These simple, healthy caramel apple nachos are a surprising delight! The sauce contains just three ingredients and is not only dairy free, but also vegan, allergy-friendly, and optionally paleo-friendly. It’s a perfect nutritious treat or sweet snack for kids or adults, and can be customized with your extra toppings of choice.
I discovered this wholesome, caramel-like sauce from Sarah at The Fit Cookie. She used it to make these amazing Caramel Cookie Dough Ice Cream Sandwiches for our #FrozenFridays Recipe Contest. Those vegan, gluten-free frozen desserts are definitely delicious, but I was truly smitten by the “Caramel” Layer. It’s so simple, and yet so addictive. It doesn’t taste just like caramel, but has definite caramel notes that add just the right flavor to these healthy caramel apple nachos.
I’ve only used natural sunflower seed butter to make the caramel topping below. However, cashew butter will probably work well, too. Almond and peanut butter will also work, but they may be a little too pronounced in flavor.
Special Diet Notes: Healthy Caramel Apple Nachos
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, egg-free, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, vegan, plant-based, vegetarian, and top food allergy-friendly. You can also make it refined sugar-free and paleo-friendly if you use a seed butter with no added sugars. However, I prefer to use a regular sunflower seed butter, which has just a touch of evaporated cane sugar.
- 3 small apples, halved, cored, and cut into thin slices
- 2 tablespoons natural sunflower seed butter
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla flavoring or vanilla extract
- Optional toppings (ground cinnamon, dairy-free chocolate chips, hemp seeds, cacao nibs, etc)
- Arrange the apple slices on a plate, or just toss them on.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the seed butter, maple syrup, and vanilla until smooth.
- Drizzle or spread the seed butter caramel atop the apples. If it is too thick, warm it for 10 seconds in the microwave and whisk.
- Sprinkle on any optional toppings, if desired.
Key Ingredients: Healthy Caramel Apple Nachos
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33 Comments
Thank you for this recipe. I’ve been gluten-free for years and have been looking for an alternative caramel dip sold in the stores. Can’t wait to try it.
I hope you enjoy it Anne!
Can you use natural almond butter instead of the natural sunflower seed butter?
I’ve only tested it with sunflower seed butter. It should work well, I’m just not sure on the exact flavor.
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Such a pretty presentation and way to eat caramel apples. This would be great to serve at any party.
Thank you! I think it would be! Sprinkle on a little citrus though to keep those apples from browning and double down on the caramel sauce – it’s a party after all!
I love that you used SunButter as the base in this–we’ve always got a few jars laying around!
My husband doesn’t actually like SunButter in baked goods, but this was a win!
I must try this. It looks like the perfect recipe to have for snacking or dessert. Using 3 different kinds of apples would be pretty, too.
That would be pretty! Thanks for the idea Amanda.
This is so beautiful! I would totally love eating something like this, healthy but with a touch of sweetness. Great idea.
Yep, a snackable treat 🙂
These apple nachos would make a lovely centerpiece dessert this holiday season!
Oooh, yes, they would!
These are a favorite fall snack in our house and why shouldn’t they be they’re delicious! I already have them on the calendar for an after school snack next week on National Nacho Day! Also love the caramel with the nut butter, I haven’t made that in awhile so this is how I’ll make them next week.
Awesome – enjoy 🙂 Glad I can give you an excuse to bring it back on the menu.
What a brilliant idea. My kids would love this… yum!!!
Yes, they would – I promise!
WHAT AN AMAZING FALL SNACK!!! Love this.
Thanks Kaila!
This is such a fun idea! My 3 year old will go crazy for this when I have it ready after his nap!
I’m just impressed that your 3 year old actually naps 🙂
This is such a great idea! And so much easier to eat than traditional caramel apples!
WAY easier. Thanks Jenn!
Oh yum. I love how easy this is!! Perfect for a sweet treat without going sugar crazy.
I know – I have a total sweet tooth and love having treats around like this so I don’t over-sugar.
These are so pretty! My 6 year old saw this pic and exclaimed, “MOM! Can we make those today?!” 😉
Aw, I’m so flattered! Nothing beats the vote of a grade schooler 🙂
one of my all time favorite snacks is a sliced apple, and I’d totally welcome this caramel sauce on them!
Hmm, maybe to enjoy with apple leftovers from that Roasted Apple Chia Pudding recipe you made – yum!
Love this presentation! What a fun way to serve a healthy snack! 🙂
Thank you!