If you’re in the mood for a sweet, soul-warming treat that’s pure comfort on a plate, Cinnamon Fried Apples are your new best friend. Tender, buttery apples enveloped in a silky, cinnamon-spiced sauce call up everything you love about cozy fall flavors, but they’re just as irresistible any time of year. This is the type Side Dish, Dessert. In just 25 minutes, you get a dish that’s as versatile as it is delicious—so let’s dive right in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of pantry staples and fresh apples, Cinnamon Fried Apples come together in a snap. Each ingredient is chosen for maximum flavor, balance, and that irresistible syrupy finish!
- Apples (4 large, such as Granny Smith or Fuji): Tart, crisp apples hold their shape while soaking up all the spicy, buttery goodness.
- Unsalted butter (1/4 cup): Melts into a rich base, creating a decadent, velvety sauce for the apples.
- Brown sugar (1/4 cup): Adds caramel depth and a touch of richness to the mix.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Brings balanced sweetness without taking over the warm spice profile.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): The heart and soul of this dish; choose fresh, fragrant cinnamon for the boldest flavor.
- Ground nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): A little goes a long way, adding warmth and complexity.
- Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Stirred in at the end for a round, aromatic finish.
- Pinch of salt: Brightens and ties together all the sweet and spicy elements.
How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples
Step 1: Start with the Skillet
Grab your favorite large skillet and place it over medium heat. Drop in the butter and let it melt completely—it should sizzle ever so gently and begin to foam. This buttery foundation infuses every apple slice with indulgent flavor and prevents sticking, so don’t rush this step.
Step 2: Add and Soften the Apples
Tumble your peeled, cored, and sliced apples into the skillet. Stir them around so they’re all kissed with butter. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples look glossy and are just starting to soften. You want them tender on the edges but still holding their shape in the centers.
Step 3: Stir in the Sweet Spices
Now the magic happens! Sprinkle the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt evenly over the apples. Stir well so every slice gets enveloped in that gorgeous, spiced mixture. The sugars will melt, creating a bubbling syrup that’s downright swoon-worthy.
Step 4: Simmer to Syrupy Perfection
Continue cooking for another 7–10 minutes. Stir frequently, making sure the syrup doesn’t stick or scorch. The apples should turn tender and the sauce should thicken beautifully, clinging to every piece. You’ll know it’s ready when the mixture smells almost impossibly fragrant.
Step 5: Finish with Vanilla
Take the skillet off the heat and immediately stir in the vanilla extract. This final touch smooths out the flavors and makes the whole dish taste (and smell!) like bakery heaven. Now your Cinnamon Fried Apples are ready to devour—whether you spoon them up as a dessert or add them to your favorite breakfast spread!
How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples
Garnishes
A generous sprinkle of toasted pecans or walnuts gives these apples crunch and contrast, while a dash of extra cinnamon or powdered sugar brings an added hint of sweetness and style. If you’re serving dessert, a scoop of vanilla ice cream melting on top makes everything extra decadent.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Fried Apples pair beautifully with hearty mains like pork chops, roast chicken, or glazed ham for a classic Southern dinner. If breakfast is more your style, they’re unbeatable over pancakes, waffles, or even oatmeal for a morning treat everyone will rave about.
Creative Ways to Present
Get adventurous! Layer them into parfait glasses with yogurt and granola, swirl them into a warm bowl of rice pudding, or spoon them onto buttery biscuits. You can even use these apples as a topping for cheesecakes, French toast, or autumn-inspired sundaes—the options are endless and always delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool the Cinnamon Fried Apples to room temperature, then transfer them to an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh and delicious in the fridge for up to four days, making them a perfect make-ahead addition to breakfasts and desserts throughout the week.
Freezing
You can freeze your finished Cinnamon Fried Apples for up to two months. Let them cool, divide into individual portions, and freeze in airtight, freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty bags. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To bring back that freshly-made comfort, gently reheat leftovers in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickened too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual servings in 30-second bursts until hot.
FAQs
What kind of apples work best for Cinnamon Fried Apples?
Firm, tart apples such as Granny Smith or Fuji hold up beautifully to frying and deliver a lovely balance of sweetness and tang. Avoid apples that get mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.
Can I leave the apple peels on?
Absolutely! Keeping the peels on adds a pop of color and a little extra texture. It’s really up to your personal preference and how rustic you want your Cinnamon Fried Apples to be.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Swap the butter for your favorite plant-based substitute, such as vegan butter or coconut oil. The apples will still turn out rich, glossy, and loaded with cinnamon flavor.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! There are no wheat products or flours in Cinnamon Fried Apples, so everyone can enjoy them, even those avoiding gluten.
Can I double or halve the recipe?
Definitely. Just scale the ingredients proportionally and use a larger or smaller skillet as needed. Keep an eye on cooking times as they may vary slightly with batch size.
Final Thoughts
There’s something special about making Cinnamon Fried Apples in your own kitchen—the aroma, the golden sauce, and that first delicious bite. If you’re craving a dish that’s simple, satisfying, and sure to win hearts, this is the moment to give these Cinnamon Fried Apples a try. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
Print
Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
Description
These Cinnamon Fried Apples are a delightful combination of tender, sweet apples coated in a rich, cinnamon-infused syrup. Perfect as a side dish, dessert, or topping, these Southern-inspired apples are sure to become a favorite at your table.
Ingredients
Apples:
- 4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
Sauce:
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cook Apples: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften.
- Prepare Sauce: Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to the skillet. Stir well to coat the apples evenly. Continue to cook for another 7–10 minutes, stirring often, until the apples are tender and the sauce is thick and syrupy.
- Finish and Serve: Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm as desired.
Notes
- Pair with pork chops, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream
- Peel apples for a different texture
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
