20 Apple Recipes For Making Diet-Friendly Snacks

Everywhere we look, it seems we are inundated with advertisements for losing weight, getting in better shape, and eating healthy. In today’s increasingly hectic and stressful world, it can be hard to bypass all of the fast-food temptations and plan ahead for healthy meals and snacks using apple recipes that won’t take a toll on our health and our waistlines.

How can we plan these healthy meals and snacks so that we can keep up with all the demands of life and care for our health as well?

Studies from Harvard now point to the apple as a key component in the battle of the bulge. This flavonoid-rich fruit contains powerful antioxidants that can slow or even the onset of weight gain. It’s pleasing taste and bendable texture make it a perfect ingredient in all types of dishes, and it deserves to be incorporated in your nutritional requirements as part of a healthy lifestyle.

Behold some of our favorite apple snacks and dishes; begin cooking and snacking with apples as the main ingredient, and watch the magic happen! Check out these stellar apple recipes; try them out, test them, and put them in your own arsenal of healthy snack recipes that you can use to revolutionize your snacking habits:

It’s okay for kids to play with their food with this cute and tasty snack. Of course, your kids will clamor for the chance to make and eat this healthy apple recipe after school or before the latest sporting event.

Ingredients:
1 Granny Smith, sliced in half
Green grapes, halved
Wilton candy eyeballs
Peanut butter/hazelnut spread/honey

Directions:
Slice the Granny Smith in half and lay one half on a plate flat side down. Cut two grapes in half lengthwise, place them on a plate on either side of the “body”. Spread a small amount of peanut butter or Nutella on the bottom of the candy eyeballs, affix to the turtle’s body. Put eyeballs in place on the grape head and watch the magic unfold!

1 1/2 cups gluten-free flour
one tsp ground cinnamon
1 tsp baking powder
half tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 cup unsweetened applesauce
1/3 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/3 cup brown or coconut sugar
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/3 cup melted coconut oil
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 Golden Delicious variety, peeled and gratedDirections:

Preheat oven to 350 degrees and prepare mini loaf pans by greasing or lining with parchment paper. Sift together flour, cinnamon, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside. Combine applesauce, coconut milk, brown sugar, maple syrup, coconut oil, and vanilla. Stir in grated apples and then add dry ingredients, stirring by hand to combine. Pour batter into pans and bake 30-35 minutes, or till a knife inserted in the center of each loaf comes out clean. Let cool in the pan for ten minutes, then remove and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Salad:1 cup red quinoa
2 large Macintosh cut into 1-inch cubes
1 Tbsp melted coconut oil
1 pinch cinnamon
2 cups shaved purple cabbage
2 Tbsp raw shelled pumpkin seeds
Large pinch coconut flakesDressing:

1 tsp balsamic vinegar
1 Tbsp olive oil
Juice of one large orange
1 pinch poppy seeds
1/2 tsp orange zest
salt and pepper to tasteDirections:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees; cook quinoa according to package directions. Toss Macintosh pieces with melted coconut oil and cinnamon; place on a lined baking sheet and sprinkle with sea salt. Roast in heated oven for 30-35 minutes and then set aside to cool.Portion quinoa, Macintosh pieces, coconut flakes, cabbage, and pumpkin seeds among serving bowls, drizzle with combined dressing ingredients. Add more balsamic and olive oil to taste. Delicious!

Who says ice cream can’t be had when dieting? This delicious combination of wholesome ingredients has your mouth singing and your waistline whittling; enjoy anytime you need a sweet treat in order to stay on track.

Ingredients:
1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
2 tsp cinnamon
pinch of salt
2 cups so Delicious Dairy Free Original Almond Creamer
1 tsp vanilla
One cup apple cider
1 medium Granny Smith, peeled and diced
One Tbsp coconut oil
1/4 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Place can of ice cream machine in the freezer. In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Place pan over medium heat and add creamer and vanilla. Allow it to heat up but do not boil it. Take the mixture off of heat and pour it into a bowl; put it in the refrigerator to chill.

Pour cider into a pan and place over high heat. Once it begins to boil, lower the temperature and uncover; allow it to continue cooking at a steady boil until it begins to caramelize. Pour into a small bowl and chill in the refrigerator; should make a thick syrup.

Diced Granny smith chunks: While cider is reducing, place Granny Smith chunks and coconut oil into a pan, saute till soft and they begin to brown. Add cinnamon; pour into yet another small bowl and refrigerate.

Remove the chilled ice cream can from the freezer and pour the ice cream base in it. Begin mixing according to manufacturer directions, till the base reaches a soft-serve consistency. About five minutes before you finish mixing, add the diced apples and mix in thoroughly.

Once the mixture is churned and chilled, put ice cream into freezer-safe containers, layering alternately with the cider syrup for a swirled effect.

If you are looking for a snack on the go that contains wholesome, delicious ingredients, an organic granola bar is the perfect grab and go snack. Containing real chunks of Macintosh, fresh cinnamon and pecans, it will satisfy your urge for something sweet without derailing your diet plans. The best part about this flavorful offering is that you don’t have to make it; it’s truly a healthy convenience snack.

Don’t worry, this apple recipe is a lot easier than it looks, and with healthy snacks around the house, you are far less likely to indulge in treats that are not so good for you. Enjoy this fruity and fun leather, and pack it on the go for your busy days to keep you full and satisfied:

Ingredients:

3 small Macintosh or Fuji
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
honey, agave, or maple syrup to taste

Add Macintosh to a sauce pan and cover with water. Bring the water to a boil and cover, let simmer for 20-30 minutes, or till fruit is fork-tender. Preheat an oven to 200 degrees; line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add all fruit to a blender and puree till smooth; add sweetener to taste. Spread mixture very thin on the parchment lined a baking sheet, using a spatula to even it out. Bake in the oven for 3 1/2 to 4 hours, or till it is tacky and dry to the touch. Remove from the oven and allow to cool before cutting and rolling into strips. Store in an airtight container.

This simple, no-bake snack is great for kids and adults alike; it will satisfy your urge for something sweet while filling your body with wholesome goodness.

Ingredients:
1/2 cup pitted dates
One cup dried granny smiths
1/2 cup uncooked oats
1/2 tsp cinnamon

Directions:
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or high-speed blender till smooth. You might have to stop and scrape down the sides of the container to make sure it is evenly mixed. Using a tablespoon as a guide, scoop out 1 Tbsp and roll into a ball. Garnish with shredded coconut if desired.

These tasty fun snacks are a hit whether on the go or for a sit-down snack. Enjoy with your favorite fillings—cheese, nut butter, etc. for a powerhouse treat.

Ingredients:
1 Granny Smith or Golden Delicious, sliced
2 Tbsp peanut or almond butter
1/4 cup raisins
cheese slices

Directions:
Layer one apple slice with an assortment of your favorite toppings, add another apple slice on top and garnish with additional toppings such as nuts or raisins if desired. Enjoy the satisfying crunch!

Nothing says comfort food like warm muffins fresh out of the oven. These tasty treats do not disappoint; serve warm with butter or your favorite nut butter for extra protein.

1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
2 eggs
3/4 cup natural applesauce
1 3/4 cups flour
One Tbsp baking powder
1/2 tsp salt

Topping:
half cup butter, melted
1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup cinnamonDirections:

Cream butter and sugar; add eggs one at a time and beat till light and fluffy. Add applesauce and mix. Sift in and mix dry ingredients. Spoon into prepared muffin pans, bake at 350 degrees for 12-18 minutes.
Before serving, dip tops of muffins in melted butter, then dip into sugar and cinnamon mixture.

These cute critters look good enough to eat—and they are!

Ingredients:
One red delicious
1 baby carrot
1 raisin

Directions:
Cut a heart shape in the Red Delicious to form the face and body of the penguin. From the section that you cut out, shape two wings. Attach them to the sides of the body with toothpicks. Cut feet and beak from the baby carrot; place into the flesh. Cut the rasin in half and press into the face to form the eyes. If you find that carrots and raisins are not sticking, use a small amount of peanut butter to secure them to the penguin.

This is the ultimate in decadent dips; it is the perfect complement to fresh produce. Dip to your heart’s content!

Ingredients:
2 – 8 oz pkgs cream cheese, chilled
1 cup caramel ice cream topping, chilled
1 store bought graham cracker pie crust

Directions:
Whip cream cheese with a hand mixer until fluffy, about three minutes. Stir in caramel ice cream topping. Break up graham cracker crust into small pieces and put into a zip top plastic bag. Crush the crust until it resembles fine graham cracker crumbs. To serve the dip, dip fresh fruit slices into the cheesecake dip first, then into graham cracker crumbs. Yum!!!

These power-packed energy bars have all the flavors that we love in fall; taking them with on the go is the perfect way to enjoy healthy snacking that is also delicious.

Ingredients:
1 1/4 cup old fashioned rolled oats
One cup chopped pecans
1/4 cup flax seeds
4 Tbsp coconut oil
Half cup of honey
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1/4 tsp vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups puffed rice cereal
1/2 cup dried diced apples
1 tsp ground cinnamon
pinch sea salt

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Prep a 9×9 baking dish with parchment paper or grease lightly; set aside. Spread oats, nuts, and flax seeds in an even layer on baking sheet. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or till everything is lightly toasted. In a small saucepan, bring honey, brown sugar, and coconut oil to a boil. Remove from heat and add vanilla extract; set aside. In another bowl, combine puff cereal, apples, cinnamon, and salt. Add oat mixture to this bowl, then coat everything with the sauce; mix to combine. Press into your prepared baking dish and pack down till you have an even layer; chill in the fridge for at least a few hours before cutting into bars.

Regardless of the fruit that you use for the foundation of this cookie, its savory and sweet combination of delicious flavors combines for an explosion of flavor and taste that is unparalleled. Feel free to mix it up with different flavor combinations for your favorite flavors.

Ingredients:
1 medium Fuji or Pink Lady, sliced into 1/8 slices
Almond, cashew or nut butter
Pecans or peanuts
Chocolate chips, peanut butter chips
Coconut flakes
Honey

Directions;
Lay slices flat on a baking sheet; top with your favorite nut butter and a combination of the rest of listed ingredients (or some of your own favorites) for maximum flavor and crunch.

Turn your favorite flavor into a fruity froggy to make a delightful snack that your kids will love!

Ingredients:
1 Granny Smith
2 cucumber slices
2 dried currants or raisins
1 green grape
black cookie icing or a food safe black marker
2 pink circle-shaped sprinkles
2 black sesame seeds
sharp kitchen knife

Directions:
Cut a large slice off the Granny Smith, stopping just before the core. Place green side up for the frog’s head. Make another slice off the other side of the core; cut the sides off the core and make thin strips for the frog’s arms. Place arms on the frog’s body. Cut the remaining piece in half; one of these will be the frog’s body. Place it on the plate underneath the frog’s head. Take the last piece of green and cut into 2 oval shapes. Place these beside the body for the frog’s legs.

Place cucumber slices on the head for the eyes. Next, put the black currants in the center of each cucumber slice. Slice green grape into four small slices. You will put these on the plate for the frog’s hands and feet. Place two pink circle-shaped sprinkles on the frog’s face for the cheeks. Finally, place black sesame seeds on the center of the face for frog’s nostrils. Take your cookie icing or food-safe marker and make a smile to complete your cute and tasty snack!

We snuck it an indulgent treat on this one! The perfect sweet snack for movie nights and entertaining friends, they are as delicious as they are refreshing.

Ingredients:
3-4 Galas
3-4 Granny Smiths
1/2 package Kraft caramels, unwrapped
1 Tbsp water
white chocolate candy coating
mini chocolate chips
bagged toffee pieces
coconut flakes
chopped pecans or walnuts

Directions:
Arrange fruit slices on a plate, alternating kinds. Unwrap caramels and place in a saucepan with 1 Tbsp water; heat till caramel is melted. At the same time and in a separate saucepan, melt white chocolate candy coating and prepare to drizzle over the fruit.

Immediately after both candies are melted, drizzle over the plate and top liberally with coconut flakes, nuts, chocolate chips, and toffee pieces. Serve immediately to prevent the fruit from browning.

Simple and delicious, this recipe works for all types of fruit. These chips can be used and stored for months, so feel free to make in large batches and take along with you for on the go snacking.

Ingredients:
3 Honeycrisps or Pink Ladies
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tbsp cinnamon

Directions:
Preheat oven to 225 degrees. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper and set aside. Mix sugar and cinnamon together in a small bowl. Slice fruit thinly, layering on the baking sheet and sprinkling liberally with cinnamon and sugar mixture, applying to both sides. Bake one hour on each side.

This apple recipe means comfort food at its finest; tender juicy baked fruit encircles gooey goodness, making for a delightful snacking experience. Feel free to indulge in as a dessert or take along for surprisingly good leftovers the next day.

Ingredients:
8 Galas or Honeycrisp
4 Tbsp butter
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Crumble:
1/2 cup all purpose flour
One-quarter cup oats
1/4 cup light brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 tsp cinnamon
4 Tbsp butter, cubed and chilled

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare the crumble topping by combining all ingredients except butter cubes in a bowl. Add butter cubes and cut through with a pastry cutter or some forks, continuing till crumbly. Peel and chop two of the apples. Add fruit, butter, cinnamon, brown sugar to a medium saucepan and stir for 8 minutes or till apples are fork tender. Chop the tops off the remaining apples and scoop out the flexh. Fill scooped out apples with fruit filling and top generously with crumble topping. Place stuffed apples on a baking sheet and bake for 15-20 minutes, or till crumble topping is crispy and bubbly. Top with your favorite whipped cream or ice cream.

Kids can’t resist this aesthetically pleasing and adventurous snack—combining the best flavors and textures, this is one time it’s okay to “play” with your food.

Ingredients:
Apples of your favorite kind
Nut butter
hazelnut spread
puffed rice cereal
Cheese
Toothpicks

Directions:
Cut apples in half, removing the cores. Spread the top with your nut butter or topping, top with rice krispies. Insert a toothpick in the middle and top with a cheese triangle to look like a sail for the sailboat. Enjoy!

Perfect for an after school snack, the combination of apples and cheese has long tantalized people in various recipes. One of our favorite apple recipes, it is simple to make and the kids can do it themselves. Pack a few and take them with you to a busy day of work and play.

Ingredients:
1 Flour tortilla
4 Tbsp medium cheddar cheese, grated
1/3 cup thinly cut up or sliced apples

Directions:
Place tortilla on a plate and sprinkle with cheddar cheese. Place apple slices over the cheese and then top with another layer of cheese. Fold tortilla over and microwave for 60-90 seconds. Take tortilla out of the microwave and cut into thirds.

A bit more substantial, this healthy sandwich is packed with both texture and flavor. Enjoy this healthy apple recipe any time of day for power-packed satisfaction.

Ingredients:
1 can tuna in water, drained
1 small gala, chopped
1/4 cup low-fat vanilla yogurt
One tsp mustard
1 tsp honey
6 slices of whole wheat bread
3 iceberg lettuce leaves

Directions:
Combine tuna, apples, mustard, yogurt, and honey. Spread 1/2 cup mixture on three bread slices. Top each with lettuce leaf and bread. Place on cutting board and cut sandwiches in half–enjoy with your favorite fresh fruit.