Oh my gosh, let me tell you about one of my absolute favorite comfort food recipes: Cinnamon Fried Apples! There’s something about the combination of juicy apples bathed in a sweet cinnamon syrup that just warms my heart and soul. I remember the first time I had this dish; it was at my grandmother’s house, and the sweet aroma wafting through the kitchen was enough to make my mouth water. She would whip these up in a flash, and we would usually serve them warm over pancakes on lazy Sunday mornings.
What’s great about this recipe is its versatility! You can enjoy these fragrant apples as a delightful dessert, a tasty topping over pancakes or waffles, or even warm them up next to some creamy vanilla ice cream. Trust me when I say, no matter how you choose to serve them, they’ll be a hit!
What’s in Cinnamon Fried Apples?
Apples: The star of the show! I usually go for Granny Smith for that lovely tartness or Honeycrisp for a sweet crunch. Peel, core, and dice them up to ensure they cook evenly.
Unsalted Butter: This is what gives the apples a rich, buttery flavor. I recommend using unsalted to have better control over the sweetness of the dish.
Brown Sugar: Adds a warm, caramel-like sweetness that perfectly complements the apples. You can use light or dark brown sugar depending on how deep you want the flavor to be.
Ground Cinnamon: The magical ingredient that turns this dish into a cozy aroma! Freshly ground cinnamon is great, but store-bought works perfectly in a pinch.
Vanilla Extract: Just a splash of this lovely extract brings out the flavors of the apples and adds a delightful depth to the syrup.
Water: Helps to create a syrupy consistency without making it too thick.
Pinch of Salt: A tiny bit of salt balances the sweetness beautifully.
Optional: A sprinkle of additional cinnamon for service adds that extra touch of deliciousness!
Is Cinnamon Fried Apples Good for You?
Now, I won’t claim that Cinnamon Fried Apples are a health food, but they do have some perks! Apples are a fantastic source of fiber and vitamin C, which is a bonus for your immune system. Sure, we’re adding sugar and butter, but everything in moderation, right?
However, if you’re keeping an eye on sugar intake, consider using less brown sugar or substituting with a sugar alternative. And for those nut-lovers out there, tossing in some chopped pecans or walnuts adds some heart-healthy fats and a crunch that I just adore!
What You’ll Need
– 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and diced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
– 1/4 cup water
– Pinch of salt
– Optional: a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for serving
This recipe makes about 4 servings, perfect for sharing (or not, I won’t judge!).
How to Make Cinnamon Fried Apples?
1. **Prepare the Apples**: Start by peeling, coring, and dicing the apples into small cubes. This will help them cook evenly and absorb the syrup well.
2. **Melt the Butter**: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it starts to bubble.
3. **Cook the Apples**: Add the diced apples to the skillet, stirring them to coat with the melted butter. Cook for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.
4. **Create the Syrup**: In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, water, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples in the skillet.
5. **Simmer**: Allow the apples to simmer in the cinnamon syrup for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and the syrup has thickened slightly.
6. **Garnish**: Remove from heat and, if desired, sprinkle additional cinnamon over the top for extra aroma before serving.
7. **Serve**: Enjoy the cinnamon fried apples warm, either as a dessert, a topping for pancakes or waffles, or alongside a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Cinnamon Apple Bliss
Oh, and here’s a little tip: if you want to elevate these fried apples even more, try adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end for a hint of tang! And if you’re feeling adventurous, some caramel sauce drizzled over the top will take this dish to the next level of indulgence.
Alright, my friends, it’s time for you to grab those apples and bring a little warmth into your kitchen with these Cinnamon Fried Apples. I promise you’ll love them just as much as I do. And hey, don’t forget to share your experiences or any twists you’ve made to the recipe! Happy cooking!
