Southern Fried Apples Recipe
Introduction
Southern Fried Apples are a warm, comforting treat that combine tender, spiced apples with a buttery, syrupy glaze. Perfect as a dessert served over vanilla ice cream or as a sweet side dish, they bring a touch of Southern charm to any meal.

Ingredients
- ½ cup butter
- 6 Granny Smith apples
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
- 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even pieces to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Step 2: Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat until fully melted.
- Step 3: Add the sliced apples to the skillet, cover, and cook over low heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring often to prevent burning, until the apples are soft.
- Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt.
- Step 5: Add the sugar mixture to the cooked apples and stir well. Continue cooking for another 5-10 minutes until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy.
- Step 6: Serve the warm fried apples over vanilla ice cream or as a sweet side dish.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness and add a slight tang.
- For a richer flavor, try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a sprinkle of ground cloves.
- If you prefer a thicker syrup, cook the apple mixture a few minutes longer to reduce the liquid.
Storage
Store leftover fried apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving. They can also be enjoyed cold over yogurt or oatmeal.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples?
Yes, you can use other firm apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may reduce the amount of sugar you need to add.
Can I make Southern Fried Apples ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them in advance and reheat before serving. The flavors often deepen after sitting overnight.
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Southern Fried Apples Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
This classic Southern Fried Apples recipe features tender, cinnamon-spiced apples cooked in buttery syrup, perfect served warm over vanilla ice cream or as a delicious side dish. The apples are slowly sautéed until soft and sweetened with a mix of brown and white sugar combined with aromatic spices for a comforting treat.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
Syrup & Spices
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- ½ cup granulated white sugar
- ¼ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 pinch ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch salt
To Serve
- 6 scoops vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into even pieces to ensure uniform cooking.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter completely to create a rich base for cooking the apples.
- Cook the Apples: Add the sliced apples to the skillet, cover, and reduce heat to low. Cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent burning, until the apples become tender.
- Mix Spices and Sugars: In a separate bowl, combine the granulated white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt thoroughly.
- Add Sugar Mixture: Stir the sugar and spice blend into the soft apples and continue cooking for an additional 5-10 minutes until the sugars dissolve and the mixture becomes syrupy and glossy.
- Serve: Spoon the warm Southern fried apples over scoops of vanilla ice cream for a classic dessert, or serve as a sweet side dish alongside your favorite southern meal.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith to balance the sweetness.
- Stir frequently during cooking to prevent the apples from sticking or burning.
- Adjust sugar to taste for less or more sweetness.
- Vanilla ice cream is optional but highly recommended for dessert serving.
- Can be served warm or at room temperature according to preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern
Keywords: Southern fried apples, cinnamon apples, apple dessert, southern dessert, skillet apples, fried apples recipe

