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This Southern fried apples recipe is the kind of warm, buttery comfort that makes the whole kitchen feel like home. The apples turn soft and glossy in a rich cinnamon sugar mixture, filling every room with that irresistible smell as they cook.
If you love this recipe try my Easy Apple Tart or Apple Hand Pies with Puff Pastry.
Ingredient Breakdown
- Granny Smith Apples – While you can use other varieties of apples, I think granny smith apples are the best. Their tart flavor holds up beautifully against the butter and sugar. I’ve tried this recipe with gala apples and it was way too sweet. When I re-tested the fried apples recipe with granny smith apples it was perfect.
- Unsalted Butter – Creates the rich base for the syrupy sauce. If you want to cut the sweetness a bit, feel free to use salted butter. Both work great in this recipe, it just depends on the flavor profile you want.
- Brown Sugar – Adds deep caramel flavor and that signature glossy finish.
- Granulated Sugar – Brings extra sweetness and helps the sauce come together.
- Cinnamon – Gives the apples that warm, familiar spice.
- Nutmeg – Adds a little depth and makes the flavor feel fuller.
Storage & Make ahead
Southern fried apples are a great make ahead recipe. I personally like to make them ahead of time to serve with oatmeal for breakfast or have for dessert with ice cream.
Store the apples in an airtight container and they will stay good for up to four days. You can also freeze them for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just know the apples will be softer after thawing, and the buttery sauce may separate a little, so reheat them gently in a skillet and stir until everything comes back together.
Southern Fried Apples
Ingredients
- 3 granny smith apples
- 5 tbsp unsalted butter
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Peel, core & slice the apples into about ¼ – ½ inch slices.
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Once the pan is heated, add in the butter and melt. Add the sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to the melted butter and stir to incorporate.
- Add the apples and toss to coat with the sugars and spices. Let cook until the apples are tender, about 5-10 minutes. It’s really up to you how soft you want the apples to be.
- Remove from the pan and serve. They are great on oatmeal, with ice cream or just by itself!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to make southern fried apples
Peel and slice the apples.
Cook them in melted butter with brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Let them soften until tender and coated in a glossy syrup. Serve warm on their own, over oatmeal, or with ice cream.
