If you’re craving that magical blend of sweet, spiced, and buttery softness, look no further than Cinnamon Fried Apples. This classic treat is pure comfort in a skillet, striking the perfect balance of tangy, caramelized fruit and all the cozy warmth of fall spices. Whether you serve them for breakfast, dessert, or even alongside savory dishes, Cinnamon Fried Apples are proof that the simplest ingredients can create an irresistibly delicious side that everyone comes back for seconds (or thirds!).

Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Cinnamon Fried Apples helps build that crave-worthy depth of flavor. This recipe truly celebrates simple kitchen staples, where each piece pulls its weight—whether it’s for tenderness, sweetness, or those signature spicy notes.

Apples (4 large, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp): Firm varieties hold their shape and provide the perfect mix of tart and sweet flavor.
Unsalted Butter (3 tablespoons): Adds rich flavor and creates a silky, caramelized base for the apples.
Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): Gives a deep, molasses-kissed sweetness and helps make a luscious sauce.
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon): The star spice that brings those classic, warming notes essential to this dish.
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon): Rounds out the flavor profile with a subtle, aromatic hint.
Pinch of Salt: Enhances all the flavors, balancing out the sweetness.
Lemon Juice (1 teaspoon): Brightens things up and keeps the apples vibrantly fresh.
Optional Vanilla Extract (1/2 teaspoon): Stirred in at the end for an amplified, decadent aroma.

How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples

Step 1: Melt the Butter

Start by setting your favorite large skillet over medium heat and melting the butter completely. You’ll want the butter to sizzle but not brown, so keep an eye on it. This step sets the stage for those perfectly golden, caramelized apples later.

Step 2: Add and Soften the Apples

Toss in your peeled and sliced apples, spreading them out so each piece has a chance to soak up that glorious butter. Stir occasionally for 4–5 minutes, just until the apples begin to soften on the edges. You’re looking for a slight give—but not mush—at this stage.

Step 3: Add Sugar and Spices

Sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, a pinch of salt, and lemon juice all over the apples. Give everything a generous stir so each slice is glistening and coated in the spicy-sweet mixture. As things warm up, you’ll see the sauce thicken and cling to the apples beautifully.

Step 4: Cook Until Tender and Caramelized

Continue to cook everything for another 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become fork-tender and irresistibly glossy, swimming in that spiced caramel. Be careful not to let them go too far—you want them meltingly soft, but definitely not falling apart.

Step 5: Finish With Vanilla

If you’re using vanilla extract, add it in during the last minute on the stove. This little upgrade makes the Cinnamon Fried Apples smell like a bakery. Give all the apples one last loving toss and get ready to serve them warm and fragrant.

How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples

Garnishes

A simple flourish can turn Cinnamon Fried Apples into a showstopper. I love a dusting of extra cinnamon, a dollop of homemade whipped cream, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top—the cold creaminess playing against the warm apples is absolute heaven.

Side Dishes

Don’t limit them to dessert! Cinnamon Fried Apples complement savory mains like pork chops, roasted chicken, or holiday ham. For breakfast, spoon them generously over pancakes, waffles, or even a bowl of oatmeal for a cozy morning pick-me-up.

Creative Ways to Present

Let your imagination run wild: layer Cinnamon Fried Apples in yogurt parfaits, spoon them into crepes, or tuck them inside a warm biscuit. For a charming brunch board, serve alongside cheese and nuts—a guaranteed crowd-pleaser put together in minutes.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, pop them into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they sit, making tomorrow’s batch possibly even better than the first round.

Freezing

Cinnamon Fried Apples freeze beautifully. Let them cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. They’ll keep well for up to three months. To use, just thaw in the fridge overnight—so you can have a taste of autumn any time you please.

Reheating

Warm refrigerated or thawed apples in a skillet over medium-low heat or pop them in the microwave for 20–30 seconds at a time. Stir gently so they don’t break up. They’ll regain that lovely syrupy texture and are ready to enjoy all over again.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Side Dish, Dessert

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their texture and flavor, feel free to experiment with Fuji, Pink Lady, or Gala. Just opt for varieties that hold up well to cooking so your Cinnamon Fried Apples stay tender, not mushy.

Are Cinnamon Fried Apples gluten free?

Yes, this classic recipe is naturally gluten free as written. Just double-check your vanilla extract if you’re super sensitive or serving someone with celiac, since some flavored extracts can contain added ingredients.

How can I make this dairy free?

Easy swap alert: Replace butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil. You’ll still get that rich, caramelized goodness in your Cinnamon Fried Apples—just with a dairy-free twist!

What can I do if my apples are too tart?

If your apples turn out a bit too tangy, you can always sprinkle in a touch more brown sugar during the last few minutes of cooking, or serve the finished apples with a drizzle of honey or maple syrup to sweeten them up.

Can I double or halve this recipe?

This recipe is super flexible! To serve a crowd, double all the ingredients but be sure to use a larger skillet so the apples cook evenly. For a smaller batch, just cut everything in half—Cinnamon Fried Apples will still turn out perfectly delicious.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Fried Apples are one of those memorable, shareable recipes that brighten up any table, from a lazy weekend breakfast to a festive holiday dinner. Give them a try and watch how quickly they disappear—because cozy, caramelized apples are always in season for smiles.

Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 28 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 23 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Cinnamon Fried Apples are a delightful and easy-to-make dish that can be enjoyed as a side, dessert topping, or with various mains. The apples are cooked to tender perfection in a sweet and spiced buttery sauce, making them a comforting treat any time of day.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

4 large apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced

Seasoning:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Pinch of salt
1 teaspoon lemon juice
Optional: 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

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Instructions

Melt Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Cook Apples: Add the sliced apples and cook for 4–5 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and lemon juice. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
Cook Further: Continue cooking for another 5–8 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized.
Optional: Stir in the vanilla extract during the last minute of cooking.
Serve: Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Use firm apples that hold up well during cooking.
You can adjust the sweetness or spices to suit your taste.
Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated in a skillet or microwave.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 13 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American