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Buttery Cinnamon Skillet Fried Apples

Warm, buttery, and cozy, this skillet apple recipe brings a sweet cinnamon glaze to tender Granny Smith apples, perfect for any occasion.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dessert, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 820
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the apples
  • 4 medium Granny Smith apples (about 1 1/2 lb) Choose firm apples for best results.
For the butter-cinnamon sauce
  • 1/4 cup salted butter Can be replaced with unsalted butter.
  • 1/4 cup packed brown sugar May substitute with coconut sugar for a different flavor.
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar Optional to replace some with maple syrup.
  • 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon Consider adding nutmeg for a stronger spice note.
For serving (optional)
  • to taste vanilla ice cream or a pinch of flaky sea salt The ice cream adds a nice contrast when served warm.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Peel and core the apples, if you like, then slice them into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Leave the peel on for extra texture if preferred.
Making the Butter-Cinnamon Sauce
  1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter.
  2. Stir in the brown sugar, granulated sugar, and cinnamon, and keep stirring until the sugars begin to dissolve and the mixture starts to bubble.
Cooking the Apples
  1. Add the apple slices to the skillet, stir well so every piece gets coated in the sauce, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
Thickening the Sauce
  1. If the sauce looks thin, turn the heat up to high for the last few minutes, stirring often to prevent scorching, ensuring a rich, glossy finish.
Serving
  1. Serve the apples warm as a side dish or spoon them over vanilla ice cream for dessert, finishing with a pinch of flaky sea salt if desired.
Storing Leftovers
  1. Let the apples cool before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze in zip-top bags for up to 1 month.
  2. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of water if the sauce is too thick.

Notes

This recipe is great for potlucks or family gatherings. For best results, keep apple slices even in thickness, and monitor the cooking heat to avoid burning the sauce.