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Apple Butterflies

Your kids will fly right home for these delicious after-school nutritious snacks that look like beautiful butterflies. Add a few raisins on each "apple wing" and they transform into butterflies with spotted wings. Spice up the flavor by adding 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon to the peanut butter. From Pillsbury.com

5.0 · 12 reviewsRecipe card by NcMysteryShopperEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
AppleFruitVeganToddler FriendlyKid Friendly< 15 Mins
Apple Butterflies

Total time

15 min

Servings

4

Calories

206.1

Category

Lunch/Snacks

Looking for a fun, healthy, and plant-based snack? These Apple Butterflies are the perfect vegan treat for toddlers and kids alike. Combining crisp apple slices with creamy nut butter and colorful fruit 'decorations,' this 15-minute snack is as nutritious as it is adorable.

Ingredients

Makes 4 servings

  • 1/2 peanut butter
  • 4 red apple
  • 1 celery

Method

  1. Spoon 2 tablespoons peanut butter onto center of each of 4 individual plates. Shape peanut butter on each plate into a mound about 2 inches long and 1 inch wide. Place 1 carrot down center of each mound of peanut butter.

  2. Cut apple into quarters; remove core. Cut each quarter into 7 thin slices; cut 1 slice in half crosswise. Fan 3 apple slices on each side near top of each carrot to form upper wings. Place 1 half-slice on each side near bottom of each carrot to form lower wings.

  3. Place 2 strips of celery at top of each carrot to form antennae. Sprinkle apple slices with decorator sugar (optional).

  4. Decorate wings with raisins, craisins, peas, fruit loops or Cheerios.

Cook's notes

  • Use a variety of apple colors like Granny Smith and Gala for a vibrant butterfly effect.
  • Use a piping bag to neatly spread the nut butter onto the apple wings.
  • Let the kids get creative by letting them choose their own fruit 'polka dots' for the wings.

Easy swaps

  • Nut-Free: Swap peanut or almond butter for sunflower seed butter (sunbutter) or tahini.
  • Fruit: Use grapes, blueberries, or dried cranberries instead of raisins for the butterfly body.
  • Sweetness: Add a light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of maple syrup for extra flavor.

Frequently asked

Are Apple Butterflies vegan?

Yes, this recipe is completely plant-based. Ensure your nut butter and toppings are certified vegan.

How do I keep the apples from turning brown?

Lightly soak the apple slices in a bowl of water with a tablespoon of lemon or lime juice for 2 minutes, then pat dry before assembling.

Are these suitable for toddlers?

Yes, they are a perfect toddler-friendly snack! However, please ensure nuts or dried fruits are chopped to an appropriate size to avoid choking hazards.

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