Southern Style Fried Apples – These Southern Style Fried Apples are like a cozy hug in a skillet. With just a few simple ingredients—Granny Smith apples, butter, sugar, and cinnamon—you’ve got a warm, spiced treat ready in 20 minutes. It’s one of those recipes that brings everyone to the kitchen because, honestly, who can resist that sweet, buttery cinnamon smell? Perfect for those moments when you want something warm and a little indulgent without spending forever in the kitchen.
The first time I made these, I wasn’t planning anything fancy—just wanted a quick treat to surprise my husband and kid after a busy afternoon outside. The moment that butter melted with the cinnamon and sugar, it was like pure magic filling the kitchen. By the time they walked in, they were already asking, “What smells so good?” And honestly, seeing their faces light up after the first bite made me realize I’d found something special. Now, these fried apples have become a go-to whenever we’re desiring something comforting and warm.
What makes this Southern Style Fried Apples truly special?
This recipe is as simple as it gets, but the flavor? Fantastical. You’ve got these tart-sweet Granny Smith apples that maintain their form perfectly. Blanketed in buttery cinnamon sugar that makes them taste like fall in every taste. And the best part? They’re super versatile—you can snack on them as they are, spoon them over pancakes, or even add them to oatmeal. It’s easy, it’s comforting, and it’s one of those little treats that makes everything feel just a bit cozier.
What You Need To Make This Southern Style Fried Apples Recipe?
Butter: Butter is the magic here. It coats the apples and helps them get that rich, slightly caramelized flavor we’re after. Plus, it gives everything that buttery, Southern-style goodness that makes these fried apples so addictive. No substitutes for this one—real butter all the way!
White Sugar: This is where the sweetness comes in. It melts down with the butter to create a simple, caramel-like sauce that coats each apple slice. You can adjust it a bit if you like things less sweet, but the sugar really helps create that gooey, delicious sauce.
Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the key to those warm, cozy vibes! It adds a bit of spice and depth, bringing out the natural sweetness of the apples. If you’re a cinnamon fan, feel free to add an extra dash or two.
Granny Smith Apples: Granny Smiths are perfect here because they’re tart and hold their shape well, so you end up with tender but not mushy apples. The slight tanginess of these apples balances all that buttery sweetness, making every bite just right.
Steps To Make Southern Style Fried Apples:
Get Everything Ready: Alright, start by grabbing all your ingredients and getting them prepped. Go ahead and peel, core, and slice up those Granny Smith apples—this part doesn’t have to be perfect, just get them into nice slices so they’ll cook up evenly.
Melt the Butter: Heat up a large skillet over medium heat and toss in the butter. Once it’s melted and bubbling, sprinkle in the sugar and cinnamon. Stir it all together until the sugar melts into the butter and everything’s looking smooth and golden. The smell at this point? Heaven.
Cook the Apples: Add in the apple slices and give them a good stir so they’re all coated in that buttery, cinnamon goodness. Let them cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, stirring now and then. You want the apples to soften up but still hold their shape—think tender but not mushy.
Want To Save This Recipe?
Serve and Enjoy: And you’re done! Serve these warm, straight from the skillet, or spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or even a little scoop of ice cream if you’re feeling fancy. Grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy every cozy, cinnamon-filled bite!
Tip:
Here’s a little trick to take these fried apples from delicious to downright unforgettable: after you’ve coated the apple slices in that buttery, cinnamon-sugar mixture, let them sit in the pan for a couple of minutes before you start cooking. I know, it’s tempting to dive right in, but this tiny wait makes a big difference. Think of it as giving the apples a quick soak—the sugar begins to dissolve, and the cinnamon and butter start to seep into the apples, almost like a mini marinade. When you finally start cooking, this helps the apples caramelize faster and gives them that rich, melt-in-your-mouth texture that’s so satisfying.
And if you really want to take things up a notch, add a tiny pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla to the pan right as you start cooking. Nutmeg adds a warm, spiced depth that pairs beautifully with cinnamon, and vanilla gives the apples an extra cozy, homey aroma. It’s a small step, but it really transforms these apples into something special!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use other types of apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smiths give that perfect tartness and hold their shape, other firm apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji work beautifully too. They’ll add a touch more sweetness, so you can even dial back the sugar a bit if you like. Just steer clear of softer apples (like Red Delicious) since they tend to get too mushy when cooked.
How can I make these a bit healthier?
Totally doable! Try cutting back on the butter or swapping half of it with coconut oil for a lighter twist. You can also experiment with maple syrup or coconut sugar instead of white sugar for a naturally sweetened version. It gives them a slightly different flavor but still keeps that comforting sweetness.
What’s the best way to enjoy these fried apples?
Oh, there are so many ways! You can eat them straight from the pan, or get creative—spoon them over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for breakfast. And if you’re in dessert mode, they’re heavenly on top of vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of whipped cream.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Southern Style Fried Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 c butter
- 1/2 c white sugar
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon or adjust to taste
- 4 Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and sliced
Instructions
Get Set Up:
- Start by gathering all your ingredients so everything’s ready to go.
Melt the Butter:
- In a large skillet on medium heat, let the butter melt down until it’s nice and smooth. Once it’s melted, sprinkle in the sugar and cinnamon. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves into the butter, creating a smooth, spiced mixture.
Cook the Apples:
- Add the apple slices to the skillet and stir to coat them in that buttery cinnamon-sugar goodness. Let them cook for about 5 to 8 minutes, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
Serve and Enjoy:
- They’re ready! Serve these warm and enjoy as a cozy snack or a tasty topping.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
