Description
These sweet Southern-style fried apples taste just like the ones at Cracker Barrel but even better when homemade! Tender, buttery apples caramelized with cinnamon and brown sugar make the perfect side dish for breakfast, holidays, or dessert with a scoop of ice cream.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced (peeled or unpeeled)
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tbsp cinnamon (or apple pie spice)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1–2 tsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
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Melt Butter & Combine Ingredients
- In a cast-iron skillet (or large heavy-bottomed pan), melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
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Cook the Apples
- Fold in apple slices and stir to coat evenly.
- Cover and cook on low heat for 20 minutes, stirring frequently, until apples are tender.
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Thicken the Sauce
- Remove the cover and raise heat to medium-high.
- Cook for 5-10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Adjust & Serve
- Taste and, if needed, add lemon juice to enhance the flavors.
- Serve warm as a side dish, over pancakes, with pork chops, or as a dessert with ice cream.
Notes
- Apple varieties: Granny Smiths are tart and hold their shape well, but Honeycrisp or Fuji apples work too.
- Serving ideas: Try over oatmeal, waffles, or biscuits for a cozy breakfast.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 recipe
- Calories: 290 kcal
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 40mg