Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches are a great way to enjoy satisfying wholesome ingredients in a whole new way. Who need bread?!
As school heads back into session I find myself having to dust the cobwebs of creative lunch box ideas. Frankly I need a creative jump on my own lunch ideas too! One of our favorites for years, both for lunch box and home lunches, has been Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches. They are simple to make, fun to eat and naturally gluten-free!
When my kids and I became gluten-free over a decade ago, the options for sandwich bread were dismal. Small, frozen loafs with bread slices the size of playing cards; made mostly of tapioca flour and starch, tasting like ‘a whole lotta nothing’, leaving me grappling for easy, healthy, delicious options that did not require bread.
In come the Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches. I think having a child who loves all things peanut butter, and apples, inspired the idea probably out of a moment of laziness. Sliced crosswise, apples have a star in the middle which made the sandwiches even more exciting when the kids would open their lunchboxes at school. I love them because I’m personally often happy to dump the bready calories in favor of whole food ingredients.
Over time we’ve stepped up the sandwiches to also include other ingredients too. On the healthier front, adding raisins, banana slices, grated coconut or shredded or spiralizer carrots (or a combo) have been hits in my household. Mini chocolate chips are also a great addition.
Apples can oxidize once sliced providing they can brown a bit by lunch time if packing a lunch in the morning. A light brushing of lemon juice will stop that from happening and also will make the apple a bit tangy too. The choice is personal as to whether to try to prevent a bit of browning. I’ve found we typically forego the lemon juice with my kids preferring the apple au naturel.
It seems almost silly to call this a ‘recipe’. These sandwiches really could not be easier. Simply slicing a large apple in ½ inch slices across the apple (using a mandolin makes this even easier and creates uniformly thick slices), removing any seeds and slathering with peanut butter is all it takes! When adding extra ingredients, I find they stay together best with a bit of peanut button on both apple slices to hold the third ingredient in place.
Apple Peanut Butter Sandwiches Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 large Apple Any variety
- 2 tablespoons Creamy Peanut Butter
- For the Optional Fillings:
- Raisins
- Shredded Coconut
- Shredded Carrots
- Banana Sliced
- Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
- Rinse and dry the apple. Slice across the apple making 1/2-inch slices. Alternatively, a mandolin may be used.
- Spread 1 teaspoon of peanut butter on each apple slice making up an apple peanut butter sandwich. If filling is desired, sprinkle that on top of the peanut butter on one apple slice and place the second apple slice, peanut butter side down on top of the filling.
Nutrition
This recipe is a contribution to Food Fanatic in my role as as the Naturally Gluten-Free Fanatic.
Kristin says
I’ll take a whole stack of those STAT! They looks so delish. Perfect for kids and big kids like me alike!
Crystal says
What a fun idea for mixing it up. Peanut butter is a staple in our house. My youngest will eat it by the spoonful.
Tricia @ Saving room for dessert says
I think the cobwebs are gone Toni! This is creative and perfect for a healthy snack. I think about all the moms out there getting ready for the back-to-school push. I don’t miss the homework!
Nicole Escat says
This is a great option for breakfast. My son loves peanut butter and apples too.
rachel ferrucci says
Apples are great with everything and this is so creative, the kids and adults will love it
Kelly Hutchinson says
Not only does this look delicious and I love the flavor combinations, but it is also super cute!
Brandy says
These look delicious! I love that there are shredded carrots in the sandwiches!
Melisasource says
This is a really cool idea! A great way to have the kids eat more fruit in a fun way.
Star Traci says
That is a great idea. Cutting it crossway gives it a nice size and shape. I’m going to use this for school lunches.
🙂
Traci
Chrystal | Nevermore Lane says
I saw these apple peanut butter sandwiches floating around last year (love the ‘nacho’ variety too) and finally got around to making them last fall when the apples were overflowing. Great snack.