If you love warm, spiced apples, this recipe is pure comfort food. Buttery, sweet, and fragrant with cinnamon, these Southern fried apples are a favorite for family gatherings. Serve them as a dessert alongside creamy vanilla ice cream or as a side dish with pork chops — the perfect balance of tart and sweet. Best of all, you can make this mouthwatering dish in less than an hour with just a skillet and a few simple pantry staples.
Want to Save This Recipe?
Enter your email & I'll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
By submitting this form, you consent to receive emails from Blue's Best Life.
If you have an abundance of fresh fall apples to use try this Caramel Apple Cream Cheese Dip or my favorite breakfast Cinnamon Apple Pie Overnight Oats.
(Blue's Best Life is a participant in the Amazon Affiliate Programs. I earn a small commission if you purchase through those links. This helps me keep the blog going!)- Bobbie
Why You'll Love This Fried Apple Recipe!
A warm bowl of apples with cinnamon is full of nostalgia. I find this fried apples recipe to be something that captures the homestyle goodness I'd find at my favorite country restaurant. And, if you are still not hooked, here's more reason why you'll love it:
- One of the best copycat Cracker Barrel fried apples recipes that's been made right in your kitchen!
- It's perfect for any occasion, whether it's a weeknight treat, a holiday, or Sunday dinner.
- It makes cleaning up simple. It's a one-skillet dish.
- Versatile, it can be a beautiful dessert or side dish.
If you are looking to serve something that makes you think of autumn all year- round, this stovetop fried apples recipe is your best choice!
Equipment Needed
- Large skillet (cast iron works beautifully)
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
- vegetable peeler
- Measuring spoons or cups
- Small bowl for cornstarch slurry
Key Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples - They are ideal for this recipe because their tartness balances the sweetness of the butter and the sugar.
Butter - It adds richness and helps the sugar to caramelize.
Brown and granulated sugar - Their combination creates a depth of sweetness profile and a bit of molasses-like flavor.
Nutmeg and cinnamon - These classic warm spices bring coziness and comfort.
Cornstarch slurry - The mixture of water and cornstarch helps thicken the sauce and gives it the signature glossy glaze.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Start by washing, peeling, and then slicing the apples into uniform sized wedges (for even cooking).
Over medium heat, heat a large skillet and melt the butter. Add in brown and granulated sugar and stir them until combined.
Add the apples and stir them often to ensure they cook evenly. The skillet will look crowded, but as the apples release moisture, they will shrink in size.
Sprinkle in the nutmeg and cinnamon and stir them to coat the apples evenly in the buttery sugar mixture. Cook them for 12 to 15 minutes, until tender.
Mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl. Add the slurry to the skillet to thicken the sauce.
To achieve that Cracker Barrel copycat skillet fried apples vibe, serve them warm and straight from the skillet.
Serving Recommendations
- Serve them warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert.
- Serve alongside porkchops, roasted chicken, or ham as a sweet side dish, or a perfect sweet-savory meal.
- Treat yourself to a brunch treat by serving them over waffles, pancakes, or even French toast!
- Top your yogurt or oatmeal with a cozy breakfast twist.
Make Ahead
If you want to maximize the time, you may slice the apples a day in advance. Store them in an airtight container with water and a splash of lemon juice to prevent the apples from browning. When ready to cook, drain them, or pat them dry a bit, and then follow the steps.
Storage
If there are leftovers or you made some extras, store the cooled apples in an airtight container inside the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm the apples in the microwave or on the stovetop. While freezing is possible, I would not recommend it as it changes the texture of the apples.
Expert Tips
- Stick with tart apples like Granny Smith to achieve the best flavor balance. Sweeter apples may make the dish overly sweet. Plus Granny Smith apples hold up better when cooked.
- Do not over cook or you will have mushy apples. It is also important to stir the apples from the bottom for even cooking.
- Cut the apples into uniform-size wedges so they cook evenly.
- Peeling is a preference but I prefer the apples in this recipe to be peeled.
- Do not skip the cornstarch slurry, or you won't achieve the thick and glossy sauce.
- If you like texture, you can leave a bit of peel on some apples to have that extra bite.
Did you try this recipe? Please let me know what you think! Leave a comment below, and a 5- star rating. I would love to hear from you! Subscribe Here to get new recipes sent straight to your inbox!
Southern Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and cut into wedges
- ¼ cup unsalted butter
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon water
Instructions
- Wash, peel and cut the apples into uniformed sized wedges. You want the apples to be as close to the same size as possible so they cook evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Melt the butter and stir in both types of sugar.
- Add the apples to the skillet and stir so they cook evenly, bringing the apples from the bottom to the top. The skillet will seem crowded at first but as the moisture releases from the apples they will shrink in size.
- Sprinkle the apples with spices and continue to stir the apples to coat in the butter mixture. Depending on the thickness of the apples they should be cooked and tender in 12-15 minutes.
- When the apples are tender stir together the cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.
- Serve warm with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
Leave a Reply