Heart-Shaped Apples: Simple Step-by-Step Recipe for Cute Fruit Snacks

Here’s a healthy, charming way to tuck a little love note into someone’s lunch bag — perfect for Valentine’s Day or any time you want to surprise someone. I loved the concept when I first saw it and wanted to try my own version. Below is a clear, simple process for making apple heart switcheroos.

Apple hearts switcheroo — Cut hearts into two different colored apples, swap them, and you’re done!

Apple Heart Switcheroo: Step by Step

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How to Make Heart Apples

A fun, healthy way to add a small surprise to a lunchbox or snack plate.

Equipment

heart-shaped cookie cutter optional — a paring knife will also work

Ingredients

red and green apples

Instructions

Use a small heart-shaped cutter to press a heart shape through the skin of one apple. The cutter should be fairly sharp so it cleanly pierces the skin; keep it steady and avoid wiggling to maintain crisp edges.
Make the same cut on the second apple. To slow browning, dip the small cut-out hearts into lemon juice.
Test fit the hearts in their new apple homes. You may need to shave a little of the surrounding apple flesh to get a snug, neat fit.
Gently insert each heart into the opposite-colored apple and serve or pack for later.

Tried this?Share your version on social media and tag the creator if you’d like to credit the idea.

Course: Snack

Keyword: healthy snack, hearts, valentines day

I used the small heart cut-out from a linzer cookie cutter set. A sharp cutter or a tidy paring knife will give the cleanest results. Be careful when removing the heart so you don’t nick the surface of the apple.

heart cutter green apple — A linzer cutter is a great size for this project.

removing cut heart from apple — Use the tip of a sharp knife to carefully free the cut heart if needed.

Apple hearts in lemon juice — Dip the small hearts in lemon juice to reduce browning.

fine tuning the apple heart — Test the fit and shave a little apple flesh as needed for a smooth swap.

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Cook with the seasons, effortlessly! I’m Getty, a food educator and Professional Home Economist. I help you select, store, and serve seasonal ingredients in simple, delicious meals. Sign up for seasonal tips and recipes delivered to your inbox, and explore my books, guides, and video content for more ideas.