These easy caramelized apples are a wonderful treat for fall! With a sweet buttery sauce, the apples become soft and sugary, perfect for topping pancakes or ice cream.
I love how quickly this dish comes together, making the kitchen smell like a warm hug. They’re so good, you might just want to eat them by the spoonful! 🍏🍬
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are great choices due to their balance of sweetness and tartness. If you want a sweeter flavor, you can use Fuji or Gala apples. For a different taste, try using pears instead!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred because you can control the saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, coconut oil or vegan butter works well as a substitute and adds a nice flavor.
Brown Sugar: Brown sugar gives a lovely caramel flavor. If you’re out, you can mix white sugar with a little molasses or use coconut sugar for a more earthy taste.
Spices: Cinnamon is a must for that warm flavor, but you can skip the nutmeg if you’re not a fan. Some people also like to add a dash of allspice or ginger for an extra kick.
How Can I Make Sure My Apples Stay Tender and Not Mushy?
The key to perfectly caramelized apples is cooking them just right. Here are some tips to achieve that tender yet firm texture:
- Slice the apples evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate.
- Cook over medium heat, so they can caramelize slowly without burning.
- Stir occasionally to coat them in the sauce while allowing them to cook properly.
- Don’t overcook! Keep a close eye on them, and remove them from heat as soon as they’re fork-tender.
By keeping these tips in mind, you’ll have delicious caramelized apples that are perfect for any fall dish!
Easy Caramelized Apples
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and cook. It’s a quick and delightful way to enjoy the flavors of fall!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Melt the Butter:
Start by placing your large skillet on the stove over medium heat. Add the unsalted butter and let it melt. Watch it closely until it starts to foam, which means it’s ready for the next step!
2. Create the Caramel Sauce:
Now, it’s time to add the sweetness! Sprinkle in the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir these ingredients together until the sugar dissolves and the mixture becomes syrupy, which should take about 1–2 minutes.
3. Add the Apples:
Carefully add your sliced apples to the skillet. Gently stir them so that they get coated evenly with that delicious caramel sauce. Make sure every slice gets some love!
4. Cook the Apples:
Keep cooking those apples! Stir occasionally and let them cook for about 8–10 minutes, until they are tender but still hold their shape. You want them soft and delicious but not mushy.
5. Flavor with Vanilla:
Now, pour in the vanilla extract and give it another quick stir. Let it cook for another minute to let the vanilla flavor infuse into the apples.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once your apples are cooked to perfection, take them off the heat. Serve them warm as a wonderful topping for pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt, or even ice cream. They are a cozy treat that’s sure to bring comfort this fall!
Enjoy your cozy fall treat!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I Use Different Types of Apples?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp work great for their balance of sweetness and tartness, you can also use Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn apples for a sweeter option, or even pears for a fun twist!
How Do I Store Leftover Caramelized Apples?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes, you can! Substitute the unsalted butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. The rest of the ingredients remain the same for a delicious vegan version.
How Can I Adjust the Sweetness Level?
If you prefer a less sweet dish, reduce the amount of brown sugar to 2 tablespoons or even use a sugar substitute like maple syrup or agave nectar, adjusting the quantity to taste. Just keep in mind that different sweeteners may alter the texture slightly!
Feel free to ask more questions if you have any!
