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.

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.

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.

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.

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.