If you’re craving a playful twist on your favorite Girl Scout cookie, these Apple Samoas are about to become your newest obsession. Imagine crisp, juicy apples piled with a nutty coconut caramel, finished with a sultry dark chocolate drizzle—pure delight, minus the guilt and the wait for cookie season!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No Baking Required: These Apple Samoas come together with just a few minutes of prep—no oven needed, no hassle, just pure snacking joy.
- Naturally Sweetened: You get all the caramel, coconut, and chocolate flavors you love, but with wholesome ingredients you feel good about.
- Fun for All Ages: They’re a blast to assemble and perfect for lunchboxes, snack trays, or a late-night treat—you’ll find yourself making them again and again.
- Unbeatable Texture: Every bite combines juicy apple crunch, creamy nut butter, chewy coconut, and luscious chocolate in one adorable package.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll be amazed at how just a handful of humble ingredients can transform the classic apple into irresistible Apple Samoas. Each ingredient is intentionally chosen to deliver the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and that signature “cookie” vibe—don’t skip a thing!
- 1 apple (Honeycrisp or Pink Lady): The crisp, slightly tart-sweet flesh acts as the sturdy base and gives your “samoa” a fresh, juicy snap.
- ⅓ cup unsweetened shredded coconut: This adds classic chew and flavor—lightly toasting it first will give you even more cookie-like depth.
- 3 tablespoons almond butter (or cashew/seed butter): Almond butter brings creamy richness to mimic caramel, but you can swap in any favorite or allergy-friendly option.
- ½ tablespoon maple syrup: For just the right touch of natural sweetness, lending caramel notes that pair so well with apple and coconut.
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips: Dark, semi-sweet, or milk chocolate all work—choose your favorite for drizzling decadence.
- ½ teaspoon coconut oil: Helps melt and smooth the chocolate so it drizzles perfectly and sets with a gorgeous gloss.
Variations
One of the best things about homemade Apple Samoas is how easy it is to tweak the recipe to fit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings. Don’t be afraid to make them your own and have fun with every batch!
- Dairy-Free/Vegan Chocolate: Use vegan chocolate chips or a dark chocolate bar to keep your Apple Samoas completely plant-based and allergy-friendly.
- Nut-Free Option: Sunflower seed butter or pumpkin seed butter works beautifully in place of almond butter for a delicious, school-safe treat.
- Different Fruits: Swap apples for thick pear slices for a fall twist, or try banana rounds for a more tropical vibe.
- Extra Crunch: Sprinkle crushed toasted pecans or chopped roasted almonds over the chocolate before it sets for a toasty crunch.
How to Make Apple Samoas
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Wash your apple well, then slice it into thick rounds about ¼-inch wide. Carefully carve out the core from each slice (a small round cookie cutter or knife works perfectly!). Lay all slices out, ready to be dressed up.
Step 2: Mix the Coconut “Caramel”
In a small bowl, combine the shredded coconut, almond butter, and maple syrup. Stir until the mixture is thoroughly blended and clumps together—that sticky, toasty-sweet smell is heavenly!
Step 3: Assemble the Apple Samoas
Using clean hands or a spoon, press a generous mound of the coconut mixture onto each apple slice. Don’t be shy—pile it high for true samoas spirit! Line them up on a parchment-lined sheet to catch sticky drips.
Step 4: Melt and Drizzle the Chocolate
Place the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in short bursts (about 20-30 seconds at a time), stirring until silky smooth. Drizzle the melted chocolate playfully over each “samoa” slice—get artsy!
Step 5: Chill and Enjoy
Pop the tray in your freezer for 5–10 minutes, just until the chocolate sets and everything firms up. Then, they’re ready to eat—crisp, gooey, chocolatey, and wildly fun. Try not to eat them all at once!
Pro Tips for Making Apple Samoas
- Choose the Right Apple: Pick crisp, juicy varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for maximum crunch—they hold up best under toppings and won’t brown too quickly.
- Toast the Coconut: If you have a few extra minutes, toasting the shredded coconut in a dry skillet until golden will give your Apple Samoas an authentic cookie flavor boost.
- Easy Chocolate Drizzling: Melt the chocolate and coconut oil slowly, stirring between bursts, so your drizzle stays silky and doesn’t seize up.
- Chill for Clean Eating: Don’t skip the quick freezer step—it makes the toppings set beautifully and keeps sticky fingers at bay!
How to Serve Apple Samoas
Garnishes
For a little extra bakery magic, sprinkle your Apple Samoas with an extra flurry of toasted coconut, a dusting of flaky salt, or even a drizzle of warm nut butter over the chocolate—these small touches elevate both look and flavor.
Side Dishes
While these beauties are perfectly snackable on their own, they shine alongside a bowl of vanilla yogurt, a mug of hot coffee, or part of a brunch spread with fresh fruit and savory bites. They’re also a fantastic after-school treat paired with a tall glass of cold milk.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking two Apple Samoas together with a smear of extra nut butter for a cookie “sandwich,” arrange them in a spiral on a party platter, or skewer bite-size apple-coconut rounds for easy grab-and-go snacks at gatherings. The possibilities are every bit as fun as the treat itself!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have any Apple Samoas left (trust me, it’s rare!), stash them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh and tasty for 2-3 days, though the apples may lose a little crispness over time—but the flavor stays divine!
Freezing
Want a longer-lasting treat? After the chocolate sets, freeze the Apple Samoas on a lined baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They’ll keep for up to a month, and you can enjoy them cold right from the freezer or let thaw a few minutes for ultimate chewiness.
Reheating
No need to reheat—just let them sit at room temperature for 5–10 minutes if they’re coming from the freezer. The toppings will soften slightly, and the apples will taste fresh and sweet with every bite.
FAQs
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Can I use a different type of apple for Apple Samoas?
Absolutely! While Honeycrisp and Pink Lady apples are extra crisp and flavorful, you can try Gala, Fuji, or even Granny Smith for a tart contrast. Just choose apples that are firm and won’t brown too quickly when sliced.
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How do I keep the apple slices from browning if making ahead?
To slow browning, lightly brush apple slices with a little lemon juice before assembling the toppings. They’ll stay looking fresh longer, especially if you prep these Apple Samoas for a party or pack them for later.
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Can I use sweetened shredded coconut instead of unsweetened?
You can, but keep in mind it’ll make the Apple Samoas much sweeter. Feel free to cut back just a little on the maple syrup or enjoy the extra treat-factor—these are meant to be indulgent!
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Is there a way to make these Apple Samoas nut-free?
Definitely! Simply swap the almond or cashew butter for sunflower seed butter, pumpkin seed butter, or even tahini if you enjoy its flavor. Your Apple Samoas will still be delicious and totally allergy-friendly.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to experience just how fun, irresistible, and surprisingly simple these Apple Samoas really are! Next time you want a sweet-tooth fix (or need a healthy snack win), give this recipe a try—you and your crew will be reaching for seconds in no time.
PrintApple Samoas Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Freezing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delightful and healthy twist on the classic Samoa cookie, these Apple Samoas are a delicious treat that is easy to make and perfect for snacking.
Ingredients
For the Apple Samoas:
- 1 apple, preferably Honeycrisp or Pink Lady
- 1/3 cup unsweetened shredded coconut
- 3 tablespoons almond butter, cashew butter, or seed butter
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons chocolate chips
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut oil
Instructions
- Cut and Prep: Slice the apple into ¼-inch thick slices, removing the core.
- Mix Filling: Combine shredded coconut, almond butter, and maple syrup until well mixed.
- Assemble: Spread the coconut mixture on each apple slice and place on parchment paper.
- Prepare Chocolate Drizzle: Melt chocolate chips with coconut oil and drizzle over the apple slices.
- Chill: Place the apple Samoas in the freezer until firm, about 5-10 minutes.
- Serve: Enjoy your delicious Apple Samoas!
Notes
- If storing leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.
- To freeze, place the assembled apple slices on a baking sheet in the freezer, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag once solid. They can be stored for up to 1 month.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg