There's something wonderfully simple and comforting about warm, tender apples kissed with cinnamon and butter. This Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe is one of those effortless treats that fills your kitchen with cozy aromas and your heart with joy in no time flat.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
Honestly, I turn to this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe whenever I want a fast, delicious snack or a fruit side that feels special without fuss. It’s quick, flexible, and as satisfying as apple pie filling without the pie.
- Speedy Comfort Food: Ready in just about 10 minutes, it’s perfect for busy mornings or last-minute gatherings.
- Minimal Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh apples so you don’t need a whole shopping trip.
- Versatile Side or Topping: Great on pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, or just on its own.
- Customizable Cinnamon Flavor: Adjust the cinnamon to your liking for a milder or spicier kick.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Each ingredient in this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe plays a crucial role — from the butter that gives richness, to the sugars that caramelize the apples, and the cinnamon that adds warmth. Here’s why I stick to these simple essentials:
- Unsalted Butter: Melts beautifully to create a silky base and helps develop that golden, luscious coating on the apples.
- Jonathan Apples: These apples hold their shape well and balance tartness with sweetness; however, you can use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for your preferred texture and flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Adds just the right amount of sweetness and helps with caramelization.
- Light Brown Sugar: Brings a deeper, molasses-y flavor that complements cinnamon perfectly.
- Lemon Juice: Brightens the flavor, balances sweetness, and prevents the apples from browning before cooking.
- Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors — a little salt goes a long way to deepen taste.
- Ground Cinnamon (Optional): The star spice that gives this recipe its signature cozy aroma and flavor.
Make It Your Way
I love how easily you can tweak this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe to suit your taste or pantry. Whether you like it sweeter, spicier, or even dairy-free, there’s a little something for everyone.
- Variation: Sometimes I sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a fall-inspired twist. It turns the dish into an almost pumpkin-pie-in-apple-form experience!
- Dietary Modification: You can swap butter for coconut oil for a dairy-free version that still tastes rich and lovely.
- Textural Play: I occasionally leave the skins on for a rustic feel and a bit more fiber — just make sure to wash the apples well.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
Step 1: Melt the Butter Gently
Start by melting the unsalted butter over medium-low heat in a large, heavy skillet. This gentle heat helps the butter get warm enough to coat the apples without burning, which can happen if you rush and crank the heat too high.
Step 2: Add Apples and Sweeteners
Toss in your peeled and sliced Jonathan apples along with granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything gently so the apples are well coated in those buttery, sugary flavors.
Step 3: Cook Until Tender but Crisp
Let your apples cook uncovered for about 8-10 minutes, turning gently with a spatula every 2 minutes. The apples should soften and become tender but still hold a slight bite. If you like them softer, cook a minute or two longer, but keep an eye — you don’t want mushy apples here, just nicely caramelized ones.
Top Tip
After making this Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe several times, I learned a few little tricks that take it from good to great and save you from common pitfalls.
- Low and Slow Wins: Cooking over medium-low heat prevents the sugars from burning and gives the apples time to absorb those lovely flavors.
- Even Slices Matter: Slice apples evenly to ensure consistent cooking and prevent some pieces from becoming mushy while others are underdone.
- Gentle Turns: Use a spatula to turn the apples carefully so they keep their shape instead of breaking apart.
- Don’t Skip the Lemon Juice: This brightens the whole dish and keeps apples from discoloring before cooking, which makes your presentation even prettier.
How to Serve Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
Garnishes
I often sprinkle a little chopped pecans or walnuts on top for crunch, and a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla yogurt adds creamy contrast that’s just dreamy. For an extra special touch, a drizzle of maple syrup or a dusting of powdered sugar makes a lovely finishing touch.
Side Dishes
This recipe shines beside breakfast favorites like fluffy pancakes or creamy oatmeal, but I also love it as a side for pork chops or roasted chicken — the balance of sweet and savory always impresses guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I serve these fried apples in clear glass bowls layered over vanilla ice cream or cheesecake slices. It looks stunning and tastes like autumn celebration in every bite — a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover quick cinnamon fried apples keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I usually give them a gentle stir before reheating to redistribute the juices and flavors evenly.
Freezing
I’ve frozen these apples a couple of times with good success. Just cool completely, pack into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before warming gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Reheating
Reheat your quick cinnamon fried apples on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or apple juice to loosen them up, stirring gently until warmed through. This helps keep the texture lovely without turning the apples mushy.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Absolutely! While Jonathan apples are perfect for holding their shape, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith apples also work well — just adjust cooking time slightly based on apple firmness.
Cook over medium-low heat and avoid overcrowding the pan. Also, turn the apples gently and consistently every few minutes to keep their shape intact and ensure even cooking.
You can! Substitute the granulated and brown sugars with your favorite sugar substitute like monk fruit or erythritol, but be mindful that the texture and caramelization may vary.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freezing is your best bet, as detailed above.
Final Thoughts
This Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe has become one of those dependable kitchen gems I rely on when I want a cozy, uplifting bite in minutes. I hope you find as much joy in making it as I do sharing it with you — and that it brings warmth and sweetness to your table just like it does mine.
Print
Quick Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Fried Apples recipe features tender, lightly spiced apples cooked in butter and sugars until perfectly soft with a slight bite. It’s a quick and delicious side dish or dessert option that highlights the natural sweetness of Jonathan apples combined with cinnamon and lemon juice for a delightful, comforting treat.
Ingredients
Fried Apples
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams, ½ stick)
- 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples (678 grams, about 5 apples)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (27 grams)
- ½ lemon (juiced)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the skillet: In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat, ensuring it’s completely melted but not browned.
- Add ingredients: Add the peeled and sliced Jonathan apples, granulated sugar, light brown sugar, lemon juice, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon to the skillet.
- Cook the apples: Cook uncovered for 8-10 minutes, stirring and carefully turning the apples with a spatula every 2 minutes to cook evenly without breaking them.
- Check for tenderness: Continue cooking until the apples are tender but retain a slight bite and hold their shape, then remove from heat and serve.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Jonathan to avoid mushy fried apples.
- You can substitute brown sugar with coconut sugar for a different sweetness.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm spice dimension.
- Serve warm as a side or topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.
- Adjust sugar amounts based on apple sweetness for a balanced taste.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 246 kcal
- Sugar: 31 g
- Sodium: 151 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg
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