These Cinnamon Fried Apples will melt in your mouth! This easy apple dessert combines softened apples with a buttery, sugary, and cinnamon-infused mixture, creating a delightful treat perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a cozy side dish or a simple dessert to impress guests, these cinnamon fried apples stand out for their rich flavor and quick preparation.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With only 5 minutes of prep time, this recipe is perfect for busy lifestyles.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy these apples warm as a dessert, or pair them with pancakes or ice cream for added delight.
- Irresistible Flavor: The combination of butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon creates a sweet aroma that fills your kitchen and warms your heart.
- Healthy Twist: Using fresh apples provides fiber and essential nutrients, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
- Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress family and friends at gatherings or holiday dinners.
Tools and Preparation
To make these delicious cinnamon fried apples, you’ll need a few essential tools. Having the right equipment ensures a smooth cooking process and enhances your final dish.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Cast iron skillet or high-sided pan
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Tongs or wooden spoon
Importance of Each Tool
- Cast iron skillet: Provides even heat distribution, which is crucial for cooking the apples evenly.
- Cutting board: Offers a safe surface to chop apples without damaging your countertops.
- Measuring cups: Ensures precise ingredient measurements for consistent results every time.
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 the juice from the lemon over the sliced apples to prevent browning.
- Chop into bite-sized pieces, aiming for about 4 cups.
Step 2: Melt Butter and Mix Sugars
- In a cast iron skillet or high-sided pan, melt butter over low heat.
- Add brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon to the melted butter.
- Cook over low-medium heat for about 2 minutes while stirring frequently until fully melted.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
- Add the prepared apples to the pan with the butter mixture.
- Stir well to coat all apple pieces evenly.
- Continue cooking for approximately 12-14 minutes until softened; adjust timing based on size of apple pieces.
Step 4: Serve Warm
- Once cooked through, remove from heat.
- Serve these delicious cinnamon fried apples warm as a delightful dessert or side dish!
Enjoy these Cinnamon Fried Apples with friends and family during any gathering or simply as an everyday treat!
How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon fried apples are a delightful treat that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you serve them as a dessert or alongside savory dishes, they bring warmth and flavor to any meal.
With Vanilla Ice Cream
- A scoop of vanilla ice cream perfectly complements the warm spices of the fried apples, creating a delicious contrast between hot and cold.
Over Pancakes or Waffles
- Drizzle these cinnamon fried apples over your morning pancakes or waffles for a sweet and comforting breakfast option.
In Oatmeal
- Stirring cinnamon fried apples into your oatmeal adds flavor and sweetness, making your breakfast even more satisfying.
As a Topping for Yogurt
- Use cinnamon fried apples as a topping for plain or Greek yogurt. This adds natural sweetness and a nutritious twist to your snack.
With Pork Chops
- Serve these apples alongside grilled or baked pork chops. The fruity sweetness pairs beautifully with the savory flavors of the meat.
In a Salad
- Toss cinnamon fried apples into a mixed green salad for an unexpected burst of flavor. Add nuts and cheese for extra texture.
How to Perfect Cinnamon Fried Apples
To make the best cinnamon fried apples, follow these helpful tips that enhance flavor and texture.
- Choose the right apples: Opt for firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold up well during cooking.
- Use fresh lemon juice: This not only prevents browning but also enhances the overall flavor of the dish.
- Control the heat: Cook on low to medium heat to ensure even cooking without burning the sugars.
- Stir frequently: Regular stirring helps evenly coat the apples in butter and sugar, ensuring every piece is flavorful.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: If needed, cook in batches to allow each apple slice to caramelize properly.
- Serve warm: Enjoying them while warm maximizes their deliciousness, enhancing both taste and aroma.
Best Side Dishes for Cinnamon Fried Apples
Cinnamon fried apples can shine alongside many side dishes. Here are some great options that complement their sweet flavor profile.
- Savory Sausages: Pair with cooked sausages for a perfect blend of sweet and savory at breakfast or brunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts; their earthy flavors balance out the sweetness of the apples.
- Cheesy Biscuits: Flaky biscuits provide a nice contrast in texture and taste; they soak up juices nicely.
- Grilled Chicken: The mild flavor of grilled chicken works well with sweet toppings like cinnamon fried apples.
- Rice Pilaf: A nutty rice pilaf adds complexity; serve it alongside for an interesting meal combination.
- French Toast Sticks: For brunch, serve these apple slices with crispy French toast sticks for an indulgent treat.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Cinnamon Fried Apples can be simple, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.
- Incorrect Apple Variety: Using apples that are too soft may result in mushy fried apples. Choose firmer varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture.
- Overcooking: Cooking apples for too long can lead to a jam-like consistency. Keep an eye on them and remove from heat when they are just softened.
- Missing Lemon Juice: Forgetting to juice the lemon on the sliced apples can cause browning. Always squeeze lemon juice immediately after cutting to maintain freshness.
- Not Stirring Enough: Failing to stir regularly may cause the sugar mixture to burn. Stir frequently while cooking for even sweetness and flavor.
- Skipping Seasoning Adjustments: Not adjusting sugar or cinnamon amounts can affect taste. Feel free to tweak based on your preference for sweetness or spice.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
- They can last up to 2 months in the freezer.
Reheating Cinnamon Fried Apples
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and reheat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between, until hot.
- Stovetop: Warm over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about preparing Cinnamon Fried Apples.
How do I make my Cinnamon Fried Apples more flavorful?
You can enhance flavor by adding a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract during cooking.
Can I use other fruits with this recipe?
Absolutely! Pears or peaches can also be delicious alternatives for frying alongside apples.
What type of apples are best for Cinnamon Fried Apples?
Firmer apple varieties like Granny Smith or Fuji work best as they hold their shape well during cooking.
Is there a way to make this recipe healthier?
You can reduce the sugar content and use a sugar substitute or honey instead, while still achieving sweetness.
Can I serve these warm Cinnamon Fried Apples cold?
Yes, while they are best served warm, they can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing treat.
Final Thoughts
These Cinnamon Fried Apples are not only delightful but also incredibly versatile. They make a fantastic dessert or side dish that pairs well with ice cream, pancakes, or even savory dishes. Feel free to customize with your favorite spices or additional fruits for a unique twist!
Cinnamon Fried Apples
Indulge in the warm, melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Cinnamon Fried Apples, a delightful apple dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. This quick and easy recipe combines fresh apples sautéed in a buttery cinnamon-sugar mixture, creating a comforting treat that can be served warm as a dessert or alongside savory dishes. With just five minutes of prep, you can impress your family and friends with these irresistible flavors. Enjoy them over pancakes, with ice cream, or even as a topping for yogurt—this versatile dish will surely become a favorite in your household!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 cups chopped apples (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- ¼ cup white sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces. Squeeze lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
- In a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon; cook until melted.
- Add the prepared apples to the skillet and stir well to coat. Cook for 12-14 minutes until softened.
- Serve warm as a dessert or side dish.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 55mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: <1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
