Apple “Donut” Slices with Dairy-Free Chocolate Drizzle – A Fun, Better-For-You Treat

These apple “donut” slices are a simple snack with a playful twist. Crisp apple rings stand in for donuts, topped with a silky dairy-free chocolate drizzle and whatever crunchy bits you love. They’re fast, fun, and surprisingly satisfying.

You can make them for after-school snacks, brunch trays, or a quick dessert that doesn’t weigh you down. Best of all, you only need a few basic ingredients and about 10 minutes.

Apple “Donut” Slices with Dairy-Free Chocolate Drizzle - A Fun, Better-For-You Treat

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  

• 2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
• Toppings of choice: Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts)
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Mini dairy-free chocolate chips
• Hemp seeds or chia seeds
• Crushed freeze-dried berries
• Granola
• Sprinkles (check for dairy-free if needed)

Instructions

 

• Prep a workspace. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper. This keeps the apple slices from sticking once you drizzle the chocolate.
• Slice the apples. Core the apples using an apple corer if you have one. Then cut them horizontally into 1/4-inch rings. If you don’t have a corer, slice first and punch out the center with a small cookie cutter or a knife.
• Prevent browning. Lightly brush or dab the slices with lemon juice on both sides. Lay them on the parchment in a single layer.
• Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil, and nut/seed butter. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Or melt gently over a double boiler, stirring often.
• Drizzle time. Use a spoon to zigzag the chocolate over each apple slice. For a cleaner look, transfer the melted chocolate to a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe it.
• Add toppings. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on nuts, seeds, coconut, or any toppings you love. Finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.
• Set the chocolate. Let the slices rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or pop the tray in the fridge for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate firms up.
• Serve. Enjoy right away, or keep chilled until snack time. The chocolate will hold better and give a nice bite.

Why This Recipe Works

Apple rings feel like donuts without the heavy fry or sugar crash. The hole makes them easy to grab, and the shape invites fun toppings.

The dairy-free chocolate brings a rich, dessert-like flavor while keeping things light. A little fat from nut or seed butter helps the drizzle set and adds creamy texture. And because you can customize each slice, this recipe works for kids, guests, or anyone with dietary needs.

Ingredients

• 2 large crisp apples (Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or Granny Smith)
• 1/2 cup dairy-free chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)
• 1 tablespoon coconut oil or neutral oil
• 1 tablespoon nut or seed butter (almond, peanut, or sunflower seed butter)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice (to keep apples from browning)
• Pinch of flaky sea salt (optional, for finishing)
• Toppings of choice:
  • Chopped nuts (almonds, pistachios, walnuts)
  • Toasted coconut flakes
  • Mini dairy-free chocolate chips
  • Hemp seeds or chia seeds
  • Crushed freeze-dried berries
  • Granola
  • Sprinkles (check for dairy-free if needed)

Instructions

1. Prep a workspace. Line a baking sheet or large plate with parchment paper.

   This keeps the apple slices from sticking once you drizzle the chocolate.

2. Slice the apples. Core the apples using an apple corer if you have one. Then cut them horizontally into 1/4-inch rings. If you don’t have a corer, slice first and punch out the center with a small cookie cutter or a knife.
3. Prevent browning. Lightly brush or dab the slices with lemon juice on both sides.

   Lay them on the parchment in a single layer.

4. Melt the chocolate. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine dairy-free chocolate chips, coconut oil, and nut/seed butter. Microwave in 20–30 second bursts, stirring in between, until smooth and glossy. Or melt gently over a double boiler, stirring often.
5. Drizzle time. Use a spoon to zigzag the chocolate over each apple slice.

   For a cleaner look, transfer the melted chocolate to a small zip-top bag, snip a tiny corner, and pipe it.

6. Add toppings. While the chocolate is still wet, sprinkle on nuts, seeds, coconut, or any toppings you love. Finish with a tiny pinch of flaky sea salt for contrast.
7. Set the chocolate. Let the slices rest at room temperature for 10–15 minutes, or pop the tray in the fridge for 5–10 minutes until the chocolate firms up.
8. Serve. Enjoy right away, or keep chilled until snack time. The chocolate will hold better and give a nice bite.

Keeping It Fresh

These are best the day you make them, especially for crisp texture.

If you need to prep ahead, slice the apples, brush with lemon juice, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 8 hours. Add the chocolate drizzle and toppings closer to serving so everything stays perky.

For leftovers, store the finished slices in a single layer in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. If stacking, separate layers with parchment.

Note that some toppings, like granola, can soften over time.

Why This is Good for You

• Natural sweetness, less sugar. Apples bring fiber and sweetness without relying on heavy frosting or glaze.
• Healthy fats for satisfaction. A touch of coconut oil and nut or seed butter adds satiety and helps curb sugar spikes.
• Antioxidant boost. Dark, dairy-free chocolate has flavanols, and apples offer polyphenols for a little extra wellness support.
• Fiber and crunch. The skin-on slices provide fiber, supporting digestion and steady energy.
• Allergy-friendly options. Easy to make dairy-free, gluten-free, and nut-free by choosing seed butter and safe toppings.

Pitfalls to Watch Out For

• Wet apples, sliding chocolate. Pat slices dry before drizzling so the chocolate adheres.
• Overheating the chocolate. Too much heat can seize or burn it. Short bursts and frequent stirring are key.
• Skipping lemon juice. Apples brown quickly. A light brush of lemon keeps them bright.
• Heavy toppings. Pile-ons can make the slices messy and hard to eat.

  Keep toppings bite-sized.

• Warm room temps. If it’s hot, the chocolate may stay soft. Chill briefly to set before serving.

Recipe Variations

• Cinnamon Crunch. Dust apple slices with cinnamon before drizzling. Top with crushed pecans and a tiny drizzle of maple syrup.
• Trail Mix. Add chopped almonds, pumpkin seeds, raisins, and a few mini dairy-free chips for a snacky vibe.
• Peanut Butter Cup. Spread a thin layer of peanut butter on the apple first, then drizzle chocolate and sprinkle with crushed peanuts.
• Tropical Toasted. Use toasted coconut flakes, chopped dried pineapple, and a squeeze of lime zest.
• Berry Bright. Sprinkle crushed freeze-dried raspberries or strawberries over the drizzle for tang and color.
• Salted Dark Chocolate. Go simple: extra-dark chocolate and a light hit of flaky sea salt.
• Nut-Free School Snack. Use sunflower seed butter and toppings like hemp seeds, granola, or dairy-free sprinkles.