Ready to have your kitchen smell like a cozy fall festival? Cinnamon Fried Apples are the perfect quick treat—tender, caramelized apples coated in melty butter, warm cinnamon, and just the right amount of sweetness. Whether you serve them as a comforting side, a topper for pancakes, or all on their own, this recipe is guaranteed to bring smiles (and maybe seconds!).
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ridiculously Easy: You need just a handful of pantry staples and 20 minutes—the hardest part is waiting for the apples to finish simmering!
- Ultimate Comfort: These Cinnamon Fried Apples taste just like a warm hug from grandma’s kitchen—sweet, buttery, and spiced to perfection.
- Incredibly Versatile: Serve them as a sweet side, dessert, or even breakfast topper—the possibilities are endless, and every way is delicious.
- Perfect for Sharing: The recipe makes enough for everyone to have seconds (trust me, you’ll want them!).
Ingredients You’ll Need
When it comes to Cinnamon Fried Apples, each ingredient plays a starring role. They’re all easy-to-find pantry staples, but together they create a glorious combination of texture, sweetness, and cozy spice you won’t want to miss.
- Apples (4 cups, chopped): Firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best—they hold their shape while still getting meltingly tender.
- Lemon (1, juiced): Brightens the flavor and keeps the apples from turning brown as you chop.
- Salted Butter (2 tablespoons): Adds richness and that irresistible bakery-style taste; salted butter also helps balance the sweetness.
- Packed Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Brings caramel tones and a hint of molasses, making the sauce extra luscious.
- White Sugar (¼ cup): Boosts the sweetness and helps the apples caramelize to golden perfection.
- Ground Cinnamon (1 tablespoon): The heart of the recipe! Warm, fragrant, and cozy, cinnamon makes every bite taste like fall.
Variations
One of my favorite things about Cinnamon Fried Apples is how endlessly customizable they are! Depending on what you have on hand (or what you’re craving), you can put your own spin on the classic recipe.
- Go Nutty: Stir in a handful of toasted pecans or walnuts at the end for extra crunch and a nutty twist.
- Sugar Swap: Use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of brown or white sugar for a different depth of flavor and a refined sugar-free touch.
- Warm Spice Additions: Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of cloves to heighten the cozy aroma and take your apples to spiced-apple pie status.
- Dairy-Free Option: Substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the salted butter to make this recipe completely dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples
Step 1: Prep and Chop the Apples
Start by peeling and coring your apples, then chopping them into bite-sized pieces. To keep them looking fresh and bright, give each batch a generous squeeze of lemon juice right after chopping—this prevents browning and gives the apples a subtle tang that wakes up all the flavors.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sauce
Grab a large skillet or cast iron pan and melt the salted butter over low heat. Add both sugars and the ground cinnamon, stirring constantly for about two minutes, until the mixture becomes glossy and syrupy. At this stage, your kitchen is going to start smelling absolutely heavenly!
Step 3: Cook the Apples
Carefully add your chopped apples to the pan. Continue to cook over low-medium heat, stirring often, for about 12–14 minutes. You’ll know they’re done when the apples are soft and tender (but not mushy!), and everything is beautifully coated in that cinnamon-butter sauce. The size of your apple pieces will affect the cook time—smaller pieces cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Step 4: Serve Warm
Your Cinnamon Fried Apples are best enjoyed while still warm. Spoon them into a bowl or pile them on top of pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal and let the cinnamon-laced syrup work its magic.
Pro Tips for Making Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Apple Variety Matters: Pick a crisp, tart apple like Granny Smith or Pink Lady so your Cinnamon Fried Apples keep their shape (and zing) after cooking.
- Low and Slow Wins: Keep your pan at low to medium heat; if you rush it, the sugars can burn before the apples are tender—and we want juicy, syrupy apples, not sticky caramel!
- Consistent Apple Sizes: Try to chop your apples into pieces that are roughly the same size so they cook evenly and don’t end up with a mix of mushy and crunchy bits.
- Fresh Cinnamon Is Key: For the most fragrant and flavorful results, use fresh ground cinnamon. It truly makes your Cinnamon Fried Apples stand out!
How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples
Garnishes
Dress up your Cinnamon Fried Apples by topping them with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts. A light dusting of extra cinnamon or a drizzle of caramel sauce is pure decadence for a special treat.
Side Dishes
Cinnamon Fried Apples are a natural match for breakfast favorites—think pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal—or as a sweet side alongside savory mains like pork chops or roasted chicken. They also pair wonderfully with French toast for an indulgent brunch!
Creative Ways to Present
Layer your apples into a glass for a parfait with granola and yogurt, spoon them over warm biscuits for the quickest “apple shortcake,” or pile them on a baked sweet potato as a fall-inspired twist. These Cinnamon Fried Apples make any dish feel just a bit more festive!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If (and that’s a big if!) you have any leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay delicious for up to four days and honestly taste even better after the flavors have had time to mingle.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Cinnamon Fried Apples! Let them cool fully, then pack them into a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as desired.
Reheating
To reheat, simply warm your fried apples in a skillet over low heat or microwave them in 30-second bursts until hot. If they’ve thickened up in the fridge, add a tiny splash of water or apple juice to loosen them back into saucy perfection.
FAQs
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What kind of apples work best for Cinnamon Fried Apples?
For best results, choose firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji. These apples keep their shape during cooking and deliver the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness.
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Can I make Cinnamon Fried Apples ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make them up to several days in advance and reheat gently before serving. They’re a great make-ahead option for breakfast or dessert.
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Is this recipe gluten-free and vegetarian?
Yes, Cinnamon Fried Apples are naturally gluten-free and vegetarian. Just make sure to use gluten-free oats or toppings if you’re serving them with anything extra.
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Can I reduce the sugar for a lighter version?
You sure can. Feel free to cut the brown and white sugar by a tablespoon or two each if you prefer a less-sweet treat. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through!
Final Thoughts
Trust me—once you make a batch of these Cinnamon Fried Apples, you’ll want to find ways to work them into every meal! They’re the kind of simple pleasure that brings warmth and lightness to any day. Go ahead and give them a try—your taste buds (and your kitchen) will thank you, guaranteed.
Print
Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy these delicious Cinnamon Fried Apples as a sweet treat or a comforting dessert. The warm, spiced apples cooked to perfection in butter and cinnamon are sure to delight your taste buds.
Ingredients
Chopped Apples:
- 4 cups chopped apples
Lemon Juice:
- 1 lemon (for juicing on the sliced apples)
Butter and Sugar Mixture:
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core apples. Squeeze lemon juice on them to prevent browning. Chop into bite-sized pieces.
- Melt Butter and Sugar: In a pan, melt butter over low heat. Add brown sugar and white sugar, along with ground cinnamon. Stir until melted.
- Cook Apples: Add the chopped apples to the pan. Stir and cook for about 12-14 minutes until the apples are softened.
- Serve: Serve the warm cinnamon fried apples and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the amount of sugar and cinnamon based on your preference for sweetness and spice.
- These apples are delicious on their own or served with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg
