Description
Sweet southern thanksgiving cinnamon fried apples deliver a nostalgic Southern comfort that brings warmth to family gatherings. Classic ingredients and simple techniques help you recreate this beloved regional treat with authentic flavor and traditional charm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4 cups chopped apples (Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady)
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) salted butter
Sweeteners and Spices:
- 1/2 cup (100 grams or 3.55 ounces) granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons caramel sauce
- 1 pinch sea salt
Supplementary Ingredients:
- 1 medium lemon (juice)
- 1 scoop vanilla ice cream or cool whip
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) chopped walnuts or pecans
- 1 sprig fresh mint leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare apple slices by cutting into uniform half-moon shapes approximately 1/2 inch thick, immediately drizzling lemon juice to preserve color and prevent oxidation.
- Using a light-colored skillet, melt butter over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until it transforms from frothy to golden brown, approximately 3 minutes.
- Incorporate granulated and brown sugars along with ground cinnamon into the browned butter, whisking thoroughly to create a smooth, caramelized mixture.
- Gently fold apple slices into the sugar-butter sauce, ensuring each piece is evenly coated and allowing them to simmer at medium-low temperature for 12-15 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Meanwhile, separately toast chopped walnuts or pecans in a dry pan until they release a rich, nutty fragrance, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
- Plate the warm cinnamon-infused apples, crowning them with a generous scoop of cold vanilla ice cream, scattered toasted nuts, drizzled caramel sauce, a delicate mint sprig, and a subtle sprinkle of sea salt for enhanced flavor complexity.
Notes
- Always choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance in the dish.
- Control the heat carefully when browning butter to prevent burning, watching for a golden amber color and nutty aroma.
- Adjust sugar levels based on apple sweetness, reducing added sugar for naturally sweet varieties to maintain a balanced dessert.
- For dietary modifications, substitute butter with coconut oil for a vegan version or use monk fruit sweetener for a low-carb alternative.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Desserts
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 265
- Sugar: 29g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 20mg