Halloween’s coming, and you know what that means? Sugar, sugar, and MORE SUGAR! But listen, I’ve been making Halloween snacks for my kiddos for years, and trust me, we can sneak in some healthy stuff too! That’s where these Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack come in. They’re seriously so easy to whip up, even the little ones can help. Plus, they’re way more fun (and better for you!) than just another candy bar.
I always try to have at least *one* healthy option at our Halloween parties. Honestly, it’s a tradition now! And these apple spiders? They’re always a hit. They look spooky, but taste yummy and won’t send everyone into a sugar coma before the trick-or-treating even starts. So, let’s get ready to make some creepy-crawly, good-for-you snacks!
Why You’ll Love These Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
Okay, so why should you even bother with these little guys? Let me tell ya, they’re awesome! Seriously, you’re gonna love how:
Quick and Easy Halloween Treat
I’m talking, like, 15 minutes tops! No baking, no crazy ingredients. Just slice, spread, and stick. Boom! Halloween snack DONE.
Healthy and Fun Snack
It’s fruit! Shaped like a spider! What’s not to love? You get the good stuff from apples, plus a little protein from the peanut butter. Way better than a pile of candy corn, right?
Perfect for Kids
Kids go absolutely nuts for these. They can even help make ’em! My little monsters love sticking the eyes on. It’s a super fun activity.
Allergy-Friendly Option
Got peanut allergies in the house? No problem! Just swap out the peanut butter for sunflower seed butter. Works like a charm and keeps everyone happy and safe!
Ingredients for Your Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! You won’t need much, and you probably already have most of this stuff in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to make about 8 apple spiders:
- 2 medium apples, like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp. I like using a mix for different colors!
- 4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter. Go for the good stuff, you know?
- 16 pretzel sticks, the regular size. If they’re too long, we’ll snap ’em later.
- 32 candy eyes, small size. You can find these at almost any grocery store or craft store, especially around Halloween!
- 2 tablespoons semi-sweet chocolate chips, optional. For drizzling, because why not?
See? Nothing too scary! Now, let’s get spider-making!
How to Make Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack: Step-by-Step Instructions
Okay, here comes the fun part! This is so simple, even your littlest monsters can help. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a whole army of apple spiders in no time!
Preparing the Apples
First things first, give those apples a good wash! Then, slice ’em into wedges. I usually get about 8 wedges per apple. Don’t forget to remove the seeds or the core bits – nobody wants to bite into that!
Pro Tip: If you’re not serving these right away, a little lemon juice can keep the apple slices from turning brown. Just a quick dip will do the trick!
Assembling the Spider Legs
Now, grab that peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter!) and spread a thin layer on one side of each apple wedge. This is what holds everything together. Then, carefully insert 8 pretzel sticks into each wedge, four on each side, to act as spider legs. Make sure they’re in there nice and snug so they don’t fall out.
Adding the Eyes
Time for the creepy peepers! Attach two candy eyes to the peanut butter on each apple wedge. You can use a tiny dab more peanut butter to stick ’em on, or, if you’re feeling fancy, a little melted chocolate works great too.
Don’t have candy eyes? Raisins or even mini chocolate chips work in a pinch! Get creative!
Optional Chocolate Decoration
Want to make these spiders *extra* special? Melt those chocolate chips! I usually microwave mine for about 30 seconds, then stir until it’s smooth. Careful, it can get hot! Drizzle the melted chocolate over the apple spiders for a spooky, sweet touch. Sprinkles are always a fun addition too!
Tips for the Best Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
Want your apple spiders to be the talk of the Halloween party? Here are a few tricks I’ve learned over the years to make ’em extra awesome!
Choosing the Right Apples
Honestly, any apple works, but some are better than others! Granny Smiths are tart and crisp, which is a nice contrast to the peanut butter. Honeycrisps are sweet and juicy. And Fujis? They’re just all-around delicious. Experiment and see what you like best!
Adjusting Pretzel Stick Length
Sometimes those pretzel sticks are just TOO long, ya know? If your spiders look more like centipedes, just snap the pretzels in half before you stick ’em in. Proportions are key, people!
Keeping Your Apple Spiders Fresh
Apples + time = brown. Sad, but true! To keep your spiders looking their best, brush the apple slices with a little lemon juice before assembling. And if you’re making them ahead of time, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’re best enjoyed within a few hours, though!
Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack Variations
Okay, so you’ve mastered the basic apple spider. Now, let’s get a little wild! These are just suggestions, of course. Feel free to get as creative and spooky as you want! The sky’s the limit!
Nut Butter Alternatives
Peanut butter not your thing? No sweat! Almond butter gives a slightly nutty flavor, and cashew butter is super creamy. And, of course, sunflower seed butter is perfect for anyone with peanut allergies. They all work great!
Topping Ideas
Sprinkles are always a win, especially Halloween-themed ones! Shredded coconut adds a fun texture (and makes them look a little hairy!). Chopped nuts, like walnuts or pecans, are a great way to add some extra crunch and protein.
Decorative Twists
Instead of plain ol’ candy eyes, try using different colored ones! Or, for a super sparkly spider, dust them with edible glitter. Seriously, edible glitter makes everything better. Trust me on this one!
Serving Suggestions for Your Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
Alright, so you’ve got your apple spiders…now what? These little guys are awesome on their own, but they’re even better as part of a spooky spread! Think Halloween party snacks! I like to serve them with other healthy-ish options like veggie sticks with hummus (shaped like a graveyard, maybe?) or some “monster teeth” (apple slices with peanut butter and mini marshmallows). It’s all about balance, right?
Storing Your Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
So, you’ve made a whole batch of these creepy crawlies, but what if you have leftovers? No problem! Just pop ’em in an airtight container and stick ’em in the fridge. They’ll be good for a day or two, but the apples might start to get a little soft and brown. To keep them looking their best, try to eat them up ASAP! And definitely keep them refrigerated, okay?
Frequently Asked Questions About Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
Got questions about these little guys? I figured you might! Here are a few of the most common things I get asked about my Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack.
How long do Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack last?
Okay, so these are best eaten pretty quickly after you make them, but they’ll usually last for a day or two in the fridge. Just be aware that the apples might get a little brown and soft. Nobody wants a soggy spider!
Can I make these Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack ahead of time?
You *can*, but I wouldn’t recommend making them too far in advance. The apples tend to brown, and the pretzel legs can get a little soggy. If you’re short on time, slice the apples and coat them with lemon juice, then assemble the spiders right before serving. That’s what I do!
What if I don’t have peanut butter for these Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack?
No problem! Almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter work great! Just use whatever you have on hand (or whatever your kids can eat!). The spiders will still be creepy and delicious!
Nutritional Information for Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack
Alright, so here’s the deal: I’m giving you an *estimate* of the nutritional info for these apple spiders, but keep in mind that it can totally vary depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. I’m no nutritionist, so please don’t take this as gospel! Just a general idea, okay?
Things like the type of peanut butter, the size of your apples, and how much chocolate you drizzle can all make a difference. So, yeah, just a friendly disclaimer! Use your best judgment!
Enjoy Your Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack!
And there you have it! Super easy, super fun Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack that everyone will love. If you make these, I *definitely* want to see! Leave a comment below, rate the recipe, or share a pic on social media. Happy Halloween!
Print
Easy Apple Spiders Halloween Snack: 2 Unhealthy Secrets
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Make these easy apple spiders for a healthy and fun Halloween snack. They are simple to assemble and perfect for kids.
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples
- 4 tablespoons peanut butter (or sunflower seed butter for allergies)
- 16 pretzel sticks
- 32 candy eyes
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips (optional)
Instructions
- Wash and slice the apples into wedges.
- Spread peanut butter on one side of each apple wedge.
- Insert 8 pretzel sticks into each wedge to act as spider legs.
- Attach candy eyes to the peanut butter using a dab more peanut butter or melted chocolate.
- (Optional) Drizzle melted chocolate over the spiders for extra decoration.
Notes
- Use different types of apples for variety.
- Substitute raisins or chocolate chips for candy eyes.
- Make sure to cut the pretzel sticks if they are too long.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 apple spider wedges
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg