Warm, caramelized Southern-style apples cooked in a buttery cinnamon glaze—this classic Southern Fried Apples brings a touch of down-home comfort to any meal. Whether I’m serving it as a dessert with ice cream, a cozy breakfast topping, or a sweet side dish, these fried apples never disappoint.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how quick and simple these Southern Fried Apples are to make, using ingredients I almost always have on hand. The buttery cinnamon glaze turns ordinary apples into something rich, aromatic, and nostalgic. They’re versatile, naturally gluten-free, and can be enjoyed in so many ways—from breakfast to dessert. Plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days or impromptu cravings.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tartness)
Optional: pinch of ground cloves or allspice
Directions
I melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
I add the sliced apples and stir to coat them evenly in the melted butter.
Then I sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt, mixing everything well.
I reduce the heat to medium-low and let the apples cook for about 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re tender but not mushy.
In the last 2 minutes of cooking, I stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
I serve them warm—either as a side dish, a dessert with a scoop of ice cream, or over pancakes or oatmeal.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 190 kcal per serving
Variations
I sometimes use a mix of apple varieties for a deeper flavor—Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for tartness.
When I want a warmer, spiced profile, I add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice.
For a richer glaze, I’ve used maple syrup in place of granulated sugar.
If I’m making this for dessert, I often top it with chopped pecans or a splash of bourbon during cooking.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave them in 30-second bursts until heated through. If the glaze thickens too much, I add a splash of water or apple juice to loosen it.
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FAQs
How do I keep the apples from getting mushy?
I make sure not to overcook them—10 to 15 minutes is usually enough. I also choose firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, which hold their shape well.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, I’ve made these apples a day in advance and simply reheated them before serving. The flavors actually deepen overnight.
What apples are best for fried apples?
I prefer Granny Smith for a tart contrast to the sweetness, or Honeycrisp for a naturally sweet and juicy bite. A mix of both works beautifully.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. I’ve used plant-based butter substitutes like vegan margarine, and it still tastes delicious.
Can I freeze fried apples?
While I prefer them fresh, I’ve frozen cooled fried apples in airtight containers for up to 2 months. I reheat them in a skillet for best texture.
Conclusion
Southern Fried Apples are one of those timeless recipes I keep coming back to. They’re easy, comforting, and incredibly versatile. Whether I’m dressing up my breakfast or finishing a dinner on a sweet note, this dish delivers that cozy Southern warmth every time.
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Southern Fried Apples
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- Author: Isabella
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Warm, caramelized Southern-style apples cooked in a buttery cinnamon glaze. Perfect as a dessert, breakfast topping, or sweet side dish, these Southern Fried Apples are comforting, quick, and full of nostalgic flavor.
Ingredients
4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tablespoon granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for tartness)
Optional: pinch of ground cloves or allspice
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the sliced apples and stir to coat them evenly in the melted butter.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
- In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
- Serve warm as a side dish, dessert with ice cream, or topping for pancakes or oatmeal.
Notes
Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
Add cloves or allspice for a warmer spice profile.
Substitute maple syrup for granulated sugar for a richer glaze.
Top with chopped pecans or a splash of bourbon for dessert.
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently.
Freeze cooled fried apples for up to 2 months and reheat in a skillet.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish, Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 190
- Sugar: 21g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 2g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 20mg