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    Caramelized Apples

    Updated: Feb 27, 2024 · Published: Nov 2, 2023 by Chuckie · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    Caramelized Apples are an easy side dish with big warm flavors. A simple way to turn a few apples into an impressive side dish or topping.

    Dish of yummy caramelized apples.

    Caramelized Cinnamon Apples

    These Caramelized Cinnamon Apples remind me of the warm fall suppers of my childhood with a herd of people around the table eating, talking, and storytelling.

    Growing up, I loved going to the local apple orchards and smelling the fresh cider being made.

    We would take home the Jonathan apples, which have a short storage life, to make all kinds of fall goodies. German Apple Cake, homemade applesauce, and cinnamon-flavored apple butter were some of my favorites.

    But this sweet side dish was, and remains, one of my favorites. I still love to make it with Jonathan apples when I can get my hands on them, but Granny Smith apples work well, too. And the Granny Smith variety is available year-round.

    As a bit of a Southerner, I eat Caramelized Apples as a side dish.

    But these sweet warm apples are certainly a worthy dessert and make a fantastic topping on your favorite pancakes or waffles. Or dare I suggest, putting a big warm spoonful on top of vanilla ice cream?

    Serving caramelized apples.

    Ingredients for Caramelized Apples

    • Baking Apples--Such as Granny Smith or Jonathan. I prefer mine peeled, but some people don't mind the peeling left on.
    • Butter
    • Brown Sugar
    • Kosher Salt
    • Ground Cinnamon
    the ingredients you need for caramelized apples.

    Top Tips

    Don't walk away from the pan when making these. The caramel topping can burn quickly.

    Use a non-stick pay or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet to make these so they don't stick.

    How to Make Caramelized Apples

    In a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.

    Add sliced and peeled apples to melted butter and cook until apples are slightly tender.

    Add ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar. Stir constantly and turn down the heat if needed. Cook until butter and sugar caramelize and turn golden brown.

    Serve warm or allow to cool.

    cut and peeled apples in an iron skillet.
    Coating apples in brown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.
    Boiling apples in butter, bown sugar, salt, and cinnamon.

    Best Apples for Cooking

    When cooking with an apple I suggest choosing an apple that will stand up to the heat without turning into applesauce.

    My favorite cooking apple that is readily available, year-round, is a Granny Smith. This firm, slightly tart apple holds its shape in pies, cakes, and this Caramelized Apple recipe.

    Of course, if you can get your hands on a Jonathan Apple, I suggest you give it a try. It is the perfect eating and cooking apple, in my humble opinion.

    Substitutions and Variations

    Apples--Use pears or bananas for some variety. If using bananas, there is no need to cook until tender.

    Brown Sugar--White sugar works just fine here.

    Cinnamon--Use nutmeg if you desire.

    Storage

    Store leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days.

    SOMETHING ELSE TO TRY

    For another fruity easy apple side dish, try my Applesauce Jello or Red Hot Applesauce Jello.

    And Macaroni and Tomatoes is another quick Southern-inspired side dish recipe my family loves.

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    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE? ❤️

    Lastly, if you madeollowing this recipe, please let me know how you liked it by leaving a comment and/or giving a rating!

    I love hearing from you! I'll do my best to respond to each comment.

    And of course, if you do make this recipe, tag @laughingroostereats on Instagram and hashtag it #laughingroostereats! Seeing your photos is our favorite thing!

    FOOD SAFETY

    • Wash hands before cooking
    • Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
    • Never leave cooking food unattended

    Dish of yummy caramelized apples.

    Caramelized Apples

    5 from 1 vote
    Caramelized Apples are an easy side dish with big warm flavors. A simple way to turn a few apples into an impressive side dish or topping.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 5 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Servings: 4
    Course: Breakfast, Dessert, Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Calories: 229
    Ingredients Method Nutrition

    Ingredients
      

    • 4-6 Baking Apples Granny Smith or Jonathan
    • 4 Tablespoons Butter
    • 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
    • 1 pinch Kosher Salt
    • 1 pinch Ground Cinnamon

    Method
     

    1. In a non-stick pan or well-seasoned cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
    2. Add sliced and peeled apples to melted butter and cook until apples are slightly tender.
    3. Add ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and brown sugar. Stir constantly and turn down the heat if needed. Cook until butter and sugar caramelize and turn golden brown.
    4. Serve warm or allow to cool.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 229kcalCarbohydrates: 34gProtein: 1gFat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 104mgPotassium: 210mgFiber: 4gSugar: 28gVitamin A: 448IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.3mg

    Tried this recipe?

    Let us know how it was!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jene says

      April 10, 2024 at 9:35 pm

      5 stars
      Very tasty

      Reply
      • Chuckie says

        April 11, 2024 at 1:29 pm

        Right?! Thanks for your kind review.

        Reply
    5 from 1 vote

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    Recipe Rating




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    Hi, I'm Chuckie, food blogger, photographer, and head cook at Laughing Rooster Eats! As a mom, cooking show host, and cooking teacher, I'm here to help you develop your "cooking gene"...

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