Southern Fried Apples

Featured in Irresistible Sweet Treats.

Granny Smith apples fried in butter with sugar and warm spices until tender. Quick dessert that's ready in minutes.
Clare Greco
Updated on Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:26:06 GMT
A close-up of caramelized apple slices coated in a glossy sauce, served in a dark pan. Pin it
A close-up of caramelized apple slices coated in a glossy sauce, served in a dark pan. | recipesbyclare.com

Y'all won't believe how these Southern Fried Apples have become my family's favorite comfort food. I learned this recipe from my grandmother and it's pure magic how a few simple ingredients turn into something so incredibly delicious. The smell of butter cinnamon and apples bubbling away in my kitchen brings everyone running.

What Makes These Special

Let me tell you why you need these fried apples in your life. They're quick to make but taste like you've spent hours in the kitchen. That combination of tart Granny Smiths sweet sugar and warm spices is absolutely incredible. We serve them with everything from pork chops to ice cream.

What You'll Need

  • Granny Smiths: 4-6 nice big ones peeled and sliced.
  • Butter: A whole stick trust me on this.
  • Sugar: 1/2 cup regular granulated.
  • Cinnamon: 2 tablespoons my secret weapon.
  • Nutmeg: Just a pinch for extra warmth.

Let's Get Cooking

Start with Butter
Get that butter melting in your biggest skillet watch it bubble.
Sweet and Spicy
Mix in your sugar cinnamon and nutmeg until it's all syrupy.
Apple Time
Add those apple slices nice and gentle stir to coat them all.
Low and Slow
Let them cook about 10-15 minutes you want some pieces soft some firm.
Ready to Serve
Scoop them out while they're still warm pure heaven.
A wooden spoon holds a portion of cooked cinnamon-spiced apple slices in a dark sauce, with more apple slices visible in the background. Pin it
A wooden spoon holds a portion of cooked cinnamon-spiced apple slices in a dark sauce, with more apple slices visible in the background. | recipesbyclare.com

My Best Tips

Stick with Granny Smiths they hold up best while cooking. Don't stir too much or you'll end up with applesauce. Taste as you go and adjust those spices to your liking.

How to Serve

In my house these apples disappear so many ways. We love them with pork chops on Sunday they're amazing over waffles for breakfast. And don't get me started on how good they are warm over vanilla ice cream pure Southern heaven.

Make Ahead Magic

These keep beautifully in the fridge for about 3 days. I often make a big batch on Sunday for the week ahead. Just warm them up gently when you're ready. You can even freeze them for those emergency dessert moments.

A close-up of caramelized apple slices in a black skillet, stirred with a wooden spoon. Pin it
A close-up of caramelized apple slices in a black skillet, stirred with a wooden spoon. | recipesbyclare.com

Make It Your Own

Sometimes I add a splash of vanilla or a drizzle of maple syrup. My kids love when I toss in some raisins while cooking. And for special occasions I top everything with toasted pecans adds the perfect crunch.

Pure Southern Comfort

This recipe reminds me of Sunday dinners at my grandmother's house. It's amazing how something so simple can bring back such wonderful memories. Every time I make these the whole house smells like home.

Perfect Every Time

What I love about this recipe is how forgiving it is. You really can't mess it up. The butter sugar and apples just work their magic together creating something truly special every single time.

A close-up of cooked cinnamon apples in a glossy brown sauce. Pin it
A close-up of cooked cinnamon apples in a glossy brown sauce. | recipesbyclare.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use Granny Smith apples?
Their tartness balances the sweet sauce and they hold shape when cooked. Other firm apples work too.
→ Can I make these ahead?
Best served fresh and warm. Reheating can make apples mushy.
→ What to serve with fried apples?
Great with ice cream, pancakes, or as a simple dessert. Also good with pork dishes.
→ Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling is traditional and gives best texture, but you can leave peels on if preferred.

Southern Fried Apples

Sweet and tender fried apples cooked in butter with cinnamon and nutmeg. Perfect as dessert or breakfast side.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
8 Minutes
Total Time
18 Minutes

Category: Sweet Treats

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

01 6 Granny Smith apples.
02 1/2 cup unsalted butter.
03 1/2 cup granulated sugar.
04 2 tablespoons cinnamon.
05 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg.

Instructions

Step 01

Peel, core and slice apples.

Step 02

Heat butter in large skillet.

Step 03

Add sugar and spices until sugar melts.

Step 04

Add apples, cook 6-8 minutes until soft.

Notes

  1. Best served warm.
  2. Great with ice cream.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 320
  • Total Fat: 18 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 42 g
  • Protein: 1 g