Apple Slices with Tahini, Honey, and Cinnamon
Crisp apple slices, a drizzle of tahini (which adds this nutty, slightly bitter richness), a thin line of honey, and a dusting of cinnamon: it borders on dessert but contains zero refined sugar and takes about three minutes. Sometimes the best cooking is knowing that a handful of ingredients belong together — and discovering what a pinch of cinnamon and flaky salt can do to all of them. It's the go-to afternoon snack for anyone who has just cleaned the kitchen and wants to keep it that way.
- VGT
- GF
- DF
- PF
- ≤30
- KID
Estimated macros per serving
Calories ~320 · Protein ~6g · Carbs ~43g · Fat ~17g
Ingredients
For the apple snack:
- 1 large crisp apple (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady)
- 2 tablespoons tahini, well stirred
- 1 teaspoon raw honey (or maple syrup for vegan)
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of flaky sea salt
Method
- Wash the apple and slice it into wedges about ¼-inch thick, removing the core. A sharp knife makes this faster; a mandoline makes it dangerous. Just use the knife. For toddlers, go thinner still — hard raw apple in wedge form is a classic choking hazard, so slice paper-thin or grate for the littlest eaters, and remember the honey version is only for kids over one year (maple for a household with a baby).
- Arrange the apple slices on a plate in a single layer or fanned out.
- Drizzle the tahini over the apple slices in a thin, zigzag pattern. Don't drown them; tahini is rich and a little goes a long way.
- Drizzle the honey over the top in a thin stream, following a different path than the tahini so you get both in each bite.
- Dust lightly with the cinnamon — you want a visible haze, not a muddy brown coating — and finish with a pinch of flaky sea salt. Eat immediately.
Variations & Notes
- Upgraded version: Add a sprinkle of hemp seeds, chopped pistachios, or toasted coconut flakes for crunch and visual flair.
- Chocolate drizzle: Replace the honey with a drizzle of melted dark chocolate. This is now definitely dessert.
- Pear swap: Use a ripe Bartlett or Bosc pear when they're in season: equally good, different character.
- For a crowd: Arrange slices from 4–5 apples on a large platter and drizzle everything over the top. Instant appetizer that costs almost nothing. Toss the slices briefly in lemon juice before arranging to prevent browning if you're assembling more than a minute or two ahead.
- Macros: The macros are for the whole plate — split them if you're sharing.