If there’s ever a dish that tastes like pure comfort in a bowl, it’s Cinnamon Fried Apples. Imagine tender apple slices wrapped in a glossy golden-brown sauce, sparkling with cinnamon and a whisper of nutmeg. Whether you serve them over pancakes for breakfast, tuck them next to a pork chop for dinner, or spoon them warm right from the pan, these apples promise the kind of cozy, heartwarming flavor that makes you feel instantly at home.

Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

What makes Cinnamon Fried Apples a true classic is their simplicity. Each ingredient plays a key role, building layers of flavor, aroma, and texture that make this dish unforgettable—no fancy tricks needed, just good ingredients working their magic together.

Apples (4 large, Fuji or Honeycrisp): These varieties are naturally sweet, hold their shape during cooking, and deliver the perfect bite.
Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons): Butter caramelizes the apples beautifully and creates a rich, velvety base for the sauce.
Brown sugar (⅓ cup): Adds sweetness with a hint of molasses depth and helps the sauce get that gorgeous glossy sheen.
Ground cinnamon (1 teaspoon): Provides a warm, spicy backbone that defines the classic flavor.
Ground nutmeg (¼ teaspoon): Just a pinch lifts the cinnamon and adds extra complexity.
Cornstarch (1 tablespoon, optional): If you love a thick, pudding-like sauce on your fried apples, this is your secret weapon.
Water (1 tablespoon, if using cornstarch): Needed to make a quick slurry with the cornstarch so the sauce thickens smoothly.
Pinch of salt: Just a little bit sharpens all those warm, mellow flavors and keeps the whole dish from being too sweet.

How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into even wedges. Taking a moment to slice them uniformly ensures that every piece cooks at the same rate and soaks up all that delicious flavor. Apples that aren’t cut too thin or too thick will end up perfectly tender, with just a little bite.

Step 2: Sauté the Apples in Butter

Melt your unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once it starts to foam, gently add in your prepared apples. Let them cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, so they begin to soften and pick up a lovely, buttery sheen. The aroma alone is irresistible at this stage!

Step 3: Sprinkle in the Sweetness and Spice

With the apples already softening, sprinkle the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and that pinch of salt evenly over the skillet. As the sugar melts and the spices bloom, the apples become wrapped in a luscious, caramel-colored sauce. Continue cooking, stirring now and then, for another 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are fork-tender and glistening.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce (Optional)

For those who adore a gooey, clinging sauce, whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl to make a quick slurry. Pour this into the apples and keep stirring for another 1 to 2 minutes. You’ll see the sauce magically thicken, taking the apples from lovely to utterly decadent.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

Remove your Cinnamon Fried Apples from the heat and serve warm—you’ll notice how that first spoonful fills the kitchen with sweet spice. They’re perfect as-is or ready to add their homestyle charm wherever you need a pop of cozy flavor.

How to Serve Cinnamon Fried Apples

Cinnamon Fried Apples Garnishes

Topping off Cinnamon Fried Apples can be as classic or creative as you like. A dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream melts beautifully into the warm apples for instant dessert comfort. For a bit of crunch, scatter over some toasted pecans or granola, or finish with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon for a deeper spice kick.

Side Dishes

Pairing your fried apples with the right side elevates any meal. Serve them as a sweet contrast alongside savory breakfast dishes like scrambled eggs or breakfast sausage. They’re magical spooned beside pork chops or roast chicken, where their natural sweetness balances out the savory flavors. For brunch, nothing beats piling them high on pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, try layering Cinnamon Fried Apples in individual jars for a picnic or party, or use them as a topping for French toast casserole. You can even fill warm crepes with the apple mixture for a stunning brunch treat. On the holidays, tuck them into mini pastry shells for an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (a rare treat!), let your Cinnamon Fried Apples cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 4 days, ready for a quick reheat or a cold midnight snack.

Freezing

To freeze, place fully cooled apples in a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. They’ll hold up well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best texture and flavor.

Reheating

Gently rewarm your apples in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Add a splash of water or apple juice if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, a quick spin in the microwave (covered) will work in a pinch, bringing those flavors right back to life.

FAQs

What are the best apples for making Cinnamon Fried Apples?

Firm, naturally sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp work beautifully because they hold their shape during cooking and deliver flavor that’s both tart and sweet. Granny Smith brings more tang if you prefer a sharper bite.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free or vegan?

Absolutely! Swap out the butter for your favorite non-dairy butter or coconut oil. The flavor will change slightly, but the apples will still caramelize and become perfectly tender.

Is cornstarch necessary for the sauce?

Cornstarch is completely optional—it simply makes the sauce thicker and glossier. If you’re happy with a lighter, more syrupy finish, feel free to skip it.

Can I add other spices or flavors?

Definitely! While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic, feel free to experiment with a pinch of cloves, ginger, or even a splash of vanilla extract for your own signature twist.

How do I prevent the apples from getting mushy?

The key is not to overcook them and to use a firmer apple variety. Also, try to cut your apple slices as evenly as possible so they cook at the same rate for a perfectly tender, not mushy, texture.

Final Thoughts

Cinnamon Fried Apples are so much more than a recipe—they’re a hug in a bowl and a celebration of all things cozy. Give them a try, and you’ll find yourself making excuses to serve them for breakfast, dessert, or anything in between!

Cinnamon Fried Apples Recipe

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4.6 from 27 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 22 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

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Description

These Cinnamon Fried Apples are a delightful combination of tender apples cooked in a sweet and spicy cinnamon-infused sauce. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a flavorful side dish, these apples are sure to become a favorite in your home.

Ingredients

Scale

Apples:

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

Sauce:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
1 tablespoon water (if using cornstarch)
pinch of salt

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Instructions

Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
Cook Apples: Add the sliced apples and cook for 5–6 minutes until they begin to soften.
Add Seasonings: Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender and coated in the sauce.
Thicken Sauce: For a thicker consistency, whisk the cornstarch with water in a small bowl, then stir it into the skillet. Cook for 1–2 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm.

Notes

These fried apples are perfect as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream.
For extra richness, use a mix of butter and a splash of heavy cream at the end.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Side Dish, Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American