Take advantage of fresh fall produce with these delicious Fried Apples! Tender, cooked apples in a warm, caramelized sauce… this dessert tastes just like pie… without the crust!

When it comes to easy desserts, you can’t beat anything involving fruit. Whether it’s Blueberry Crisp, Blackberry Cobbler or Apple Pie Bars… fruity desserts are where it’s at. And these Skillet Fried Apples are always a favorite!

They’re a Cracker Barrel staple, and once you find out just how easy they are to make at home, you’ll be making them on repeat! All you need is your favorite apples, butter, sugar, and apple pie spice… and you’re 20 minutes away from your new favorite dessert.

What we love about these Fried Apples

What’s NOT to love about tender Granny Smith apples swimming in a sweet, buttery, fall-spiced sauce? Not only does it have all the best flavors of the season, but it’s one of the easiest desserts ever! And when you top it with vanilla ice cream it really is just like apple pie without the crust.

Ingredients 

Apples – Apples are the star of the show in this recipe, so whatever you do, be sure to use something you like! I used Granny Smith apples because they’re a firm, tart apple that holds up to the heat while also balancing out the sweetness of the sugar. Other good options would be Braeburn, Cortland, Honey Crisp, Jonathan, Fuji, or Gala.

Butter – Butter combines with the sugar in this recipe to form the rich, caramelized sauce. I used salted butter to help bring out the other flavors. You can also substitute unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt.

Sugar – To make the sauce extra flavorful, I decided to use equal parts granulated and brown sugar. You can feel free to use just one type if you prefer.

Spices – The “secret” ingredient in these fried apples is apple pie spice! Unlike most recipes, which use only cinnamon, this one adds the delicious flavors of nutmeg, allspice, cardamom, and cloves.

How to make Fried Apples

Peel & chop the apples – Peel the apples using a sharp paring knife or potato peeler. Chop or sliced them to desired size (I made mine about 1 inch square.)

Make the sauce – In a large skillet, combine the butter, sugars, and apple pie spice. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly.

Cook the apples – Add the peeled, chopped apples and cook on low for 15 – 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. There’s no exact “right” cooking time since it’s based on your desired texture.

Enjoy – Once the apples are tender and completely coated in the sauce, spoon them into individual serving dishes. Serve as is or topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Recipe variations

• Use any of your favorite varieties of apples or a combination of varieties
• Substitute granulated sugar for the brown sugar
• Use unsalted butter and a pinch of salt
• Substitute ground cinnamon for the apple pie spice
• Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar as a sweetener 

More apple recipes you’ll love

• Apple Pie Smoothie
• Apple Brie Crostini
• Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
• Apple Pie Bread
• Cranberry Apple Coleslaw
• Caramel Apple French Toast Casserole
• Skillet Caramel Apples

Fried Apples

Yield: 8

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Take advantage of fresh fall produce with these delicious Fried Apples! Tender, cooked apples in a warm, caramelized sauce... this dessert tastes just like pie... without the crust!

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Ingredients

• 4 Granny Smith apples
• 1/2 cup salted butter
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 Tablespoons apple pie spice

Instructions

1. Peel the apples using a sharp paring knife or potato peeler. Chop or sliced them to desired size (I made mine about 1 inch square.)
2. In a large skillet, combine the butter, sugars, and apple pie spice. Cook on low heat, stirring constantly, 2-3 minutes until the sauce is bubbly.
3. Add the peeled, chopped apples and cook on low for 15 - 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender.
4. Once the apples are tender and completely coated in the sauce, spoon them into individual serving dishes. Serve as is or topped with ice cream or whipped cream.

Notes

Recipe variations

• Use any of your favorite varieties of apples or a combination of varieties
• Substitute granulated sugar for the brown sugar
• Use unsalted butter and a pinch of salt
• Substitute ground cinnamon for the apple pie spice
• Use honey or maple syrup in place of sugar as a sweetener 

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 188Total Fat: 12gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 31mgSodium: 101mgCarbohydrates: 20gFiber: 2gSugar: 18gProtein: 0g