Fruit with Peanut Butter
Craving something sweet but nutritious? Look no further than this easy fruit with peanut butter recipe! Whether you’re dipping apple slices into creamy peanut butter, spreading it on banana halves, or drizzling it over strawberries, this snack is as versatile as it is satisfying. It’s the perfect balance of natural sweetness from the fruit and rich nuttiness from the peanut butter.
I remember the first time I tried this combo—it was one of those afternoons when I needed a quick pick-me-up. I grabbed an apple, slathered some peanut butter on it, and suddenly realized how much I’d been missing out on. Now, it’s my go-to snack whenever I need something quick, filling, and oh-so-delicious.
Why You’ll Love This Fruit with Peanut Butter Recipe
This snack is more than just a treat—it’s a lifesaver for busy days, post-workout fuel, or even a light dessert. Here’s why you’ll adore it:
- Simple Ingredients: Just fresh fruit and peanut butter—two pantry staples that are always on hand.
- Customizable: Mix and match your favorite fruits and toppings for endless variety.
- Nutritious: Packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber, this snack keeps you full and energized.
- Kid-Friendly: Kids love dipping fruit into peanut butter or assembling their own creations.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s breakfast, a snack, or dessert, this recipe fits the bill.
How to Make It
Making this fruit with peanut butter snack is as easy as slicing, dipping, and enjoying. Here’s an overview of how we’ll bring this recipe to life:
We’ll start by choosing our favorite fruits—apples, bananas, strawberries, or even celery sticks all work beautifully. Slice the fruit into bite-sized pieces or leave them whole, depending on your preference.
Next, we’ll grab a jar of creamy (or crunchy) peanut butter and get creative. You can spread the peanut butter directly onto the fruit, dip the slices into it, or even drizzle it over the top for a fun presentation.
If you’re feeling adventurous, add toppings like chia seeds, granola, shredded coconut, or a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra flair.
For a decadent twist, drizzle melted chocolate or honey over the peanut butter-covered fruit. Once everything is assembled, dig in and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and creamy flavors.
Make Ahead Method
If you’re someone who loves being prepared (and let’s face it, life is so much easier when you are), this fruit with peanut butter snack is perfect for make-ahead prep. Here’s how you can plan ahead and save yourself some time:
Pre-Slice the Fruit: One of the best things about this recipe is that you can prep the fruit a day or two ahead of time. Apples, pears, and even celery sticks can be sliced and stored in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice or citric acid to prevent browning. This step is especially handy if you’re packing snacks for work, school, or a road trip. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply grab the pre-sliced fruit and pair it with peanut butter—it’s quick, easy, and mess-free.
Portion Out Peanut Butter: If you’re packing this snack for on-the-go, portion out individual servings of peanut butter into small containers, reusable pouches, or even silicone muffin cups. This makes it easy to assemble the snack wherever you are, whether you’re at the office, on a hike, or at your kid’s soccer game. You can also use single-serving packets of peanut butter if you want to skip the prep entirely.
Assemble Parfaits or Snack Packs: For a grab-and-go option, layer sliced fruit, peanut butter, and granola in jars or containers to create mini parfaits. These can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours and make a great breakfast or snack option. Alternatively, pack sliced fruit and peanut butter into separate compartments of a bento box or snack container—this keeps everything fresh and prevents the fruit from getting soggy.
Freeze for a Treat: If you’re looking for a fun twist, try freezing peanut butter-covered fruit. Spread peanut butter on banana slices, apple wedges, or even grapes, then freeze them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Once frozen, transfer the pieces to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay fresh in the freezer for up to 1 month and make a refreshing, icy treat on hot days.
This make-ahead method is especially handy during busy weeks or when you’re prepping snacks for kids, work, or school. It allows you to break the process into manageable steps without sacrificing flavor or freshness.
Pro Tips
Here are some insider tips to take your fruit with peanut butter snack from great to absolutely outstanding:
Choose Ripe Fruit: The riper the fruit, the sweeter and more flavorful it will be. This is especially important for bananas, strawberries, and pears. If your fruit isn’t quite ripe enough, you can speed up the ripening process by placing it in a brown paper bag with an apple or avocado for a day or two.
Use Quality Peanut Butter: Opt for a natural peanut butter with minimal ingredients (just peanuts and maybe a touch of salt). Avoid brands with added sugars or hydrogenated oils, as these can detract from the natural flavors of the fruit. If you’re feeling adventurous, try almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor profile.
Add Toppings for Texture and Flavor: Sprinkle chia seeds, flaxseeds, granola, or shredded coconut over the peanut butter for added crunch and nutrition. A pinch of cinnamon or a drizzle of honey can add warmth and sweetness, while a sprinkle of sea salt can enhance the richness of the peanut butter.
Drizzle for Decadence: For a special treat, drizzle melted chocolate, honey, or maple syrup over the peanut butter-covered fruit. Dark chocolate pairs beautifully with bananas, while white chocolate complements strawberries. This simple step elevates the snack into something truly indulgent.
Prevent Browning: If you’re slicing apples, pears, or other fruits prone to browning, toss them with a little lemon juice, lime juice, or citric acid to keep them fresh and vibrant. You can also use a product like Fruit Fresh, which is specifically designed to prevent oxidation.
Experiment with Dips: While peanut butter is the star of this snack, don’t be afraid to mix things up. Try pairing fruit with yogurt, tahini, or even a savory dip like hummus for a unique twist. Celery sticks with peanut butter and raisins (aka “ants on a log”) are a classic combination that kids and adults alike love.
Pack Smart for On-the-Go: If you’re taking this snack with you, pack the fruit and peanut butter separately to prevent sogginess. Use small containers, reusable pouches, or even silicone muffin cups to portion out the peanut butter. Assemble the snack just before eating for the best texture and flavor.
Storage Options
Once you’ve prepared this snack, you’ll want to store it properly to keep it fresh:
- Room Temperature: Store pre-sliced fruit and peanut butter separately at room temperature for up to 2 hours. Assemble just before serving to prevent the fruit from getting soggy.
- Refrigerator: Store sliced fruit in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Peanut butter can be stored in its original jar or portioned into small containers. Assemble the snack within 24 hours for best results.
- Freezer: While fresh fruit doesn’t freeze well for this recipe, you can freeze peanut butter drizzled over frozen banana slices for a fun frozen treat.
Tools For This Recipe
You don’t need any fancy gadgets to make this snack, but having the right tools can make the process smoother:
- Knife and Cutting Board: For slicing fruit into bite-sized pieces.
- Small Bowls or Containers: Perfect for portioning out peanut butter or toppings.
- Measuring Spoons: Handy for adding toppings like chia seeds or cinnamon.
- Reusable Pouches: Great for packing peanut butter for on-the-go snacking.
FAQs!
Can I use almond butter or another nut butter instead of peanut butter?
Absolutely! Almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter are all great alternatives if you’re looking for a different flavor or have allergies.
What fruits work best with peanut butter?
Apples, bananas, strawberries, pears, celery, and even grapes pair beautifully with peanut butter. Feel free to experiment with your favorites!
How do I prevent sliced apples from browning?
Toss the apple slices with a little lemon juice, lime juice, or citric acid to prevent browning. You can also use a product like Fruit Fresh.
Can I make this snack ahead of time?
Yes! Pre-slice the fruit and store it in an airtight container with lemon juice. Portion out peanut butter into small containers or reusable pouches, and assemble the snack when you’re ready to eat.
Is this snack kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids love dipping fruit into peanut butter or assembling their own creations. Just make sure there are no nut allergies before serving.
Variations and Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this snack. Here are some ideas:
- Add Granola: Sprinkle granola over peanut butter-covered fruit for a crunchy texture.
- Drizzle Chocolate: Melt dark, milk, or white chocolate and drizzle it over the peanut butter for a decadent twist.
- Swap the Fruit: Try kiwi, mango, pineapple, or even cucumber slices for a refreshing change.
- Make a Parfait: Layer sliced fruit, peanut butter, and yogurt in a jar for a grab-and-go parfait.
- Freeze for a Treat: Spread peanut butter on banana slices and freeze them for a fun frozen snack.
Wrapping It Up: A Simple Snack with Endless Possibilities
There’s nothing quite like the combination of fresh fruit and creamy peanut butter—it’s sweet, salty, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re dipping apple slices, spreading it on banana halves, or drizzling it over strawberries, this snack is sure to become a favorite.
Now it’s your turn! Whip up a batch of this fruit with peanut butter snack and let me know how it turned out in the comments below. Did you stick to the classic recipe, or did you try one of the variations? Share your thoughts—I’d love to hear from you!
Fruit with Peanut Butter
Ingredients
- 1 medium apple banana, or other fruit of choice, sliced
- 2 tablespoons creamy or crunchy peanut butter
- Optional toppings: granola chia seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, honey, or melted chocolate
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Ingredients
- Start by gathering all your ingredients and tools. You’ll need fresh fruit (apples, bananas, strawberries, pears, or even celery sticks), creamy or crunchy peanut butter, and any optional toppings like granola, chia seeds, shredded coconut, cinnamon, or honey. Wash and dry the fruit thoroughly before slicing.
- If you’re using apples, pears, or other fruits prone to browning, slice them into bite-sized pieces and toss them with a little lemon juice or citric acid to prevent oxidation. Place the slices in an airtight container and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to use them. This step ensures the fruit stays fresh and vibrant, even if you’re prepping it a day ahead.
Step 2: Choosing and Prepping the Peanut Butter
- Next, choose your peanut butter. Creamy peanut butter is ideal for spreading, while crunchy peanut butter adds extra texture. Natural peanut butter works best because it has minimal ingredients and no added sugars or hydrogenated oils. If your peanut butter has separated, give it a good stir before using it.
- For on-the-go convenience, portion out individual servings of peanut butter into small containers, reusable pouches, or silicone muffin cups. This makes it easy to assemble the snack wherever you are. Alternatively, you can use single-serving packets of peanut butter if you want to skip the prep entirely.
Step 3: Adding Optional Toppings
- If you’re feeling adventurous, gather your toppings. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, granola, shredded coconut, cinnamon, honey, or melted chocolate all work beautifully. These toppings add texture, flavor, and visual appeal to the snack. For example, sprinkling granola over peanut butter-covered apple slices creates a satisfying crunch, while a drizzle of honey adds a touch of sweetness.
Step 4: Assembling the Snack
- Once your fruit and peanut butter are ready, it’s time to assemble the snack. There are several ways to do this, depending on your preference:
- Dipping Style: Serve the sliced fruit alongside a small bowl of peanut butter for dipping. This is a fun, interactive way to enjoy the snack, especially for kids.
- Spread Style: Spread peanut butter directly onto the fruit slices or halves. For example, spread peanut butter on banana halves or apple wedges for a quick and satisfying treat.
- Drizzle Style: Drizzle melted peanut butter over the fruit for a fun presentation. This works especially well with strawberries, grapes, or pineapple chunks.
- Parfait Style: Layer sliced fruit, peanut butter, and granola in jars or containers to create mini parfaits. These can be stored in the fridge for up to 24 hours and make a great breakfast or snack option.
Step 5: Serving and Storing
- Once the snack is assembled, serve it immediately for the best texture and flavor. If you’re packing it for later, store the fruit and peanut butter separately to prevent sogginess. Assemble the snack just before eating for the best results.
- If you’ve made frozen peanut butter-covered fruit, remove the pieces from the freezer and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before enjoying. The cold, creamy texture is especially refreshing on hot days.
Notes
Calories: 180 | Fat: 9g | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 6g | Sugar: 12g