Description
Easy Sautéed Cinnamon Apples are a quick and delicious warm dessert or snack perfect for fall or any time you crave a comforting treat. Tender apple slices are cooked in butter with warm spices, sweetened with maple syrup or brown sugar, and infused with vanilla for a fragrant and satisfying dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping on pancakes, oatmeal, or ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium apples (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
Cooking Fats
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
Sweeteners & Spices
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Other Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges to ensure even cooking and softness.
- Melt the butter: Heat butter in a large skillet over medium heat until fully melted and slightly bubbling.
- Sauté the apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet, cooking and stirring occasionally for 5 to 7 minutes until they begin to soften but still hold shape.
- Add spices and sweetener: Sprinkle ground cinnamon, optional nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the apples. Drizzle with maple syrup or brown sugar and stir thoroughly to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook until caramelized: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized. Add a tablespoon of water if the mixture looks too dry to prevent sticking.
- Finish with vanilla and serve: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in vanilla extract for aromatic flavor, and serve the cinnamon apples warm as a cozy dessert or topping.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for the best texture.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar.
- If you prefer a less sweet version, reduce the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Serve over pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream for a delicious treat.
- Add a sprinkle of chopped nuts or raisins for extra texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American