In the mood for something sweet and healthy? This recipe has you covered! These healthy fruit “cupcakes” have all the fixings of a balanced snack – flavor, texture, and nutrition! These apple cupcakes are a super easy after-school snack for kids or are a healthy dessert for adults!
Culinary Tips
Because you’ll be chopping a round object, it’s extra important that your cutting board is secure and your knife is sharp! This will keep your fingers safe by keeping your knife and cutting board from slipping.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Apple: use any variety – red, green, or golden.
- Nut Butter: use any variety – almond, peanut, cashew, pecan, sunflower seed, or walnut.
- Granola: can add or substitute toasted chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds), coconut flakes, flaxseeds, pumpkin seeds, and/or mini chocolate chips.
Recipe Variations
Feel free to sprinkle cinnamon or nutmeg on top for extra flavor!
Turn these simple apple cupcakes into healthy apple “cookies” by cutting horizontally into thin slices and topping with nut butter and granola.
Make healthy apple “nachos” by cutting the apple into thin sections and drizzling with nut butter and desired toppings.
Equipment Recommendations
Apple “Cupcakes” Nutrition
These aren’t your typical apple cupcakes made with cake mix; these healthy apple “cupcakes” are made with fresh apples, nut butter, and granola. Apple cupcakes are a perfect snack because they contain carbohydrates, protein, and fat – nutrients that promote steady energy levels and satiety between meals.
Apples
Does an apple a day keep the doctor away? It certainly can help! Apples contain prebiotic fibers which support gut health. (1) Apples also contain phytochemicals such as quercetin and catechin which may play roles in cancer and cardiovascular disease prevention. For most nutrition, leave the peel on. (2)
Nut Butter
Nut butter is a great source of plant-based protein and healthy fat. Almonds and peanuts are high in monounsaturated fats which are good for heart health.
Granola
Granola contains whole grain oats, dried fruit, and nuts. These ingredients contain fiber and phytonutrients that promote health. Choose lower sugar varieties, or even better, make your own granola!
Serving & Storage Suggestions
Serve these tasty apple cupcakes on their own for a healthy snack or as an addition to a balanced lunch. We don’t recommend storing apple cupcakes with granola in the refrigerator because the granola will get soggy.
Want more healthy snack recipes?
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Apple Cinnamon Granola Clusters
Apple “Cupcakes”
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple
- 2 Tablespoons nut butter
- 1 – 2 Tablespoons granola
Instructions
- Core apple and cut in half horizontally (not through stem).
- Spread nut butter on cut ends to "frost" the apple halves like cupcakes.
- Sprinkle with granola. Enjoy!
