There’s nothing quite as cozy and heartwarming as a pan of piping hot Cinnamon Fried Apples—the scent alone is enough to call the whole house to the kitchen! Imagine tender chunks of apples, lovingly sautéed in butter, cinnamon, and sugar, until they’re perfectly golden and caramelized. This easy, soul-soothing recipe is one I cherish for chilly mornings or as a rustic dessert, and it’s bound to become your new favorite sweet comfort food, too.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity at its Best: With just a handful of classic ingredients, you can whip up something utterly delicious in under 20 minutes.
- Cozy, Nostalgic Flavors: The comforting warmth of cinnamon combined with sweet, buttery apples takes you straight back to grandma’s kitchen.
- Incredibly Versatile: Cinnamon Fried Apples aren’t just a dessert—they’re perfect over pancakes, ice cream, oatmeal, or even on their own.
- Guaranteed Crowd-Pleaser: Whether you serve them for breakfast, brunch, or dessert, everyone’s eyes (and noses!) will light up the moment they hit the table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cinnamon Fried Apples is that you probably have everything you need already on hand! Each ingredient brings its own magic—think silky butter, sweet brown sugar, and, of course, a generous sprinkle of cinnamon for that signature warmth and tawny color.
- 4 cups chopped apples: Choose crisp, tart-sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 lemon (for juicing): Fresh lemon juice keeps the apples vibrant and adds a gentle tang that brightens every bite.
- 2 tablespoons salted butter: Salted butter melts into lusciousness and balances the sweetness, giving the apples a hint of richness.
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar: Brown sugar melts into a caramel-like sauce and deepens the cozy flavor profile.
- ¼ cup white sugar: White sugar adds that classic clean sweetness and helps the apples caramelize perfectly.
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon: The star of the show! Cinnamon infuses the apples with warmth and irresistible aroma.
Variations
I absolutely love recipes that leave a little room for creativity, and Cinnamon Fried Apples are a delicious canvas. With just a few tweaks, you can customize this dish to fit anyone’s taste, dietary needs, or whatever you have in your pantry.
- Add Nuts or Dried Fruit: Toss in a handful of chopped pecans, walnuts, or dried cranberries just before serving for extra crunch and flavor.
- Go Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based margarine—your apples will still be dreamy and delicious!
- Experiment with Spices: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to make the flavor profile your own.
- Use Different Apples: Mix and match apple varieties or use what’s in season for unique tastes and textures in every batch.
How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples
Step 1: Prep the Apples
First things first, peel, core, and chop your apples into bite-sized pieces. As you work, squeeze lemon juice over the chopped apples to keep them from browning and add a bright, fresh pop—trust me, you’ll notice the difference!
Step 2: Melt the Butter and Sugar
Set a large skillet or pan (cast iron works wonders here) over low heat and drop in your salted butter. Once it begins to melt, sprinkle in both sugars and the ground cinnamon. Stir everything together and let it bubble gently for a couple of minutes—it smells like a hug in a pan!
Step 3: Sauté the Apples
Now, slide in those gleaming apple pieces and toss them to coat. Keep the heat on low to medium; you want the apples to soften gradually and soak up all those buttery, sugary, cinnamon-spiked flavors. Stir often and let them cook for 12–14 minutes, until they’re tender but still holding their shape.
Step 4: Serve Warm and Enjoy
Once the apples are perfectly tender—soft but not mushy—it’s time to devour. Serve your Cinnamon Fried Apples warm, spooned generously over pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, or simply in a bowl for the ultimate comfort food treat!
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Choose the Right Apple: Mix tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties for a layered flavor and a touch of lively tartness.
- Low and Slow Sauté: Resist the temptation to crank the heat—gentle, low-to-medium warmth lets the apples soften without turning mushy.
- Butter Matters: Salted butter rounds out the sweetness, so don’t skip it—if you only have unsalted, add a pinch of salt to the pan.
- Prep Ahead: To speed things up, prep and refrigerate the peeled, chopped apples with lemon juice up to a day in advance.
How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples
Garnishes
For an extra special finish, I love to sprinkle Cinnamon Fried Apples with a dusting of powdered sugar, a dollop of lightly sweetened whipped cream, or even a tiny sprinkle of toasted nuts. A little fresh lemon zest brightens everything up if you want something zingy, and fresh mint always looks gorgeous on top.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Fried Apples pair beautifully with breakfasts like pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. Alternatively, tuck them beside pork chops for a sweet-savory dinner twist, or use as a dreamy topping for vanilla ice cream or custard after dinner. Their versatility is truly endless!
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving your Cinnamon Fried Apples inside mini mason jars for individual treats, or pile them into a warm skillet as a shared family-style dessert. They’re also gorgeous layered in a trifle glass with pound cake and cream, or spooned onto tart shells for a shortcut faux-apple-pie experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you somehow manage to have any Cinnamon Fried Apples left (and that’s a big “if” in my house!), just scoop them into an airtight container and chill. They’ll keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for nibbling or stirring into breakfast all week long.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze your Cinnamon Fried Apples! Let them cool completely, then place into freezer-safe bags or containers. They’ll taste their best if enjoyed within 2–3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently in a saucepan.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your Cinnamon Fried Apples in a skillet over low heat, or microwave in short bursts until heated through. A small splash of water or extra butter helps revive that luscious sauce if it thickens in the fridge.
FAQs
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What kind of apples work best for Cinnamon Fried Apples?
Firm, slightly tart apples hold up best during cooking—think Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, or Fuji. Mixing varieties gives extra dimension, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand!
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Can I reduce the amount of sugar in the recipe?
Absolutely. If you prefer a less sweet version, try cutting each sugar type by a tablespoon or two, or opt for just one kind of sugar. The apples will still be deliciously flavorful and naturally sweet.
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Are Cinnamon Fried Apples gluten-free?
Yes! As written, this recipe uses only naturally gluten-free ingredients. Always double-check your butter and other add-ins if you’re cooking for strict gluten-free diets.
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Can I use pre-sliced or pre-peeled apples for convenience?
You sure can! Prepped apples work great and speed up the process—just be sure to toss them in fresh lemon juice so they keep their color and bright flavor.
Final Thoughts
I hope you find as much joy in making and sharing these Cinnamon Fried Apples as I do. There’s something so magical about a recipe that’s simple, satisfying, and guaranteed to put smiles around your table—so treat yourself, and make this easy classic part of your cozy-day traditions!
Print
Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert/Side Dish
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Cinnamon Fried Apples are a delightful and comforting treat that make for a perfect dessert or side dish. Tender apples cooked in a sweet and cinnamon-infused buttery sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
Chopped Apples:
- 4 cups chopped apples
Lemon Juice:
- 1 lemon (for juicing on the sliced apples)
Butter and Sugars:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a pan, melt butter over low heat. Add brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon. Stir until melted.
- Cook the Mixture: Add the chopped apples to the pan. Cook and stir for 12-14 minutes until the apples are softened.
- Serve: Enjoy the Cinnamon Fried Apples warm.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness and cinnamon levels to suit your taste preferences.
- These apples are delicious on their own, over ice cream, or paired with pancakes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 32g
- Sodium: 77mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 39g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
