Sometimes, all you want is something sweet, crunchy, and just a little indulgent—but without spending hours in the kitchen. That’s where Loaded Apple Slices come in. Think of them as apple nachos with a fun twist: juicy apple rings topped with peanut butter, crunchy granola, and (if you’re like me on a Friday night) a few cheeky chocolate chips.
I first started making these when my youngest was going through a peanut butter obsession phase—peanut butter on toast, crackers, spoons, you name it. These little beauties quickly became a household favorite because they’re fast, fun, and versatile.
And the best part? You don’t need a stove, oven, or even a slow cooker. Just grab an apple, slice it up, and dress it like it’s going out to a party.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Loaded Apple Slices Recipe
- Quick to make (under 5 minutes, promise!)
- Kid-approved and mom-approved
- Perfect for after-school snacks, movie nights, or a healthy-ish dessert
- Easy to customize with your favorite toppings
What Do Loaded Apple Slices Taste Like?
Imagine the crisp bite of fresh apple, creamy peanut butter that hugs every edge, the nutty crunch of granola, and a surprise burst of rich chocolate. It’s a snack that feels decadent but still wholesome—like dessert’s healthier cousin who shows up to the party in sneakers but still steals the show.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Loaded Apple Slices
The beauty of Loaded Apple Slices is that you don’t need a fancy shopping list or specialty items—you probably have everything waiting in your kitchen already. Still, a little detail goes a long way, so here’s what you’ll need to make this snack shine:
- 1 fresh apple – Choose something crisp and sturdy. Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji are perfect because they hold their shape and give you that juicy crunch. Red Delicious? Not so much—they tend to get mealy, and no one wants that in their snack.
- Peanut butter (to taste) – Smooth or crunchy, it’s totally your call. Peanut butter not only makes the apple slices more filling, but it also adds that salty-sweet balance we all crave. If you’re dealing with nut allergies, almond butter or sunflower seed butter work beautifully, too.
- Granola (to taste) – This is where the magic happens. A good granola gives you texture and crunch, making each bite of your Loaded Apple Slices feel like dessert. You can use a classic honey granola, or try something nutty or spiced with cinnamon.
- 1 cup dark chocolate chips (175 g, optional) – Chocolate chips take these apple slices from “healthy snack” to “I’d serve this at a party.” Dark chocolate adds richness without being overly sweet, but if you’re making these for kids, milk chocolate or even white chocolate chips are fun swaps.
👉 Want another easy and creative idea for simple pantry ingredients? Check out my Canned Salmon Sandwiches Recipe—it’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights!
What’s great about these ingredients is their flexibility. You can play with different nut butters, sprinkle in seeds like chia or flax for extra nutrition, or drizzle a little honey if you want that extra sticky sweetness. However you build them, these Loaded Apple Slices will taste like a mini celebration in every bite.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Loaded Apple Slices
One of the reasons I adore Loaded Apple Slices is because they’re ridiculously easy to make. You don’t need to turn on the oven, and the whole process takes less time than waiting in line at the coffee shop. Let’s walk through it together:
Step 1: Slice the apple into rings
Grab your apple and a sharp knife. Instead of cutting wedges, slice it horizontally into ¼-inch (6 ½ mm) thick rings. This gives you a flat base that’s easier to layer with toppings. Plus, it makes the snack look extra fun—like apple “bagels.”
Pro tip: A crisp apple like Honeycrisp or Fuji holds up better than softer varieties. That crunch makes your Loaded Apple Slices truly irresistible.
Step 2: Core the center
Using a spoon, paring knife, or even a small cookie cutter, carefully remove the core from each apple slice. You’ll end up with apple “donuts” that not only look adorable but are also safer for kids to snack on without chewing around seeds.
Step 3: Spread the peanut butter
Here’s where the creamy magic begins. Take your favorite peanut butter and spread a generous layer over each apple ring. Whether you go smooth or crunchy is up to you—both work beautifully. If you’re nut-free, swap with almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter. This step adds protein and makes your Loaded Apple Slices more filling.
Step 4: Sprinkle on granola
Next, grab your granola and scatter it over the peanut butter. Think of it like decorating a pizza—you want each bite to have a little crunch. Granola adds texture, sweetness, and that “snack shop” vibe without much effort.
Step 5: Add the chocolate chips (optional, but oh-so-good)
Finally, toss on those dark chocolate chips. They melt slightly against the peanut butter, creating the perfect bite of salty, sweet, crunchy, and creamy. Want to switch it up? Try white chocolate chips for a sweeter snack or drizzle with melted caramel for a dessert-worthy twist.
Step 6: Serve and enjoy!
Place your Loaded Apple Slices on a platter and watch them disappear. They’re great for after-school snacks, brunch spreads, or even as a lighter alternative to dessert.
Looking for another family-friendly recipe you can prep in minutes? You might love my Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese with Cream Cheese. It’s comfort food at its finest—just like these apple slices are comfort snacking at its best.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Loaded Apple Slices
- No peanut butter fan? Swap with almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter.
- Keep apples from browning: A quick dip in lemon water keeps those slices fresh.
- Mess-free for kids: Serve them open-faced or stack two slices together like a mini apple sandwich.
- Make it fancy: Add shredded coconut, chia seeds, or a caramel drizzle for a dessert vibe.
Personal note: The first time I brought these to a picnic, my friend called them “the lazy mom’s charcuterie board.” Honestly? I’ll take that title with pride.
Storage
These are best eaten fresh, but if you want to prep ahead:
- Store sliced apples in lemon water in the fridge.
- Assemble just before serving for max crunch.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these nut-free?
Yes! Try sunflower butter or cookie butter for a safe, school-friendly snack.
Q: Which apples work best?
Crisp, firm apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. Avoid mealy varieties (looking at you, Red Delicious).
Q: Can I make these a dessert platter?
Absolutely. Lay out toppings like dried fruit, coconut flakes, or pretzels and let guests build their own.
Conclusion
If you’re craving something quick, fun, and satisfying, Loaded Apple Slices are your answer. They’re versatile, healthy-ish, and guaranteed to disappear faster than you can make them. Try them today, and don’t be surprised if they become your family’s new go-to snack.
Oh, and if you love playful recipes like this, you might also enjoy my Canned Salmon Sandwiches Recipe—another simple idea that works wonders for busy days.
Follow us on Pinterest for weekly slow cooker inspiration, or join the conversation over on our Facebook page where fellow food lovers share their favorite comfort meals.
Print
Loaded Apple Slices
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 apple (8–10 loaded slices) 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crisp apple rings topped with creamy peanut butter, crunchy granola, and a pop of chocolate—an easy, no-bake snack that tastes like dessert but comes together in minutes.
Ingredients
1 crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji)
Peanut butter, to taste (smooth or crunchy; or almond/sunflower seed butter)
Granola, to taste (any variety)
1 cup dark chocolate chips (optional; swap milk or white chocolate)
Optional toppings: chia seeds, flaxseed, coconut flakes, honey drizzle
Instructions
1. Slice the apple horizontally into ¼-inch rings.
2. Carefully core the center of each ring with a paring knife, spoon, or small cutter.
3. Spread a generous layer of peanut butter over each apple ring.
4. Sprinkle granola evenly over the peanut butter.
5. Top with dark chocolate chips (optional). For a sweeter twist, drizzle with melted chocolate.
6. Serve immediately and enjoy while crisp.
Notes
For nut-free, use sunflower seed butter.
If prepping ahead, lightly brush apple slices with lemon juice to slow browning.
Customize with chia seeds, coconut flakes, or a light honey drizzle.
Great for after-school snacks, brunch boards, or party platters.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded slice
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 40mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: loaded apple slices, apple snack, peanut butter, granola, no-bake, kid-friendly
