Easy Apple Pie Nachos with Cream Cheese Drizzle
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If you’ve ever wanted apple pie flavor without turning on the oven, these Apple Pie Nachos are exactly what you need. Think tender, cinnamon-spiced apples spooned over crispy chips, finished with a sweet cream cheese drizzle. It’s the kind of dessert that looks impressive on a serving plate but is secretly so easy to make.
This recipe uses Granny Smith apples for that tart bite, cooked down with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of clove until golden and glossy. Instead of pie crust, you can use churro chips, cinnamon pita bread chips, or even tortilla chips as the base. Drizzled with a creamy vanilla topping, and maybe caramel sauce or chopped pecans if you’re feeling fancy, it’s a playful twist on classic apple pie that everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love Apple Pie Nachos
- Quick dessert recipe: Ready in 40 minutes with no baking required.
- Perfect for parties: Serve nacho-style on a big plate for easy sharing.
- Warm spiced apples: The apple pie filling tastes just like classic apple pie.
- Delicious toppings: Drizzle with cream cheese icing, caramel, or even maple syrup.
- Flexible base options: Use churro chips, cinnamon pita chips, or graham crackers.
Ingredients Needed To Make Apple Pie Nachos
Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe.
For the Apple Pie Filling
- Granny Smith apples
- Lemon juice
- Sugar
- Pinch of salt
- Ground cinnamon
- Ground cloves
- Ground nutmeg
- Water
- Cornstarch
For the Cream Cheese Topping
- Cream cheese
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
- Powdered sugar
Optional for Serving
- Cinnamon pita chips, graham crackers, or tortilla chips
- Caramel sauce
- Walnuts or pecans
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweeter apples: Swap Granny Smith for Honeycrisp if you prefer a less tart filling.
- Nutty crunch: Sprinkle chopped pecans or walnuts on top before serving.
- Caramel drizzle: Add caramel sauce or maple syrup for extra richness.
- Make it baked: Spread chips on a baking sheet, top with filling, and bake briefly until warm and golden.
- Other uses: The apple pie filling is great over ice cream, yogurt, or layered into pastries.
How To Make Apple Pie Nachos
- Prepare the apples: Peel and slice apples, then place them in a large stockpot. Add lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and water. Stir to coat.
- Cook the filling: Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender and glossy.
- Thicken the mixture: In a small mixing bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to form a slurry. Stir into the apples and cook until thickened, like apple pie filling. Cool slightly.
- Make the cream topping: Whisk cream cheese, vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar in a medium bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Assemble the nachos: Spread chips on a parchment-lined baking sheet or serving plate. Spoon warm apple pie filling over the chips. Drizzle with cream cheese topping, caramel sauce, or maple syrup. Sprinkle with pecans or walnuts if using.
- Serve warm: Enjoy immediately while the apples are still cozy and sweet.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can prep the apple pie filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Assemble nachos just before serving so the chips stay crisp.
What chips work best?
Cinnamon pita chips, churro-style tortilla chips, or even graham crackers are all great options. For savory contrast, you can use plain tortilla chips.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Keep filling and chips separate. Warm the apple pie filling in the microwave or on the stove, then assemble fresh.
Can I use brown sugar instead of white sugar?
Yes! Brown sugar gives the filling a deeper, caramelized flavor.
How do I make it extra special?
Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and an extra drizzle of caramel sauce.
Apple Pie Nachos
Equipment
- Knife & cutting board
- Baking sheet (for nacho assembly)
Ingredients
Apple Pie Filling:
- 5 cups Granny Smith apples peeled and thinly sliced
- ½ lemon juiced
- 1 cup sugar
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/16 tsp ground cloves
- 1/16 tsp ground nutmeg
- ½ cup water
- 2 tbsp cornstarch + 3 tbsp water for slurry
Cream Cheese Topping:
- 4 tbsp cream cheese room temperature
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tbsp milk
- ⅓ cup powdered sugar
Optional for Serving:
- Tortilla chips cinnamon pita chips, or graham crackers for nacho base
Instructions
Make the Apple Pie Filling
- Peel and thinly slice apples until you have about 5 cups. Place in a large stockpot.
- Add lemon juice, sugar, salt, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and ½ cup water. Stir to combine.
- Cook over low–medium heat for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender.
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with 3 tbsp water to make a slurry.
- Gradually stir slurry into apple mixture. Cook 2–3 minutes more, until thickened like apple pie filling.
- Remove from heat and cool slightly before assembling nachos.
Make the Cream Cheese Topping
- In a bowl, whisk cream cheese, vanilla, milk, and powdered sugar until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Nachos
- Spread over your Churro Chips.
- Spoon apple pie filling over chips.
- Drizzle with cream cheese topping.
- Serve immediately and enjoy warm.
Notes
Notes & Variations
- Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp if you want a sweeter base.
- Add chopped walnuts or pecans for crunch.
- Drizzle with caramel sauce for extra richness.
- This apple pie filling can also be used in pies, tarts, or over ice cream.
Nutrition
Apple pie nachos are proof that dessert doesn’t need to be complicated to be amazing. The spiced apples, sweet cream drizzle, and crispy chips come together for a treat that’s fun to eat and perfect for sharing. I love putting out a tray of these at parties. They disappear fast, especially when topped with caramel and a sprinkle of pecans. It’s apple pie, but easier, crunchier, and way more fun!
Great recipe