Caramel Apple Nachos
Caramel Apple Nachos feature crisp, sliced apples arranged like chips, generously drizzled with warm caramel sauce and chocolate, then topped with mini marshmallows, crushed cookies, and nuts for an irresistible, customizable treat that’s ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 4-5 medium apples mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp for sweet-tart balance
- 1 cup caramel sauce store-bought or homemade
- ½ cup chocolate chips milk, dark, or white
- ¼ cup mini marshmallows
- ¼ cup chopped nuts peanuts, pecans, or walnuts work beautifully
- ¼ cup crushed graham crackers cookies, or pretzels
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice to prevent browning
- Optional: shredded coconut toffee bits, mini chocolate candies
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by washing them thoroughly, then slice into thin, even wedges (about ¼ inch thick). Toss gently with lemon juice in a bowl to prevent browning.
- Arrange apple slices in an overlapping pattern on a large serving platter, creating a circular design similar to traditional nachos. Make sure the slices aren’t piled too high—you want most pieces to get some toppings.
- Warm the caramel sauce in a microwave-safe bowl for 20-30 seconds until it reaches a pourable consistency. Be careful not to overheat as it can become too runny.
- Drizzle the warm caramel generously over the arranged apple slices, using a spoon to create an appealing pattern. Cover about two-thirds of the apples, leaving some visible for color contrast.
- Melt chocolate chips in a separate microwave-safe bowl, heating in 15-second intervals and stirring between each until smooth.
- Drizzle the melted chocolate over the apples in a zigzag pattern, creating visual interest against the caramel layer.
- Sprinkle your toppings evenly across the nachos—nuts, marshmallows, crushed cookies, and any optional additions you’ve chosen.
- Serve immediately while the caramel and chocolate are still slightly warm for the best taste experience.
Notes
- For make-ahead preparation, slice the apples and store them in cold water with a tablespoon of lemon juice for up to 2 hours before serving, then pat dry before assembling.
- Create a “nacho bar” with individual bowls of toppings so everyone can customize their portion.
- Leftover nachos won’t keep well once assembled, so it’s best to prepare only what will be eaten immediately.
- For a warmer dessert, briefly heat the assembled nachos in the oven at 300°F for 3-5 minutes to slightly soften the apples.
- If you’re using homemade caramel, let it cool slightly before drizzling to prevent the apples from wilting.