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    Home » Dessert » Fruit Desserts » Apple » Fried Apples

    Fried Apples

    Published: Sep 8, 2020 · Modified: Aug 28, 2023 by Tonia Larson

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure policy.

    ↓ JUMP TO RECIPE ↓ JUMP TO VIDEO

    Fried Apples with cinnamon taste like warm apple pie! Serve caramelized apples as a side dish, dessert with ice cream, or breakfast topping.

    spooning up fried apples

    Old-fashioned cinnamon apples are so easy to make, and everyone loves them! Cracker Barrel fried apples are a popular side dish that has been on the menu for years. They go really well with pork chops. But since caramelized apples are a lot like apple pie filling, they can be enjoyed as a dessert as well!

    This Post Includes

    • Ingredients Needed For Caramelized Apples
    • How To Make Fried Apples
    • Best Apples For Fried Apples
    • Other Ways To Make It
    • What Goes With Fried Apples
    • Frequently Asked
    • What To Do With Apples
    cooked apple slices in a skillet

    Ingredients Needed For Caramelized Apples

    • Butter: Grease the pan and create a caramel sauce with butter.
    • Brown Sugar: Sweeten the caramel sauce with brown sugar.
    • Spices: Add flavor with cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice.
    • Granny Smith Apples: Use tart apples that hold up during cooking.
    • Vanilla: Add a touch of vanilla for extra flavor.

    How To Make Fried Apples

    melting butter in a cast iron skillet

    Start by melting the butter in a heavy-bottom pan such as a cast iron skillet. I like to cut my butter into pieces to help it melt faster.

    sauce ingredients in a skillet

    Next, add the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice.

    caramel sauce in a pan

    Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes while stirring constantly.

    boiling sauce with apple slices

    Add the apple slices and stir to coat them with the sauce.

    fried apples in a cast iron skillet

    Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, for 8-10 minutes until the apples are softened and caramelized.

    close up of cinnamon apples

    Remove the fried apple slices from the heat and serve them while they are still warm.

    fried cinnamon apples in a cast iron skillet

    Best Apples For Fried Apples

    When making our fried apples recipe, you want to choose crisp, tart apples to offset the sweetness. Also, make sure to use firm apples that will hold up to cooking and won’t turn mushy.

    Granny Smith, Empire, Pink Lady, Braeburn, and Honeycrisp are a few of the best apples for cooking and baking. I like using tart Granny Smith apples.

    Some people prefer using two kinds of apples when making desserts for the combination of flavors as well as the optimal sweetness and tartness. So, that is something you can experiment with, and it is good to know if you have two kinds of apples on hand.

    fried apples in a bowl with ice cream

    Other Ways To Make It

    This fried apples recipe is made in the traditional Southern way, but so many things can be added to the apples depending on what your family likes. Additional ingredients are also a fun way to change up this cinnamon apples recipe occasionally. Here are a few suggestions:

    • Dried Cranberries: Adds a pop of color and flavor! This option would be perfect for the holidays.
    • Sliced Pears: Apples and pears go well together, but since pears are softer, add them halfway through frying the apples.
    • Nuts: Chopped walnuts or pecans are great options.

    What Goes With Fried Apples

    Caramelized fried apples can be served as a side dish, eaten for breakfast, or enjoyed as a dessert.

    • Side Dish: Cracker Barrel apples are served as a side dish. They go well with pork, turkey, fried chicken, or ham.
    • Breakfast: You can also serve for breakfast on baked oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, bisquick crepes, or French toast.
    • Dessert: Another way to enjoy them is for dessert on top of vanilla ice cream or apple cheesecake. You can also allow them to cool and then use them to make apple pie milkshakes!

    Frequently Asked

    Should the apples be peeled before cooking?

    You can make fried cinnamon apples with or without the peels. We prefer them peeled, but that does take longer. If you are short on time, you can skip peeling the apples beforehand.

    Can I freeze fried apples?

    Yes, you can freeze fried apples. Allow the fried apples to cool somewhat, and then put them into a freezer-safe container or plastic zip-top freezer bag. Label the container or bag with the contents, date, and amount.

    Store the container or bag of fried apples in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to a year. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or a saucepan before serving.

    How do homemade fried apples compare to canned fried apples?

    As one would expect, fried cinnamon apples you make at home are so much better than canned fried apples! It only takes about 10 minutes to cook caramelized apples before they are tender, warm, and ready to enjoy.

    What To Do With Apples

    When it’s apple season, you may be wondering what you can make with apples! Here are some of our favorites, and be sure to check out all of our apple recipes.

    • This four-ingredient Apple Cobbler Recipe is super easy to make!
    • This Dutch Apple Pie has a fabulous crumble top and is simple to prepare.
    • Easy Apple Crisp with sweet, tender apples and a crunchy crumb topping.
    • Apple Cinnamon French Toast Casserole is the perfect breakfast for fall weekends!
    • A Bloomin’ Baked Apple is a treat for one!
    Fried Apples in a skillet.

    Fried Apples

    Fried Apples with cinnamon taste like warm apple pie! Serve caramelized apples as a side dish, dessert with ice cream, or breakfast topping.
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    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 25 minutes minutes
    Servings: 5
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    Equipment

    Epicurean Saute Tool
    Calphalon Cast Iron Skillet

    Ingredients

    • ½ cup butter
    • ½ cup brown sugar
    • 1 ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ⅛ teaspoon ground allspice
    • 5 large granny smith apples peeled, cored and sliced
    • 1 teaspoon vanilla

    Instructions

    • Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground allspice. Cook while stirring for 1-2 minutes.
    • Add the sliced apples and stir to coat. Cook and stir for 8-10 minutes until softened.
    • Remove from heat. Stir in the vanilla extract.

    Video

    Notes

    Storage

    Cool and then store in an airtight container in the fridge for 2-3 days or in the freezer for up to a year. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the microwave or a saucepan before serving.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.75cup | Calories: 345kcal | Carbohydrates: 47g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 19g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 49mg | Sodium: 154mg | Potassium: 234mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 40g | Vitamin A: 668IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: American
    Author: Tonia Larson

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      Easy Apple Fritter Recipe

    About Tonia Larson

    Hi! I’m Tonia, the owner and recipe creator at The Gunny Sack, where I’ve shared easy recipes for busy people for 12+ years! My family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and delicious desserts include mouthwatering photos, dynamic videos, and step-by-step instructions to help you cook at home.

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    Tonia Larson and Brian LarsonHi, We are Brian and Tonia Larson! We hope you enjoy our family-friendly meals, easy side dishes, and tasty desserts!
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