Ingredients
Apples
- 3-4 large Honeycrisp or Granny Smith apples
Date & Peanut Butter Spread
- 6 medjool dates, pitted
- ¼ cup creamy peanut butter, natural and no sugar added
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-4 tablespoons warm water
Toppings & Coating
- ¾ cup roasted peanuts, unsalted or lightly salted
- 1½ cups semisweet or dark chocolate chips
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (optional)
Instructions
- Soak Dates: Place the pitted and halved dates in a bowl and cover them with hot water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to soften, then drain the water completely.
- Prepare Date Spread: Transfer the soaked dates to a small food processor. Add 2 tablespoons of warm water and blend until smooth, adding an additional tablespoon of water if needed for a creamy, spreadable consistency. Add peanut butter and vanilla extract, then blend again until fully combined and smooth.
- Melt Chocolate: In a heatproof bowl, combine chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using). Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring thoroughly between each, until the chocolate is fully melted and smooth. Set aside to cool slightly.
- Slice Apples: Slice off a thin strip from each side of the apple to create flat surfaces. Cut around the core to obtain four ½-inch thick apple slices per apple. Pat each slice dry with a paper towel.
- Insert Sticks: Carefully insert a popsicle stick into the bottom of each apple slice to aid dipping and handling. This step is optional but recommended for ease.
- Assemble Slices: Spread an even layer of the date and peanut butter spread on one side of each apple slice. Sprinkle a layer of roasted peanuts on top of the spread.
- Coat in Chocolate: Holding the slice by the stick, use a spoon to spread melted chocolate over the back side and edges of the apple slice. Flip the slice and coat the peanut-topped side as well. Allow excess chocolate to drip off before placing the slice on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
- Set the Chocolate: Refrigerate the assembled apple slices for about 30 minutes or until the chocolate coating is firm and set.
- Serve & Store: Enjoy immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to ensure slices hold their shape and provide a crisp texture.
- If the mixture is too thick to blend smoothly, add warm water gradually to reach a spreadable consistency.
- Coconut oil is optional in the chocolate melt but helps create a smoother, shinier coating.
- If prep time is limited, the date soaking step can be done in advance for convenience.
- For thicker slices, use caution inserting the popsicle sticks to avoid breaking the apple pieces.
- Store the finished slices in the refrigerator to keep the chocolate firm and the apples fresh.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian