Description
Tender caramelized apples cooked with butter, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon create this classic Southern comfort dish perfect for breakfast, dessert, or as a savory side.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/3 cup light brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- 1. Wash, core, and slice apples into 1/4-inch thick pieces. Toss immediately with lemon juice to prevent browning.
- 2. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat until foamy but not browned.
- 3. Add brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the melted butter. Stir until sugar begins to dissolve, about 1 minute.
- 4. Add apple slices to the skillet and toss gently to coat with the butter-sugar mixture.
- 5. Cook apples for 12-15 minutes, stirring gently every 3-4 minutes to ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- 6. When apples are tender but still hold their shape and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
- 7. Stir in vanilla extract and let stand for 2 minutes before serving.
- 8. Serve warm over pancakes, ice cream, or alongside pork chops or roasted chicken.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. These apples freeze well for up to 3 months. For a thicker sauce, cook an extra minute or two at slightly higher heat. For thinner sauce, add a tablespoon of water or apple juice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 165
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Fat: 8g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
