Southern Fried Apples
Table of Contents
Southern Fried Apples: A Spoonful of Southern Sunshine
Ever find yourself cravin' a little taste of home? Southern Fried Apples are the answer, y'all. This dish is like a warm hug from your grandma, but way easier to make.
A Skillet of Sweet Memories
Honestly, this recipe screams " Old Fashioned Southern Food ." It’s a classic for a reason. These apples are fried apples with brown sugar and cinnamon , makin’ your kitchen smell divine.
Think of it as a lighter, quicker version of apple pie.
It's super simple, even if you’re a total beginner. This recipe takes about 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for a quick breakfast or dessert.
This recipe will give you about 6 servings, so it's great for sharing.
Why You'll Fall Head Over Heels
One of the best things about this recipe? Apples are packed with fiber. This dish is ideal for a cozy brunch, or a simple yet delicious dessert.
What makes it special is the simplicity. It tastes like it came straight from Cracker Barrel Apples ... but better, cause you made it yourself.
Ready to dive in? Let's gather the goodies for this fried apple recipe easy .
Ingredients & Equipment
Oh my gosh, let's talk about what you'll need to make the best Southern Fried Apples are the bomb. It's easier than you think! Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already.
Main Ingredients
- Apples: You'll want 6 medium apples. That's about 1.4 kg or 3 lbs . Think Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. These are great for cooking. Make sure you peel, core, and slice them about ¼-inch thick.
- Butter: Grab 4 tablespoons ( 57 g / 2 oz ) of unsalted butter. It's gotta be real butter, y'all! This adds richness.
- Brown Sugar: You need ¼ cup ( 50 g / 1.75 oz ) of packed light brown sugar. This gives it that sweet, caramel-y flavor.
- Spices: You'll want 1 teaspoon ( 5 ml ) of ground cinnamon and ¼ teaspoon ( 1.25 ml ) of ground nutmeg. Can you smell fall already?
- Water: Grab ¼ cup ( 60 ml / 2 fl oz ) of water. This helps the apples simmer.
- Lemon Juice: This is optional but adds a nice zing. 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml / 0.5 fl oz ) is all you need.
Quality matters, especially with the apples and butter. Fresh, firm apples will hold their shape better. Good quality butter makes all the difference in flavor.
Seasoning Notes
Cinnamon and nutmeg are a classic combo. They make your kitchen smell amazing. For the best Fried apples with brown sugar and cinnamon , don't skimp on the spices.
Vanilla extract would also be a great addition. A splash of maple syrup can boost the sweetness. If you are looking for Apple dessert recipes Southern style or Southern comfort food recipes these tweaks will make sure they will be more comforting!
No nutmeg? A pinch of allspice or ginger works too.
Equipment Needed
You'll need a large skillet. Cast iron is ideal if you have one, it really adds to that Caramelized apple skillet recipe .
A peeler, apple corer, cutting board, and knife are essential for prepping the apples. You also need measuring cups and spoons and a spatula or wooden spoon for stirring.
Don't have a fancy apple corer? A small knife works just fine. A regular frying pan will do if you don't have cast iron.
Honestly, Southern Fried Apples are more about the ingredients and technique than fancy equipment. Now go on and make some magic! It is Old Fashioned Southern Food at its best! Many would even say this is a close copy of Cracker Barrel Apples !
Southern Fried Apples: A Taste of Sweet Southern Comfort
Bless your heart, nothing says "Southern comfort" quite like these. These apples are so good. It's like a warm hug in a skillet.
This classic dish tastes great. It's also easy to make.
Prep Like a Pro: Your Essential Mise en Place
First, peel, core, and slice about 1.4 kg of apples. I like Honeycrisp, but Gala or Fuji work too.
Slice them about ¼-inch thick. Toss them with lemon juice. This keeps them from browning.
Time Saving Tip: Slice the apples right before cooking. This is key. It will save your time.
step-by-step to Apple Perfection
Here's how to make Southern Fried Apples are the best.
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Stir in ¼ cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg.
- Add the apple slices. Cook them, stirring often, until they start to soften.
- Pour in ¼ cup of water.
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 10- 15 minutes . The apples should be tender. The sauce should thicken up.
- Serve warm.
Visual Cue: The apples should be tender. The sauce should be syrupy.
Pro Tips for the Best Apples Ever
Honestly, here are some tips.
- Don't overcrowd the pan. This is a major mistake. Sauté in batches, if needed. This helps them caramelize properly.
- Taste and adjust. Need more cinnamon? Add it!
- To be clear, my grandma always used real butter. It makes a difference.
You can make the apple slices ahead of time. Store them in the fridge with lemon juice. This is one of those old fashioned Southern food recipes that everyone loves.
People also call it Cracker Barrel Apples . It is really good Southern comfort food recipes . It also feels like a fried apple recipe easy enough that anyone can try.
Make this delicious skillet apples dessert , with brown sugar and cinnamon . Want a warm apple topping recipe or looking for great apple dessert recipes Southern ? These are for you!.
You can even serve them for cinnamon apples breakfast side . These caramelized apple skillet recipe apples are the best.
Recipe Notes
Southern Fried Apples are the bomb diggity, y'all! But let's chat about making them your own masterpiece. Honestly, these lil' tweaks can make all the difference.
I love sharing my stories and experiences with y'all, so listen up!
Serving 'Em Up Right
Presentation matters, even for Old Fashioned Southern Food . Plating can elevate the dish. Spoon those warm apples into a cute bowl.
Then add a scoop of vanilla ice cream, oh my gosh! A sprinkle of cinnamon? Yes, please! For a Caramelized apple skillet recipe , try serving alongside some crispy bacon.
It is a sweet and salty combo that’s out of this world. A glass of sweet tea seals the deal.
Storage Secrets
Got leftovers? I never do, LOL! But if you do, here's the deal. Pop those Skillet apples dessert into an airtight container.
Fridge them for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave. If you are freezing, put them in a freezer safe bag.
They'll last up to 2 months. Just thaw and reheat! My grandmother's Apple dessert recipes Southern never lasted this long.
Remixing the Recipe
Wanna mix things up? Of course, you do! For a healthier version, use less brown sugar. Try swapping half the butter with applesauce.
For a vegan twist, use vegan butter. Also, check your sugar! In the fall, use locally sourced apples. Changing things is how the Fried apple recipe easy came to be.
Nitty Gritty Nutrition
Okay, let's talk numbers. Each serving has about 150-180 calories. You know what, Cinnamon apples breakfast side are packed with fiber from the apples.
Fiber aids digestion, y'all! Plus, cinnamon has anti inflammatory properties. It's a win-win! Remember that Southern comfort food recipes are meant to be enjoyed in moderation.
So, there you have it! A few extra tidbits to make these apples shine. Don't be scared to experiment. Get creative.
Have fun, you know? Now, go make some magic! After all, Fried apples with brown sugar and cinnamon is a recipe for success.
And remember, a Warm apple topping recipe is always a good idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of apples work best for Southern Fried Apples?
For the best Southern Fried Apples, aim for firm fleshed varieties that hold their shape well during cooking. Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji apples are excellent choices. Avoid softer apples like Red Delicious, as they tend to become mushy.
Think of it like picking the right shoes for a marathon you need something sturdy!
Can I make Southern Fried Apples ahead of time?
You sure can! Southern Fried Apples are often even better the next day, after the flavors have had time to meld. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. Just like a good pot of chili, they taste better with time.
How do I prevent my Southern Fried Apples from getting mushy?
Several factors can contribute to mushy fried apples. First, choose firm apple varieties. Second, don't overcrowd the skillet; cook in batches if necessary. Third, avoid overcooking! Simmering them for too long after they're tender will cause them to lose their shape.
Think of it as Goldilocks not too soft, not too hard, but just right!
Are "Southern Fried Apples are the" healthy?
While incredibly delicious, Southern Fried Apples are definitely a treat! They contain naturally occurring sugars from the apples, as well as added brown sugar and butter. However, they also provide some fiber and vitamins.
If you're watching your sugar intake, consider using a sugar substitute or reducing the amount of brown sugar in the recipe. Everything in moderation, right?
Can I adapt the recipe for "Southern Fried Apples are the" to be vegan?
Absolutely! Swapping the butter for a vegan butter alternative (like Miyoko's Kitchen Cultured Vegan Butter) is an easy and effective substitution. Also, be sure to check the sugar you are using is vegan as some brands use bone char in the processing of sugar.
The taste will be nearly identical, and you can enjoy this classic dish while adhering to a vegan lifestyle. It's like finding a great vegan alternative to a beloved comfort food a total win!
What are some fun variations I can try with my Southern Fried Apples recipe?
Get creative! A splash of bourbon or rum adds a delicious warmth, creating Bourbon Fried Apples. You can also swap out the apples for pears or peaches for a different flavor profile. A pinch of ginger or cardamom will bring a unique twist to your fried apples.
Think of it as putting your own spin on a classic song the possibilities are endless!
Southern Fried Apples
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 150-180 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 7g |
| Fiber | 3g |