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.

Ingredients

Scale

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)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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