Southern Fried Apples

Isabella

📖Life, Love, and Gastronomy 📖

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

  1. Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the sliced apples and stir to coat them evenly in the melted butter.
  3. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Mix well.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but not mushy.
  5. In the last 2 minutes of cooking, stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice.
  6. 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

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