Southern Fried Apples with Cinnamon, Caramel, and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

Introduction

Southern Fried Apples are a sweet and comforting treat, perfect as a side dish or dessert. Tender apples cooked in brown butter with cinnamon and sugar create a warm, flavorful experience topped with vanilla ice cream and nuts. This classic Southern recipe is simple to make and sure to please.

Ingredients

• 4 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady), sliced into half-moons
• 1 medium lemon, juiced
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g or 3.55 oz)
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or Cool Whip
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (50g, lightly toasted, optional)
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought)
• 1 pinch sea salt (adjust to taste)
• 1 sprig fresh mint leaves (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Chop the apples into ½ inch thick half-moon slices. Remove the seeds and squeeze lemon juice over them to prevent browning.
2. Step 2: Heat the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Stir continuously with a whisk or spatula until the butter bubbles and gets frothy. After about 3 minutes, when bubbling stops and the butter turns a golden brown color, remove from heat. This is your brown butter.
3. Step 3: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to the brown butter. Whisk together and cook covered on low heat for 2 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add the sliced apples to the skillet and toss to coat in the butter and sugar mixture. Cook over medium-low heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and softened.
5. Step 5: While the apples cook, toast the chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant and lightly browned. Set aside.
6. Step 6: To serve, transfer the cooked apples to a plate. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Cool Whip, sprinkle the toasted nuts on top, drizzle with caramel sauce, add a pinch of sea salt, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

• If you prefer a tangier dish, use Granny Smith apples for a nice balance of sweet and tart flavors.
• Swap walnuts for pecans if you want a more classic Southern touch.
• For a dairy-free option, replace butter with coconut oil and use dairy-free ice cream.
• Add a splash of bourbon or rum while cooking the apples for extra depth of flavor.

Storage

Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave until warm. Add fresh ice cream or toppings before serving again for best results.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, you can use any firm apple variety, but Granny Smith, Fuji, and Pink Lady are preferred for their texture and balance of sweetness and tartness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

To make it vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan margarine, and use a plant-based ice cream or whipped topping instead of dairy versions.

Southern Fried Apples with Cinnamon, Caramel, and Toasted Walnuts Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 518 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

Southern Fried Apples are a classic, comforting dessert featuring tender, cinnamon-spiced apples cooked in rich brown butter and topped with vanilla ice cream, toasted walnuts, caramel sauce, and a hint of fresh mint. This easy stovetop recipe blends sweet and buttery flavors with a touch of warm spice for a perfect fall treat or anytime indulgence.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Fruits and Nuts

• 4 cups chopped apples (half-moon slices; Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady preferred)
• ½ cup chopped walnuts or pecans (lightly toasted, about 50g) – optional
• 1 spring fresh mint leaves – optional

For Cooking

• 1 medium sized lemon (juiced)
• 2 tbsp salted butter
• ½ cup granulated sugar (100g or 3.55 oz)
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 pinch sea salt (adjust to taste)

Toppings

• 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or Cool Whip
• 2 tablespoons caramel sauce (store-bought)

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Instructions

1. Chop Apples: Cut the apples in half, remove the seeds, and slice into 1/2 inch thick half-moon pieces. Immediately squeeze the lemon juice over the apples to prevent browning and set aside.
2. Make Brown Butter: Heat the salted butter in a light-colored skillet over medium-low heat. Stir constantly with a whisk or spatula as the butter melts and begins to bubble and froth. After around 3 minutes, when the bubbling stops and the butter has a golden-brown color, your brown butter is ready. Remove from heat if necessary to prevent burning.
3. Add Sugars and Cinnamon: Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and ground cinnamon to the brown butter. Whisk thoroughly to combine all ingredients into a syrupy mixture. Cover the skillet and cook on low heat for 2 minutes to blend the flavors.
4. Cook Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet and toss well to coat them with the buttery sugar mixture. Cook over medium-low heat for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and become tender but retain a slight bite.
5. Toast Walnuts: Meanwhile, toast the chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry skillet over medium heat for a few minutes until fragrant and lightly browned, giving them a rich nutty aroma. Remove from heat and set aside.
6. Serve: Transfer the warm fried apples onto a serving plate. Top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or Cool Whip, sprinkle with the toasted nuts, drizzle with caramel sauce, add a pinch of sea salt, and garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor.

Notes

• Use Granny Smith apples for a tart flavor, Fuji or Pink Lady apples for a sweeter profile.
• Lightly toasting the nuts enhances their flavor and adds texture.
• The lemon juice prevents apples from browning and maintains a fresh color.
• Adjust sugar quantity to taste depending on the sweetness of your apples.
• Using a light-colored pan helps you monitor the brown butter color accurately to avoid burning.
• This dish can be served warm as a dessert or a sweet side for breakfast or brunch.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dessert
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Keywords: southern fried apples, fried apples recipe, cinnamon apples, brown butter apples, southern dessert, fall dessert, skillet apples, apple dessert