Introduction
The combination of fruit and nut butter has been a beloved snack since the early 20th century, when peanut butter first gained popularity in American households. This modern variation, featuring almond butter, emerged during the health food movement of the early 2000s as people sought nutritious alternatives to traditional spreads. The pairing capitalizes on the age-old principle of combining complementary textures and flavors – the crisp, juicy apple provides the perfect canvas for creamy, protein-rich almond butter, creating a snack that's both satisfying and energizing.
Ingredients
• 2 medium crisp apples (like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith), cored and sliced into 1/4-inch wedges
• 4 tablespoons natural creamy almond butter
• 2 teaspoons raw honey
• 1 tablespoon chia seeds (optional)
• 2 tablespoons low-fat granola (optional)
• 1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Step 1:
Wash and core the apples, then slice them into 1/4-inch wedges
Step 2:
Arrange apple slices in a fan pattern on serving plates
Step 3:
Spread or dollop approximately 2 tablespoons of almond butter on each serving of apple slices
Step 4:
Drizzle 1 teaspoon of honey over each serving
Step 5:
If using optional toppings, sprinkle with chia seeds, granola, and ground cinnamon
Q: How do I prevent the apple slices from browning?
A: Toss sliced apples in lemon juice or store in cold water with a splash of lemon juice
Q: Can I make this nut-free?
A: Yes, substitute almond butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free option
Q: What apple varieties work best?
A: Firm, crisp varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work best for maintaining texture
• Choose fresh, firm apples for best crunch and flavor.
• Almond butter can be substituted with peanut butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for nut-free option.
• For best results, use room temperature nut butter for easier spreading.
• Contains tree nuts (almonds) - avoid if allergic.
• Store apples in cold water with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning if preparing ahead.
Serve immediately after preparation for optimal freshness and crunch
Best consumed immediately. If needed, store sliced apples in cold water with lemon juice for up to 2 hours to prevent browning
Prepare just before serving to maintain the apples' crispness and prevent browning
- Allow almond butter to reach room temperature for easier spreading
- Choose firm, crisp apples for the best texture
- Cut apple slices uniformly for an attractive presentation
Try different nut butters like cashew or peanut butter, or use sunflower seed butter for a nut-free version. Experiment with different apple varieties for varying levels of sweetness
Pair with green tea or chamomile tea for a balanced afternoon snack
Best in fall when fresh apples are in season, but available year-round
Contains tree nuts (almonds). Optional toppings may contain gluten (granola). Check specific ingredients for additional allergens
