Elevate your dessert game with these mouthwatering caramelized apples!
The classic combination of tender apples, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon is enough to make your taste buds dance with joy.
This versatile treat is a fantastic topping for everything from pound cake and French toast to pancakes and cinnamon rolls.
Or enjoy them on their own with vanilla ice cream. Either way, you’ll love them.
Why You’ll Love These Caramelized Apples
Taste Sensation: Caramelized apples offer a rich and satisfying taste, with the perfect balance of sweetness and a hint of spice from the cinnamon.
Versatile Treat: Enjoy them warm with a batch of freshly baked biscuits or let them cool and serve over a slice of cheesecake. There are no wrong answers here!
Autumn Delight: The combination of tender apples and cinnamon will have your home smelling like fall!
Impressive Yet Easy: While the finished dish looks and tastes impressive, this recipe is surprisingly simple to prepare. In fact, you can have it ready in less than 20 minutes!
Ingredients
- Apples: The star of this sweet and simple dish. Choose Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweetness, or Gala for a balance of both.
- Unsalted Butter: The rich, creamy base that helps caramelize the apples to perfection. If you like salted caramel, go with salted butter.
- Brown Sugar: The secret ingredient that transforms ordinary apples into a decadent treat. The molasses in the brown sugar adds depth and complexity to the caramel sauce.
- Ground Cinnamon: The warm, aromatic spice that elevates the flavor of the caramelized apples. Just a pinch is all you need to create a cozy, comforting taste.
How to Make Caramelized Apples
The caramelization process in this recipe is like alchemy, transforming simple ingredients into a glistening, golden delicacy.
Watching the butter and brown sugar melt together and coat the apple slices is so satisfying. And the way the apples soften and absorb all those incredible flavors is nothing short of spectacular.
But while it may seem like kitchen magic, it only takes a few steps:
1. PEEL, core, and slice the apples.
2. MELT the butter, then stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Mix until the sugar dissolves.
3. ADD the sliced apples and cook for 8-10 minutes, tossing occasionally so they’re evenly coated.
4. COOL for a few minutes, then serve and enjoy!
Tips For the Best Caramelized Apples
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dessert or a show-stopping addition to your next gathering, these caramelized apples are sure to impress.
Especially if you read these tips first!
- Apple recommendations. Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Gala for the best texture and flavor. Avoid soft, mealy apples that will turn mushy when cooked.
- Slice evenly. Cut the apples into uniform wedges or slices to ensure they cook evenly and caramelize at the same rate.
- Avoid overcrowding. If possible, arrange the apple slices in a single layer in the skillet to allow them to caramelize properly. Overcrowding can cause the apples to steam rather than caramelize.
- Stir occasionally. Toss the apples occasionally while cooking to promote even caramelization on all sides. However, avoid stirring too frequently, as this can cause the apples to break apart.
- Flavor variations. For extra depth of flavor, experiment with additional spices like nutmeg, allspice, or apple pie spice. A splash of vanilla extract or bourbon can also enhance the caramel notes.
- Prevent sticking. If needed, add a tablespoon or two of water, apple juice, or lemon juice to the skillet to prevent the apples from sticking or burning. The liquid will help create a caramel sauce.
Serving Suggestions
Caramelized apples are a delightful treat that can add a touch of sweetness and warmth to any dish.
Here are some serving suggestions to inspire your culinary creativity:
- Dessert Topping: Use caramelized apples as a topping for cake, pancakes, waffles, or cheesecake to add a rich, sweet flavor.
- Yogurt or Oatmeal: Mix them into yogurt or oatmeal for a comforting and flavorful breakfast.
- Savory Dishes: Pair with pork chops or roasted chicken to add a sweet contrast to savory flavors.
- Crepes or Galettes: Fill crepes or galettes with caramelized apples for a delicious brunch option.
- Cocktail Garnish: Cool and add as a garnish to cocktails for a unique and sweet twist.
How to Store
Best served warm, caramelized apples are so tasty, I doubt you’ll have leftovers. But if you do, keep in mind they’ll soften a lot as they sit in the fridge.
That said, you’ll want to enjoy them as soon as possible!
To Store: Place cooled caramelized apples in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To Reheat: Warm caramelized apples in a microwave-safe dish for 30-60 seconds, stirring halfway through. Alternatively, reheat them in a skillet over medium-low heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Note: I don’t recommend freezing these apples as they might turn mushy after thawing.
More Sweet Apple Treats to Try
Skillet Apple Crisp
Apple Turnovers
Apple Hand Pies
Caramel Apple Cheesecake
Caramelized Apples
4
servings10
minutes10
minutes248
kcalCraving something warm, sweet, and fruity? Try these easy caramelized apples! Ready in minutes, they’re great as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, and more.
Ingredients
3-4 apples (about 2 pounds Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples into equal-sized slices/wedges.
- In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar and cinnamon and mix constantly until the sugar dissolves.
- Carefully add the sliced apples to the skillet, arranging them in a single layer if possible. Cook, tossing occasionally, until they are tender and caramelized on all sides. This should take approximately 8-10 minutes.
- Remove the skillet from the heat and let the apples cool slightly before serving. Enjoy!
Notes
- Apple thickness. Cut apples about 1/4 inch thick for a tender (but not mushy) consistency.
- Flavor Variations. Add a splash of bourbon or rum for a boozy twist. You can also add a handful of raisins or cranberries for extra texture and flavor.
- Use firm apples. Sweet apples taste great raw but turn to mush when cooked. Always opt for a firm apple like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or Gala.
