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Home > Recipes > Desserts

Southern Fried Apples

Published: July 11, 2023 • This post may contain affiliate links.

gluten-free

Who doesn't love a good apple recipe? If you're looking for something sweet and oh-so-Southern, look no further than these classic Fried Apples. Perfect for any occasion, these easy spiced apples can be prepared in just 30 minutes!

Apples fried in a cast iron skillet.
Jump to:
  • Why you'll love this recipe
  • Ingredients
  • Step-by-step instructions
  • Tips & tricks
  • Recommended tools
  • Store & reheat
  • More fruity desserts
  • Recipe
  • Comments

Why you'll love this recipe

Alright friends, buckle up and get ready for a ride to flavor town with this lip-smackin' Southern Fried Apple recipe. Ya'll won't believe how easy and finger-lickin' delicious this recipe is!

Now, I must warn you, the aroma that fills your kitchen as these apples cook is practically irresistible. It's like a scent that wafts through the air and lures your family and neighbors straight to your doorstep, begging for a taste. You might need to keep a lookout for any apple snatchers, 'cause these fried beauties are in high demand!

Once those apples are soft, golden, and caramelized with flavor, it's time to serve 'em up. You can pile 'em on a plate and top 'em with a dollop of vanilla ice cream, turning them into one of the best desserts. Or you can be a little rebellious and gobble 'em up straight from the skillet. No judgment here, friends!

Ingredients

Combine these simple ingredients to create a delicious fried apple dish with the perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors with a touch of warmth and richness. Here's what you'll need:

  • Green apples. The tartness of the Granny Smith apples compliments the sweetness of the sugars. Choose apples that are bright green, firm, and without blemishes.
  • Cinnamon. Cinnamon compliments the apples and adds warmth and depth to this dish.
  • Sugar and brown sugar. These sugars caramelize during cooking, creating a yummy (and irresistible!) sticky syrup.
  • Butter. Adds richness and a buttery flavor. You can use either salted or unsalted butter.
  • Cornstarch and water (optional). Use this slurry to make a rich and thick caramel sauce.
Ingredients needed for fried apple recipe: cinnamon, sugar, butter, brown sugar, and granny smith apples.

Step-by-step instructions

Peel, core, slice, and dice the apples into even chunks (or cut them into thin slices). I like to use this Johnny Apple Peeler to peel and core my apples quickly!

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the apples are soft. Gently stir them often so they cook evenly.

Chopped apples with brown sugar, white sugar, and cinnamon ready to be fried in a cast iron pan.

Add the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the sugars have dissolved.

To thicken the syrup, combine 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a separate bowl. Add the slurry to the apples and stir until thickened.

Tips & tricks

Choose firm apples. Use apples that are firm and crisp that will hold their shape when they're cooked. Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples are great choices.

Spice it up! Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, ginger, or allspice to add a warm aroma.

Serve them warm. Serve these fried apples as a side or topping for ice cream, oatmeal, pancakes, and even pork chops!

Recommended tools

  • Cast iron skillet. A 10-inch skillet will hold the caramelized apples perfectly!
  • Apple peeler & corer. Quickly and easily peel and core your apples with this handy tool- it can also be used for potatoes! You can also use a simple vegetable peeler.
Warm fried apples shown in a white bowl.

Store & reheat

If you happen to have leftovers, transfer the cooled apples to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

When you're ready to finish your delicious Southern Fried Apples, reheat them in a skillet or microwave them until warm. You can also enjoy them cold!

More fruity desserts

  • Caramel Apple Dip
  • Gluten-Free Cherry Pie Bars
  • Monster Cookie Bars
  • Gluten-Free Deviled Strawberries
  • Peanut Butter Fruit Dip

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Recipe

Cracker Barrel Pan-Fried Apples Copycat shown in a bowl with a spoon makes a yummy dessert.
Southern Fried Apples
If you're looking for something sweet and oh-so-Southern, look no further than these classic Fried Apples. Perfect for any occasion, these easy spiced apples can be prepared in just 30 minutes!
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Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories

Equipment

  • 10" cast iron skillet

Ingredients
  

  • 4 Granny Smith apples
  • ¼ c butter
  • ¼ c granulated white sugar
  • ¼ c brown sugar packed
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water optional

Instructions
 

  • Peel, core, slice, and dice the apples into even chunks.
  • Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large skillet.
  • Add the apples and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until the apples are soft. Be sure to stir them often so they cook evenly.
  • Add the white sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes, or until the sugars are dissolved.
  • To thicken the syrup, combine the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl. Add the slurry to the apples and stir until thickened.
Nutritional Disclaimer

The nutritional information provided is only an estimate. For accurate results, we recommend calculating the nutritional information based on the ingredients and brands you use.

Keyword cracker barrel copycat, southern fried apples
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Hi, I'm Ashleigh and I'm passionate about creating healthy, flavorful dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients.

As a recipe developer, food blogger, and avid cook, my goal is to inspire you to cook wholesome meals that are both simple and vibrant. Our recipes are designed to be accessible to all levels of home cooks and are so delicious that you'll want to make them again and again.

As an Iowa native, I love to incorporate local, in-season ingredients into my gluten-free recipes. So come join me on a culinary journey that celebrates the joys of food and a healthier lifestyle!

-xo

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