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How does an Oscar-winning actress feel at home when working on a busy movie set? That is exactly what the hosts of the hit podcast Smartless asked Hollywood superstar Emma Stone during a featured interview. While the Poor Things actress chatted about life in front of the camera, her answers quickly shifted to the world of food and drink—and her go-to daily indulgence is delightfully down-to-earth.
“Every day for a snack, I have apples and peanut butter,” she revealed. While her Hollywood peers joked about splurging on trendy health foods, Stone passionately defended her simple habit. “Peanut butter gives you a little hit of protein and a BIG hit of joy. It’s delicious,” she said. It turns out that this nostalgic school lunchbox classic is exactly what the superstar relies on for an afternoon burst of clean energy.
Why Apples and Peanut Butter Make the Perfect Snack
There is a reason why this classic duo remains a staple across generations. It offers a flawless contrast of textures and flavors. The crisp, juicy, and naturally sweet bite of a fresh apple cuts through the rich, salty creaminess of the nut butter. Beyond tasting incredible, it is a nutritional powerhouse. The complex carbohydrates and dietary fiber from the fruit combine with the plant-based protein and healthy monounsaturated fats from the peanuts to create a highly satisfying treat that staves off hunger for hours.
Choosing the Best Ingredients
To turn this simple 2-ingredient protein snack into a truly gourmet experience, the quality of your ingredients makes all the difference.
What You Need
You only need two primary items to replicate this celebrity-approved snack at home:
Fresh Apples: While any variety works, choosing a tart and firm apple like a Granny Smith or a Honeycrisp provides the best structural crunch to hold up against thick nut butter.
Peanut Butter: Opt for a high-quality natural peanut butter that contains just two ingredients: peanuts and salt. This avoids unnecessary hydrogenated oils and added sugars.
Optional Upgrades: If you want to elevate this daily staple, a light dusting of ground cinnamon, a sprinkle of chia seeds, or a handful of rolled oats can add extra texture and nutrients.
Expert Snacking Tips:Preventing Brown Apples: If you are slicing your fruit ahead of time for a busy workday, toss the pieces in a tiny splash of freshlemon juice. The ascorbic acid prevents oxidation and keeps your slices looking perfectly fresh. The Drink Pairing: Want to complete the full Emma Stone on-set experience? Pair your snack with a “Coconut Misto”—her favorite daily coffee order consisting of a dark roast frothed up with steamedcoconut milk.
How to Assemble the Ultimate Apple Slices
This effortless recipe requires zero cooking skills and comes together in less than five minutes:
Core and slice: Thoroughly wash your favorite apple, remove the core, and cut it into even, thick wedges.
Portion the dip: Scoop a generous couple of tablespoons of natural peanut butter into a small ramekin or directly onto your plate.
Garnish (optional): Dust the top of the nut butter with a pinch of cinnamon or hemp hearts for an extra touch of flavor.
Dip and enjoy: Dip each crisp wedge into the creamy spread for a fast, portable, and energy-boosting treat.
Whether you are cramming for exams, heading into a workout, or running a busy household, this timeless combination is proof that the healthiest snacks don’t need to be complicated.
1 medium crisp apple (such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
2 tbsp natural creamy or crunchy peanut butter
1 pinch ground cinnamon (optional garnish)
Directions
Wash and Prep: Rinse the apple thoroughly under cold water and pat it completely dry with a towel.
Slice the Fruit: Using a sharp knife, slice the apple away from the core into 8 to 12 even wedges.
Plate the Nut Butter: Scoop 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter onto the side of a clean plate or into a small dipping bowl.
Season and Serve: If desired, sprinkle a tiny pinch of ground cinnamon over the peanut butter or directly onto the apple slices. Serve immediately while the fruit is cold and crisp.
Notes
Allergy Swap: If you have a peanut allergy, you can easily replicate this exact snack using almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter!
Meal Prep Tip: If packing this snack for a school lunch or office workday, soak the cut apple slices in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for 5 minutes. Drain and dry thoroughly before packing into an airtight container to keep them from turning brown.