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Fried Apples with Cinnamon and Nutmeg Recipe

4.8 from 94 reviews

This classic Fried Apples recipe features tender Granny Smith apples sautéed in butter with brown sugar and warming spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as a sweet side dish or a cozy dessert topping, these fried apples are enhanced with a hint of vanilla for extra flavor.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples

  • 5 Granny Smith apples

Cooking Ingredients

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup light brown sugar (or dark brown sugar, packed)
  • 1½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into wedges about ½ inch thick to ensure even cooking.
  2. Melt Butter: In a large cast iron skillet, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat until fully melted and starting to bubble gently.
  3. Add Apples and Spices: Add the sliced apples to the skillet along with the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and fine sea salt. Stir well to evenly coat the apples with the butter and spices.
  4. Cook the Apples: Continue cooking over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 10 to 15 minutes. Cook until the apples become tender but still hold their shape, ensuring they are nicely caramelized but not mushy.
  5. Finish with Vanilla: Remove the skillet from heat and gently stir in the vanilla extract to infuse the apples with a warm, aromatic flavor. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

  • Use Granny Smith apples for their tartness and firmness which hold up well during frying.
  • You can substitute light brown sugar with dark brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
  • Adjust the cinnamon and nutmeg to taste based on your preference for spice intensity.
  • Serve fried apples as a side dish with pork or as a topping for pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream.
  • If desired, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice for additional warm spice notes.

Keywords: fried apples, sautéed apples, cinnamon apples, brown sugar apples, fall recipe, apple side dish