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You are here: Home / Food / Simple 10-Minute Southern Cinnamon Fried Apples

Simple 10-Minute Southern Cinnamon Fried Apples

October 3, 2024 By Robin 21 Comments

This post may include affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy for more information.

Fried Apples are delicious any time of the day! They can be served for breakfast, dinner, dessert, or as a snack. They can also be served either warm or cold. Any way that you choose to eat them you’ll fall in love.

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fried apples

SIMPLE SOUTHERN CINNAMON FRIED APPLES

Have you ever had fried apples? I thought I had tried just about every apple recipe until I was on a visit to West Virginia and learned about fried apples. My husband’s grandma, who was an amazing cook, made them for me. When I asked her how to make them she gave me a list of ingredients, but no measurements.  One of the things about her is that she never measured anything when she cooked, so it’s very difficult to duplicate any of her delicious dishes.

For years I tried to duplicate her fried apple recipe, without success. It wasn’t until another visit that I learned her secret. I closely watched over her shoulder and asked many questions. What I learned was that the secret was in the pan that she used. It was an old cast iron skillet, seasoned with lard. It’s amazing what a difference that seasoned pan makes.

Table of Contents

  1. Ingredients
  2. Instructions
  3. Add-Ins
  4. Must Have Tools
  5. How to Serve/Meal Plan Idea
  6. Storage Tips
  7. Fried Apple Recipe
  8. Helpful Tips
  9. More Inspiration

The Ingredients You Need for Fried Apples

To make these yummy fried cinnamon apples, you need some easy ingredients. Here’s what you need and how each one helps the dish:

  • Butter – adds a rich flavor and helps cook the apples until they’re soft and golden. It also gives the dish a smooth, creamy texture.
  • Apples – the best apples to use are Granny Smith, they are great for making fried apples because they have a tart flavor that balances the sweetness. They also hold their shape well when cooked, so they don’t turn mushy.
  • Lemon Juice – it adds a hint of tangy flavor and prevents the apples from browning, keeping the apples looking fresh and bright.
  • Sugar – White sugar is used in fried apples to add sweetness and help caramelize the apples as they cook, giving them a nice golden color and enhancing their flavor.
  • Brown Sugar – it’s used to add a deeper, richer sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor. This enhances the overall flavor, adding warmth and depth.
  • Cinnamon – adds warmth and spice, enhancing the natural sweetness of the apples. It complements the flavors, creating an aromatic experience.

A Collection of Fruit Pie Recipes

You got fruit, well there’s probably a pie recipe for it. It’s truly amazing how many different fruit pie recipes you can find out there. I found pie recipes for just about any fruit you can think of.

See the Collection

How to Make These Delicious Fried Apples

Making cinnamon fried apples is a delicious and simple process. As you cook, the apples will become soft and flavorful, filling the kitchen with a comforting aroma. Enjoy this sweet treat as a side dish or dessert!

  1. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, ensuring it coats the pan evenly to prevent sticking and adds rich flavor for even cooking.
  2. Add sliced apples to the melted butter, drizzle with lemon juice to enhance flavor and prevent browning, and stir to coat evenly.
  3. Fry apples until soft and butter-absorbed, stirring occasionally for even cooking and preventing burning.
  4. Add sugars to apples, toss to coat, and cook until dissolved and glossy.
  5. Remove from heat, sprinkle cinnamon, and toss to coat evenly.

enhance flavor

To enhance the flavor of fried apples

Fried apples are delicious by themselves, but you can make them even better with a few additions. Try some nutmeg it adds a warm and cozy flavor. If you want something sweeter, pour a little maple syrup for that caramel taste.

Vanilla extract is like a magic trick, it makes the flavors pop. For some crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans. They go well with the soft apples and give a fun nutty taste.

If you like chewy bites, throw in raisins or dried cranberries. They add a sweet and tangy flavor that makes eating exciting.

These ingredients let you try different flavors and find the best mix for you. Have fun in the kitchen and get creative!

HELPFUL KITCHEN TOOLS

 Hamilton Beach Electric Can OpenerHamilton Beach Electric Can Opener Mixing Bowl SetMixing Bowl Set 15-inch Cast Iron Skillet15-inch Cast Iron Skillet Measuring Cups and SpoonsMeasuring Cups and Spoons

 

(may include affiliate links)

Creative Serving Ideas

Serve your warm cinnamon fried apples as a tasty side or a sweet topping. They go great with vanilla ice cream or a bit of whipped cream, making a dessert that’s both spicy and creamy. For breakfast, try the apples over fluffy pancakes or crispy waffles, and add a little maple syrup for extra sweetness. You can sprinkle some chopped pecans or walnuts on top for a nice crunch.

Put the apples in a simple bowl or on a pretty plate. Add a sprig of fresh mint or a sprinkle of powdered sugar to make it look extra nice and inviting. Enjoy every bite!

BREAKFAST SUGGESTION

If you’re craving a tasty and fun meal plan, this meal is worth trying. This breakfast menu combines a delightful mix of sweet, savory, and refreshing flavors, making it a perfect way to start your day.

Entrée: Fluffy Pancakes 
Side Dish #1: Cinnamon Fried Apples
Side Dish #2: Crispy Bacon
Drink: Freshly Squeezed Orange Juice

Tips for Storing Leftover Fried Apples

To keep your leftover cinnamon fried apples fresh, let them cool to room temperature first. Then, put them in an airtight container so they don’t pick up any smells from the fridge. You can store them there for up to 4 days. When you want to eat them again, warm them up in a pan over low heat, stirring now and then. If you’re in a hurry, you can also microwave them in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through. This way, they’ll taste just as good as when you first made them!

recipe

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Print Recipe
5 from 6 votes

Southern Fried Apple

Tart apples, fried in butter until golden brown, then tossed in a mixture of sugars and fall spices.
Prep Time10 minutes mins
Cook Time10 minutes mins
Total Time20 minutes mins
Course: Breakfast
Servings: 4 -6 servings
Author: Robin Buster

Ingredients

  • 1/4 cup butter
  • 4 medium Granny Smith apples peeled, cored & sliced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon

Instructions

  • In a skillet, over med high heat, melt butter.
  • Add apple and drizzle with lemon juice.
  • Fry apples until they are soft and the butter has been absorbed.
  • Toss the apples with the sugars and continue cooking until the sugar is dissolved.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle cinnamon.

Fried apples are a yummy treat you can enjoy any time of day. Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet breakfast, a delicious dessert, or just a quick snack, fried apples fit the bill. You can eat them warm or cold, and they are loved for their comforting and sweet flavors. Whether you add them to other dishes or eat them by themselves, they’re sure to be a hit with everyone.

tips

Helpful Tips

✔ Granny Smith apples are great for this recipe, but any firm baking apple like Honeycrisp or Braeburn will work too.
✔ Make sure to cut the apples into even slices so they cook evenly.
✔ For the best taste, use a cast iron skillet that’s been seasoned with lard.
✔ Don’t toss the apple peels; they make tasty tea! Steep them with a cinnamon stick and add a little honey to sweeten it up.
✔ You can leave the peels on the apples if you like. I just prefer them the way grandma did, with the peels off.

fried apples

more inspiration

⬇️MORE INSPIRATION⬇️

15-Minute Strawberry Refrigerator Jam
This simple recipe allows home cooks to preserve strawberries in just 15-minutes ensuring weeks of enjoyment. With just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort, you can savor the essence of summer in every spoonful of this homemade treat.

Deliciously Simple Blueberry Compote
If you love berries, you’ll adore this simple blueberry recipe. Our blueberry compote is quick and easy, capturing the rich, sweet flavors of fresh blueberries. Enjoy this delicious, homemade delight in just 10 minutes.

Delicious Peach Crisp
This delightful treat has juicy peaches baked under a buttery, crunchy topping. Just imagine warm, gooey peaches with a crispy golden crust – perfect with a soup of vanilla ice cream!

A simple recipe for a soft and chewy, brightly colored, sugar coated, fruit flavored candy.Fruit Flavored Gumdrop Candy
A simple recipe for a soft and chewy, brightly colored, sugar coated, fruit flavored candy. Experiment with different flavors and shapes to create fun treats for any occasion.

RECENT POSTS

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. If you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive a commission. I only recommend products or services that I personally believe will add value to my readers. All opinions stated are strictly my own. Read our full disclosure policy for more information. 

 This recipe has been updated!!

It’s incredible to think how much has changed since this blog post was first published back in 2012 as part of our popular Feed 4 for $5 series. As the years have gone by, we’ve seen the prices of food steadily rising, making it more difficult for families to enjoy nutritious and affordable meals. But worry not; we’re here to help!

In our ongoing commitment to support your family’s meal planning and budgeting needs, we are taking the initiative to update each of the posts in this incredible series to accurately reflect the changes in food prices. Additionally, we’ve also updated the images to enhance your visual experience and better showcase these scrumptious meals.

Get ready to embark on a culinary journey with our refreshed Feed 4 for $5 series, now called Budget Meals, that will not only keep up with the times but also deliver quality meals without breaking the bank.

Originally posted on: 09/25/2015

Filed Under: Food, Simple Recipes Tagged With: breakfast, dessert, fruit, recipe, side dish, simple

Comments

  1. Debbie Wilson says

    October 6, 2015 at 1:58 pm

    Looks yummy! I think I can smell them. 🙂

    Reply
  2. Robin says

    May 2, 2019 at 8:44 pm

    I’m trying this tonight. I’ll keep you posted.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      May 2, 2019 at 10:40 pm

      Let me know what you think!

      Reply
  3. Mother of 3 says

    October 13, 2019 at 5:38 pm

    Those sound delicious! I have never heard of this recipe before but I can’t wait to try it. Pinned.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      October 14, 2019 at 1:37 pm

      We make them all of the time, the kids really love them!

      Reply
  4. Roseann Hampton says

    October 17, 2019 at 7:29 pm

    Looks delicious! Thanks for sharing with us at the Snickerdoodle Link Party! This will be one of my features this Saturday!

    Reply
  5. Teresa says

    October 18, 2019 at 11:53 am

    I absolutely love fried apples, thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party this week. Pinned.

    Reply
  6. Jamie says

    October 18, 2019 at 12:23 pm

    5 stars
    Yum – these look amazing!! Pinning them to try for the holidays.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      October 18, 2019 at 12:29 pm

      They’re great anytime of day!

      Reply
  7. Clearissa Coward says

    October 19, 2019 at 6:56 pm

    Oh what a memory. My grandma, a southern lady, made fried apples as well. We had them with homemade biscuits for breakfast or dinner or anytime she made anything pork. Be it chops or roast or stewed, if we had pork, we had these fried apples. She also made stewed apples. Thank you for the memory and for the recipe. Like your grandma, and me too if I’m honest, no measurements were involved. Thank you for sharing with #omhgww. Socialized.

    Reply
  8. Sharon says

    October 20, 2019 at 8:59 am

    5 stars
    I need a good, seasoned skillet. Isn’t it interesting how you sometimes have to watch a cook to get their special touch? we will try these this week w your breakfast suggestions. Love that you have those suggestions added
    xoxox Sharon

    Reply
  9. alice says

    October 20, 2019 at 11:01 am

    Yum! I love recipes I can use my cast iron with. Thank you for sharing with us at #OMHGWW

    Reply
  10. Michelle says

    October 21, 2019 at 10:22 am

    These look delicious! I haven’t had fried apples in years and even those were from a can. I need to make this! It would be a perfect dish to take to our Thanksgiving dinner.

    Reply
  11. Kippi says

    October 22, 2019 at 9:06 am

    5 stars
    Yum, I cannot wait to try this recipe out. I would love to include it in my apple recipe roundup too I will link to your post!
    Happy fall,
    Kippi

    Reply
  12. Marilyn Lesniak says

    October 23, 2019 at 5:21 pm

    Congratulations! Your post was my feature pick at #ThursdayFavoriteThings this week. Visit me at Marilyns Treats on Thursday morning to see your feature! All hosts choose their own features from the comments left on their blog so be sure to return to my blog to see your feature. I invite you to leave more links to be shared and commented upon. Please don’t forget to add your link numbers or post title so we can be sure to visit!

    Reply
  13. Kerryanne says

    October 25, 2019 at 2:59 am

    Sounds so yummy!! Thank you for sharing at Create, Bake, Grow & Gather this week.

    Reply
  14. Debi Hebner says

    May 2, 2021 at 10:18 am

    Can you leave the skins on the apples? It’s sounds so good and I want to try them. Thanks for sharing the recipe with us.

    Reply
    • Robin says

      May 2, 2021 at 2:25 pm

      You can, but I prefer to remove them.

      Reply
  15. April says

    October 8, 2021 at 10:27 pm

    5 stars
    We are going to make these soon with our Lily Bug. They are so delicious!

    Reply
    • Robin says

      October 12, 2021 at 9:44 am

      5 stars
      I know that she loves them. I used to make them for her before she would go to school.

      Reply

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