Ingredients:

  • 4 large, firm apples (e.g., Honeycrisp or Granny Smith)
  • 1 Tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice
  • 1/2 cup (120 g) Smooth Peanut Butter (or alternative nut/seed butter)
  • 1 Tbsp (15 g) Powdered Sugar (Icing Sugar)
  • 1/4 tsp Ground Cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp Sea Salt
  • 64 Mini Pretzel Sticks
  • 16 Mini Chocolate Chips (or Candy Eyes)
  • 2 Tbsp (30 ml) Salted Caramel Sauce (Optional Garnish)

Instructions:

  1. Wash the apples thoroughly. Carefully slice each apple in half vertically (stem to base). Use a spoon or melon baller to scoop out the core and seeds from each half, creating a slight depression.
  2. Prevent Browning: Mix 1 Tbsp of lemon juice with 1 cup of cold water in a shallow bowl. Quickly dip the cut sides of the apple halves into the lemon water for 30 seconds, then pat them completely dry.
  3. Prepare the Body Spread: In a small bowl, combine the peanut butter, powdered sugar, ground cinnamon, and sea salt. Mix vigorously until completely smooth and slightly thickened.
  4. Apply the Body: Pipe or spoon a generous dollop of the peanut butter mixture onto the core cavity of each apple half. Smooth the top slightly to create a slightly domed 'spider body'.
  5. Insert the Legs: Insert four mini pretzel sticks into the peanut butter spread on the left side of the apple, and four on the right side. Angle them downwards slightly to resemble spider legs.
  6. Add the Eyes: Place two mini chocolate chips or candy eyes onto the front of the peanut butter body, ensuring they stick firmly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle salted caramel sauce lightly across the finished Apple Spiders and the platter to mimic a sticky web (optional). Arrange the finished spiders on a platter and serve immediately.