These Cinnamon Fried Apples are a delightful treat that will melt in your mouth! This warm, sweet dish combines softened apples with a buttery mixture of sugar and cinnamon. Perfect as a dessert or a side dish, these cinnamon fried apples are ideal for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or just an indulgent snack at home. Their comforting flavor and simplicity make them a standout choice for any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Make: You can whip up these cinnamon fried apples in just 20 minutes!
- Versatile Dish: Enjoy them as a dessert, topping for pancakes, or even alongside roasted meats.
- Simple Ingredients: Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, making this a go-to recipe.
- Kid-Friendly: The sweet taste and fun texture make this dish a hit with kids.
- Warm Comfort: Serve them warm for a cozy treat that’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Tools and Preparation
Before you start making your cinnamon fried apples, gather some essential tools to ensure smooth preparation.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or high-sided pan
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Spoon or spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Excellent heat retention ensures even cooking and browning of the apples.
- Knife: A sharp knife is crucial for easily peeling and chopping the apples into bite-sized pieces.
- Measuring cups: Accurate measurements help achieve the perfect sweetness and flavor balance.
Ingredients
For the Cinnamon Fried Apples
- 4 cups chopped apples
- 1 lemon (for juicing on the sliced apples)
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel and core the apples.
- Squeeze lemon juice on the sliced apples as you go to prevent browning.
- Chop the apples into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Melt Butter Mixture
- In a cast iron skillet or high-sided pan, melt 2 tablespoons salted butter over low heat.
- Add ¼ cup packed brown sugar, ¼ cup white sugar, and 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon to the melted butter.
- Cook over low-medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until melted.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
- Add the chopped apples to the pan with the butter mixture.
- Stir continuously while cooking for about 12-14 minutes until softened. The cooking time will vary based on apple piece size.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Serve your delicious cinnamon fried apples warm as an irresistible side dish or dessert option!
How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon fried apples are versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you want a simple dessert or an exciting addition to your breakfast, these delicious apples will satisfy any craving.
As a Standalone Dessert
- Serve them warm for a comforting treat.
- Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delightful contrast.
- Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples for added sweetness.
With Pancakes or Waffles
- Add cinnamon fried apples as a topping on pancakes or waffles.
- Pair with whipped cream for an indulgent morning meal.
- Sprinkle some chopped nuts on top for extra crunch.
On Oatmeal
- Stir into your morning oatmeal for a sweet and fruity flavor.
- Enhance with some extra cinnamon to elevate the taste.
- Use as a topping on overnight oats for a quick breakfast option.
In Yogurt Parfaits
- Layer cinnamon fried apples in yogurt parfaits with granola.
- Choose Greek yogurt for added protein and creaminess.
- Mix in some nuts or seeds for healthy fats.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Fried Apples
To achieve the best texture and flavor in your cinnamon fried apples, follow these handy tips.
- Choose the right apples: Select firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape when cooked.
- Cut uniformly: Chop the apples into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Control the heat: Cook over low-medium heat to avoid burning while allowing flavors to meld perfectly.
- Experiment with spices: Try adding nutmeg or allspice along with cinnamon for an extra layer of flavor.
- Let them rest: Allow the fried apples to sit for a few minutes after cooking; this lets juices settle and enhances taste.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon fried apples pair well with various side dishes, complementing both savory and sweet flavors. Here are some great options to consider:
- Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops balance the sweetness of cinnamon fried apples beautifully.
- Vanilla Ice Cream: A classic pairing that melts perfectly into warm cinnamon apples.
- French Toast: Serve on top of French toast for a delightful breakfast treat.
- Biscuits: Flaky biscuits provide a buttery contrast to the sweet, spiced apples.
- Quinoa Salad: The nutty flavor of quinoa adds depth when paired with sweet apple slices.
- Cheese Platter: Include sharp cheeses like cheddar to create a delicious contrast with the sweetness.
- Granola Bars: Enjoy as a snack alongside cinnamon fried apples for added crunch and nutrition.
- Savory Sausages: The savory notes of sausage complement the sweet flavor profile beautifully.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Cinnamon Fried Apples, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
- Using the wrong type of apples – Not all apples are suitable for frying. Choose firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best texture and flavor.
- Skipping the lemon juice – This crucial step prevents browning. Always squeeze lemon juice over cut apples to keep them fresh and vibrant.
- Not stirring often enough – If you let the mixture sit too long without stirring, the ingredients may burn. Stir frequently to avoid this and ensure even cooking.
- Cooking at too high heat – Cooking on high can cause the butter and sugars to burn instead of caramelize. Keep the heat low to medium for a perfect melt.
- Overcooking the apples – You want them softened but not mushy. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat once they are tender.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Let cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
Freezing Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
- Portion into smaller bags for easy thawing later.
Reheating Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Oven – Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and warm in a baking dish covered with foil for about 10-15 minutes.
- Microwave – Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
- Stovetop – Heat in a pan over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Cinnamon Fried Apples.
Can I use other spices besides cinnamon?
Absolutely! You can experiment with nutmeg or allspice for a different flavor profile.
How do I serve Cinnamon Fried Apples?
These apples are versatile! Serve them as a side dish, over ice cream, or with pancakes for breakfast.
What type of apples are best for this recipe?
Firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best for frying.
Can I add nuts or raisins?
Yes! Adding walnuts or raisins can enhance texture and flavor. Just toss them in when you add the apples.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Fried Apples are deliciously comforting and incredibly versatile. Perfect as a side dish or dessert, they can be customized with your favorite spices or toppings like nuts and whipped cream. Try this recipe today, and enjoy the warm, delightful flavors!
Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon Fried Apples are a warm and indulgent treat that will tantalize your taste buds! This delightful dish features tender apples sautéed in a luscious blend of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, creating a comforting dessert or side dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether served warm over vanilla ice cream, spooned onto pancakes, or enjoyed straight from the skillet as an afternoon snack, these cinnamon fried apples are sure to become a family favorite. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, you can whip up this delicious dish in just 20 minutes!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
- In a cast iron skillet over low heat, melt the butter. Add brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon; stir until melted and combined.
- Add the chopped apples to the skillet and cook for 12-14 minutes, stirring frequently until softened but not mushy.
- Serve warm as a dessert or side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 50mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
