Our easy caramelized apples recipe in a pan on the stove are delicious and a healthy dessert even your kids will fall in love with. Coated in a sticky sweet sauce with cinnamon, we love serving this over a scoop of ice cream after dinner.
Ok so we are trying to eat healthier lately but still need a little bit of sweet after a meal. I have been making air fryer apple slices for quite some time now but the other day I wanted to make it on the stove and they turned out excellent!!
You know how you go to Cracker Barrel and they ask for your selection of sides. Everyone (unless you are crazy) chooses the apples because they are just SO good, I would say these are a copycat version of those for sure.
I made this in a small batch since there are only 2 of us at home now (new empty nesters here) but you could certainly double or triple it with a larger pan and twice as many ingredients.
Ingredient Notes
There are only a few main ingredients to make this sweet and sticky sauce that coats the outsides of each and every piece. That is key right? Other than the fruit itself you want brown sugar (light or dark works), butter and cinnamon. Those are the basics.
What are the best apples to caramelize?
You are going to want to use the firm and somewhat tart green Granny Smith apples to make this. Other varieties are softer and will break down too much making them mushy so don’t go there. You’ll want to peel, core and slice them relatively thick.
Can you use a sugar-free substitute?
I don’t have a need to do this however some followers have found success using products like Splenda that you use with a 1:1 ratio. With that said I would say go for it, I think it would work just as well and allow everyone to enjoy this dessert.
How Long to Caramelize Apples in a Pan
You only need 10 minutes total to soften them enough and thicken the sauce. With that said, texture is personal preference for sure so there may be a variation within a few minutes here and there depending on how soft you want them to become.
How can you quickly caramelize apples?
I wouldn’t think on high vs. medium heat would work very well because you do need a little time for the sauce to thicken and not burn. I have made Instant Pot apple crisp that will give you the same result though in 0 minutes (but takes about 10 minutes to come to pressure initially).
How do you know when they are done?
It is all about the texture you desire. Just use a fork and test right in the pan/pot. Remember that as they cool they will continue to soften so I suggest the 10 minute cook time so that when cooled they don’t become complete mush.
Removing from the heat when fruit is tender but not falling apart is key in my opinion.
How to Serve Caramelized Apples
I mean you can enjoy these in a bowl as is if you want. However, amping them up a bit with something else is really tasty too. We have served these, warm, over a scoop of ice cream. Over a slice of our apple cake with cake mix has been a yummy combination too.
Caramelized Apples Recipe
Equipment
- 1 pan
- 1 knife
- 1 cutting board
Ingredients
- 2 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
- 2 tbsp butter, unsalted
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1 tsp lemon juice, optional
- 1/2 tsp vanilla, optional
Instructions
- Melt the butter in a large pan over medium heat. Add the apple slices and cook for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
- Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon and salt. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until as tender as you would like.
- If you choose to add lemon juice and vanilla for a richer flavor do so now and simmer for 1 additional minute. Serve!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How do you store leftovers?
You definitely don’t want to waste these. If you have some left, allow them to completely cool down. Transfer to an air tight container and keep in the fridge for up to 3 days. Note: they will soften the longer they sit so I suggest reheating the next day for best results.
