This Caramelized Apple Slices recipe is quick, kid-approved, and perfect for cozy mornings or easy desserts. It's an easy stovetop recipe using fresh apples, brown sugar, butter, and cinnamon that's perfect for topping oatmeal, stacking on French toast, or serving warm with ice cream.
If you like comforting fruit recipes, try our Easy Apple Loaf Cake or our Apple Streusel Muffins.
Caramelized Apple Slices at a Glance 🔎
- 🕒 Prep Time: 5 minutes
- ⏱️ Cook Time: 10 minutes
- 👥 Servings: 4
- 🔥 Cook Method: Stovetop
- 🍽️ Cuisine: American Dessert Recipe
- 👩🍳 Pair With: Steel Cut Oatmeal, Sourdough French Toast, Southern Pork Chops
- ⭐ Difficulty Level: Easy
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We always use Granny Smiths for the tart bite. Try them with vanilla ice cream and a sprinkle of sea salt. ~Jami
Why We Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy parents.
- Versatile: Great as a dessert, snack, or even a breakfast topping.
- Kid-Friendly: A fun and tasty way to get kids to eat more fruit. Just like this Apple Grape Salad.
Caramelized Apple Slices Ingredients
- Granny Smith Apples: These apples hold up well during cooking and provide a perfect balance to the sweetness of the caramel. Have leftovers? Try our Classic Waldorf Salad.
- Brown Sugar: Adds a rich, molasses-like sweetness.
- Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a hint of spice.
- Butter: Helps in caramelizing and adds a delicious richness.
A full ingredient list with exact measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Substitutions & Variations
- Apples: Use Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
- Fall Spice: Include a pinch of nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm fall flavor. Add vanilla for extra depth.
How to Make Caramelized Apple Slices
STEP ONE: Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples.
Optional: To prevent browning while slicing, add a squeeze of lemon.
STEP TWO: Add Sugar and Cinnamon
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Make sure the butter coats the bottom of the skillet evenly.
Stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
STEP THREE: Cook the Apples
Add the apple slices to the skillet. Cook over low to medium heat for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
STEP FOUR: Serve
Serve warm over ice cream, oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles. You may also enjoy them as a side dish with Southern pork chops.
Expert Tips for Success
👩🍳Jami's Pro Tips: Want to take this recipe to the next level? Check out my expert tips below for the best flavor, texture, and meal prep hacks!
✔️ DO Stir occasionally to prevent burning, but not too often to allow caramelization.
✔️ DO Add a squeeze of lemon to prevent browning.
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Storage
Store any leftover caramelized apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To freeze, allow them to cool completely, and then store them in an airtight container or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through.
Recipe FAQs
Caramelized apples are a classic dessert that combines the natural sweetness of apples with the rich, deep flavors of caramelized sugar. In Southern cuisine, apples are frequently used in desserts and sweet dishes, like apple pie, apple cobbler, and fried apples. They can also be served as a side dish with Southern pork chops, roasted chicken, and breakfast items.
Caramelized apples can be served with vanilla ice cream, over pancakes or waffles, as a topping for oatmeal, or even as a side with Southern dishes like pork chops.
Granny Smith apples are ideal due to their firm texture and tart flavor, but Honeycrisp and Fuji are also good options.
Cook them over medium heat and avoid over-stirring to maintain a tender yet firm texture.
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📖 Recipe
Caramelized Apple Slices
Equipment
- Skillet
- Peeler
- Knife
Ingredients
- 4 firm Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples.
- In a large skillet, melt two tablespoons of butter over low to medium heat.
- Stir in brown sugar and ground cinnamon until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the apple slices to the skillet. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and caramelized.
Save This Recipe 💌
Enter your email below and we'll send it to your inbox. Plus, you'll get new recipes from us each week!
Video
Notes
- Apples: Use Fuji or Honeycrisp for a different flavor.
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar for a healthier option.
Jami Powell says
These apple slices taste just like a warm apple pie. We love serving them with ice cream.