain crackers for a party platter. They also add a playful, colorful touch to a weekend brunch board—try them alongside hard boiled eggs or veggie sticks for balance.
Creative Ways to Present
Arrange slices on a big board with piles of toppings for a family-style “decorate your own” spread. Or, lay slices in rainbow rows on a serving platter for parties. For little ones, build funny fruit faces or slice your apples into star or heart shapes for an extra-special touch. The sky’s the limit with Peanut Butter Apple Slices!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Peanut Butter Apple Slices are best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate any extras in an airtight container for up to a day. To prevent apples from browning, squeeze a bit of lemon juice over them before assembling and storing.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t recommended for Peanut Butter Apple Slices—the texture of apples and toppings just isn’t the same once thawed. If you need to prep in advance, store apple rings and toppings separately, then assemble just before serving.
Reheating
No need to reheat! These slices are all about being crisp and fresh. If they’ve been chilled, let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes to take the chill off before serving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
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Can I use a different nut butter in place of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter (for a nut-free option) all taste wonderful and give these Peanut Butter Apple Slices a new personality.
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How can I prevent the apple slices from browning?
A quick brush or toss with lemon juice keeps apples bright and fresh in color. You can also assemble just before serving if you prefer to skip the lemon step.
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Are Peanut Butter Apple Slices good for meal prep or lunchboxes?
Yes! Just be sure to coat apple slices with a little lemon juice, store slices and toppings separately, and assemble quickly at lunchtime for the best texture.
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Can I make these vegan or allergy-friendly?
Definitely! Use maple syrup or agave in place of honey, and opt for nut-free butters and toppings as needed. Peanut Butter Apple Slices can suit nearly any diet with a few simple swaps.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a snack that’s fun, nourishing, and endlessly customizable, Peanut Butter Apple Slices are the answer. Give them a try—gather your favorite toppings, invite friends or family, and let the creativity (and crunching) begin!
PrintPeanut Butter Apple Slices Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 people
- Category: No-Cook
- Method: No-Cook
Description
A fun and interactive snack idea perfect for kids and adults alike, these Peanut Butter Apple Slices are a creative way to enjoy a variety of toppings on fresh fruit slices.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 2 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 apples, cored and cut into 5mm (1/4in) slices
- 1 handful raspberries, halved
- 2 bananas, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp runny honey
- 2 tbsp mixed nuts, seeds, or raisins, as desired
Instructions
- Spread a little peanut butter onto one side of each apple ring. Arrange them on a platter or board.
- Set out the topping ingredients in small bowls on the table.
- Allow everyone to top their own slices, encouraging them to make patterns and faces while experimenting with ingredients they’ve never tried before.
- Drizzle with honey, if you like.
Notes
- If the self-topping approach proves to be a hit, try introducing “topping stations” to other mealtimes. A selection of fruit with the morning porridge, perhaps?
Nutrition
- Calories: 209kcal
- Sugar: 26g
- Sodium: 39mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 4g