Description
The Ultimate Fried Apples Recipe is a beloved Southern dessert that combines the natural sweetness and tartness of apples with warm, comforting spices. The apples are sautéed in butter, creating a rich, golden sauce that’s sweetened with brown sugar and granulated sugar, then enhanced with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of vanilla. This dish is simple yet indulgent, with tender, caramelized apples that melt in your mouth. Perfect as a side, dessert, or topping, these fried apples bring cozy, nostalgic flavors that make them a crowd favorite. Whether served warm over pancakes, ice cream, or simply on their own, this Southern delight is the ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala work well), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup water or apple juice (for a slightly more liquid sauce)
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces, about 1/4-inch thick. Set them aside.
- Cook the Apples:
- In a large skillet or frying pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples to the pan and stir to coat them evenly in the butter. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften.
- Add Sugar and Spices:
- Sprinkle in 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
- If you’re using 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg, add it at this stage for extra warmth. Stir everything to combine.
- Add Liquid:
- Pour in 1 tablespoon lemon juice and 1/4 cup water (or apple juice). Stir to coat the apples in the liquid mixture.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the apples simmer for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally, allowing the apples to soften and the sauce to thicken.
- If you want the sauce thicker, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with a little water to make a slurry, then add it to the pan, stirring until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish with Vanilla:
- Stir in 1 teaspoon vanilla extract for an added layer of flavor. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Serve:
- Once the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- Serve the fried apples warm, either on their own or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or other desserts.
Notes
- Apple Variety:
- For the best texture and flavor, use a mix of tart and sweet apples. Granny Smith apples add a nice tartness, while Honeycrisp or Gala apples bring natural sweetness.
- Adjust Sweetness:
- Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar and granulated sugar based on your preference for sweetness. You can also use maple syrup for a more natural sweetener if you’d like.
- Thickness of Sauce:
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can skip the cornstarch. If you want a thicker, syrupy consistency, be sure to add the cornstarch slurry as mentioned in the instructions.
- Spices:
- The combination of cinnamon and nutmeg is classic, but feel free to experiment with a pinch of cloves, allspice, or even a dash of ginger for added complexity.
- Make Ahead:
- You can make the fried apples ahead of time. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.
- Serving Suggestions:
- These fried apples are perfect on their own, but they can also be served as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, vanilla ice cream, or even a slice of warm cornbread. For an extra indulgence, serve them with whipped cream or a scoop of ice cream.
- Bourbon Twist:
- For a more adult version, add a splash of bourbon to the pan along with the sugar and spices. Let it cook off to add depth to the flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 180 calories
- Sugar: 38 grams
- Sodium: 70 mg
- Fat: 6 grams
- Saturated Fat: 3 grams
- Carbohydrates: 45 grams
- Fiber: 4 grams
- Cholesterol: 20 mg
Keywords: Fried apples, Southern fried apples, comfort food, Southern dessert, caramelized apples, spiced apples, cinnamon apples, easy apple recipe, warm dessert, apple topping, homemade fried apples, quick dessert, apple side dish, classic Southern recipe