Introduction

Cinnamon Fried Apples are a warm, comforting treat perfect for breakfast, dessert, or a sweet snack. This simple recipe combines tender apples with brown sugar and cinnamon for a deliciously cozy flavor. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s an easy way to enjoy the flavors of fall year-round.

The image shows a white pan filled with caramelized apple chunks coated in a shiny, dark brown sauce. The apples are cut into irregular bite-sized pieces, soft and glossy with rich caramel color. On top of the apples, there are two whole cinnamon sticks placed diagonally. Next to the pan, there are two red apples, a jar of ground cinnamon, and two nesting blue measuring spoons, one holding some cinnamon powder. A white cloth with thin red stripes is partially visible beneath the pan, all set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Step 1: Peel and core the apples. As you chop them into bite-sized pieces, squeeze the lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning.
Step 2: In a pan with high sides or a cast iron skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon.
Step 3: Cook the sugar and butter mixture over low-medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently until the sugars have melted completely.
Step 4: Add the chopped apples to the pan. Stir and cook for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the apples are softened to your liking. The cooking time may vary depending on the size of the apple pieces.
Step 5: Serve the cinnamon fried apples warm, either on their own or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra warming spices.
Swap salted butter for unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if preferred.
For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free alternative.

Storage

Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent the apples from becoming mushy.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with two scoops of creamy vanilla ice cream is topped with a generous layer of warm, caramelized apple chunks that have a glossy, cinnamon-spiced coating, showing a rich amber orange-brown color. The apple pieces are uneven but chunky, sitting on top of the ice cream and slightly melting it. In the background, more caramelized apples are visible in a white bowl, with some whole red apples and a white cloth with red stripes lying on a white marbled surface. A spoon is partially inserted into the ice cream and apples. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

Yes, frozen apples work well. Thaw and drain any excess moisture before cooking to avoid watery fried apples.

What type of apples are best for frying?

Firm apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, are ideal. They soften nicely without turning to mush.

Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 147 reviews

This delicious Cinnamon Fried Apples recipe features tender, juicy apples sautéed in butter and a perfectly balanced mix of brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon. It makes for a warm, comforting dessert or side dish with a sweet and fragrant flavor that’s easy to prepare on the stovetop.

Author: Sophie
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

4 cups chopped apples
1 lemon (for juicing on the sliced apples)

Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

2 tablespoons salted butter
¼ cup packed brown sugar
¼ cup white sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare the Apples: Peel and core the apples. As you slice them into bite-sized pieces, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning and maintain their bright color.
Melt Butter and Mix Sugars: In a pan with high sides or a cast iron skillet, melt the salted butter over low heat. Add the brown sugar, white sugar, and ground cinnamon to the melted butter.
Dissolve Sugars: Stir the mixture frequently and cook over low-medium heat for about 2 minutes until the sugars dissolve completely and combine with the butter creating a syrup.
Cook Apples: Add the chopped apples to the pan and stir to coat them evenly in the cinnamon sugar butter. Continue cooking over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, for about 12-14 minutes or until the apples are softened but still hold their shape.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve the cinnamon fried apples warm as a side dish, dessert topping, or snack.

Notes

Use apples that hold their shape well like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for best texture.
Adding lemon juice prevents the apples from oxidizing and turning brown.
Adjust the sugar based on your sweetness preference or apple tartness.
Serve with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or ice cream for added flavor.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Keywords: Cinnamon Fried Apples, sautéed apples, sweet apple side dish, cinnamon sugar apples, easy apple recipe