Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried Apples are the ultimate fall comfort food, with a balance of sweet and spiced flavors that pair perfectly with any meal. The apples become tender and juicy while maintaining a slight bite, thanks to the quick sautéing process. The brown sugar caramelizes slightly, giving the apples a golden, syrupy coating, while the cinnamon and allspice bring a warming spice to every bite. Topped with freshly grated nutmeg, this dish is perfect for cozying up on a chilly day, and it’s versatile enough to be served on its own or as a topping for other dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 medium Fuji apples (cored and sliced)
- 1 2/3 cups apple juice (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 3 tablespoons butter
- Nutmeg (freshly grated for serving)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- Prepare the apples:
Core and slice the apples into thin, uniform pieces. Set them aside. - Make the thickening mixture:
In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of the apple juice and the cornstarch until smooth. Set aside. - Cook the apples:
In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly. - Make the syrup:
In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 1/3 cups of apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Pour this mixture over the apples in the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples are tender and the juice starts to bubble. - Thicken the sauce:
Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, coating the apples nicely. - Serve:
Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the fried apples warm, sprinkled with freshly grated nutmeg for an added burst of flavor.
Servings and Timing
This recipe serves about 4 people and takes approximately 15-20 minutes to prepare, depending on how thinly you slice the apples.
Variations
- Add nuts: For a little extra crunch, you can sprinkle in some chopped pecans or walnuts during the final stage of cooking.
- Make it sweeter: If you like your fried apples extra sweet, you can increase the amount of brown sugar or even add a drizzle of honey at the end.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of ginger or cloves to the spice mixture for more depth of flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, simply place the apples in a pan over medium heat and cook until warmed through. You can also microwave them for about 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith. However, Fuji apples are particularly sweet and tender, making them ideal for this dish.
2. Can I make this recipe with fresh apple cider instead of apple juice?
Yes, fresh apple cider will work wonderfully in place of apple juice, giving the dish a deeper, richer flavor.
3. How do I know when the apples are done cooking?
The apples should be tender and lightly caramelized, with the sauce thickened to a syrup-like consistency. Taste the apples to ensure they’re soft but still holding their shape.
4. Can I use a sugar substitute?
You can substitute the brown sugar with a sugar substitute like Stevia or a monk fruit blend. Just be aware that the flavor and texture may vary slightly.
5. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the fried apples in advance and store them in the refrigerator. Reheat them on the stovetop before serving.
6. Can I freeze Fried Apples?
While it’s not ideal to freeze the apples once they’ve been cooked, you can freeze them before cooking. Slice the apples and store them in a freezer-safe bag until you’re ready to use them.
7. How do I avoid the apples becoming mushy?
To keep the apples from becoming mushy, make sure not to overcook them. Sauté them just until tender but still slightly firm, and avoid cooking them too long after the sauce thickens.
8. Can I use a non-dairy butter alternative?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
9. Can I add other fruits to this recipe?
Yes, you can add other fruits like pears or peaches for a mixed fruit version of fried apples. Adjust the cooking time depending on the firmness of the fruit.
Conclusion
Fried Apples are a simple yet irresistible dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender apples, sweet and spicy syrup, and freshly grated nutmeg creates a warm and comforting treat that will delight your taste buds. Whether you serve them on their own or as a topping for other dishes, Fried Apples are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try for an easy, flavorful dessert or side dish that’s perfect for any time of year!
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Fried Apples
Fried Apples are a warm and comforting dish combining tender apples with a spiced syrup made from butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. A perfect side dish, dessert, or topping for pancakes and waffles.
- Total Time: 15-20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
4 medium Fuji apples (cored and sliced)
1 2/3 cups apple juice (divided)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
3 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
3 tablespoons butter
Nutmeg (freshly grated for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Core and slice the apples into thin, uniform pieces. Set them aside.
- Make the thickening mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup of the apple juice and the cornstarch until smooth. Set aside.
- Cook the apples: In a large skillet or frying pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the sliced apples to the pan and sauté for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften slightly.
- Make the syrup: In a separate bowl, combine the remaining 1 1/3 cups of apple juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and allspice. Pour this mixture over the apples in the skillet, stirring to combine. Let the mixture cook for another 3-4 minutes until the apples are tender and the juice starts to bubble.
- Thicken the sauce: Stir in the cornstarch mixture and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to a syrupy consistency, coating the apples nicely.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the fried apples warm, sprinkled with freshly grated nutmeg for an added burst of flavor.
Notes
If you prefer a crunchier texture, avoid overcooking the apples and sauté them only until tender but still holding their shape.
Adding chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts during the final cooking step will add a delightful crunch to the dish.
If you want a richer flavor, substitute apple juice with fresh apple cider.
For a dairy-free version, you can replace butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 25mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 15mg