Description
This Easy Sautéed Cinnamon Apples recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, caramelized apples infused with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a comforting dessert or a flavorful topping for pancakes and oatmeal, it uses simple ingredients and takes just 25 minutes to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 2 tablespoons butter (or coconut oil for vegan option)
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup or brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Additional
- 1 tablespoon water (if needed)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into thin wedges to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Melt Butter: Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until fully melted, providing a flavorful base for sautéing.
- Sauté Apples: Add the apple slices to the skillet and cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and begin to release their juices.
- Add Spices and Sweetener: Sprinkle the cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the apples. Drizzle with maple syrup or sprinkle with brown sugar, then stir well to evenly coat the apple slices with the flavors.
- Caramelize: Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for another 5–7 minutes until the apples become tender and caramelized. Add water if the skillet becomes too dry to prevent burning.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, stir in the vanilla extract for a fragrant finish, and serve the sautéed apples warm.
Notes
- Choose firmer apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for better texture after cooking.
- For a vegan version, substitute butter with coconut oil and use maple syrup instead of brown sugar if desired.
- If the apples start to stick or dry out during cooking, add a splash of water to loosen the mixture.
- These sautéed apples pair well with oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
- You can adjust the amount of cinnamon and sweetener according to your taste preference.
