Southern fried apples are a classic comfort food that bring a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to any meal. This simple yet delightful dish features tender apple slices sautéed in butter with a hint of cinnamon and sugar, creating a caramelized, warm treat that’s perfect for breakfast or dessert.
The rich flavors and irresistible aroma make southern fried apples a beloved staple in Southern kitchens, embodying the heartwarming essence of traditional Southern cooking. Whether enjoyed on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, they are sure to evoke cherished memories and satisfy your taste buds.

Fall is the perfect time for everything apples.
These southern fried apples are a perfect addition to breakfasts (like pancake toppings), desserts (on top of cakes) or even just as a delicious sweet side dish.

A big bowl full on its own or with a scoop of ice cream is a perfect idea too!

What you will need for ingredients:
- Granny smith apples – green apples give just the right amount of tart flavor to balance out the sweet sauce
- Lemon juice – a sprinkle on top of the apples helps them stay fresh and add the acidity to the recipe
- Butter – melted in a large cast iron pan. If you use salted butter you can skip the extra salt at the end.
- Brown sugar for the caramelizing of the apples
- Cinnamon for the flavor
- Cornstarch, which helps add some thickness to the sauce
- Salt to balance it all out
7 ingredients for the best southern apples you’ll ever make. If you’re in a pinch you can get rid of the lemon juice, cornstarch and salt and they will still turn out as a great apple dish.

Southern Fried Apples

Southern fried apples are a classic comfort food that bring a touch of sweetness and nostalgia to any meal. This simple yet delightful dish features tender apple slices sautéed in butter with a hint of cinnamon and sugar, creating a caramelized, warm treat that's perfect for breakfast or dessert.
Ingredients
- 5 large Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into wedges (about 6 cups)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup butter
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel and slice apples into wedges and set aside. Drizzle the lemon juice over the apples.
- In a large cast iron skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add apples and stir for a minute or two. Then add brown sugar, cinnamon, cornstarch and salt. Mix until well incorporated.
- Lower the heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes until desired consistency is reached.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Recommended Products
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Lodge 15 Inch Cast Iron Pre-Seasoned Skillet – Signature Teardrop Handle - Use in the Oven, on the Stove, on the Grill, or Over a Campfire, Black
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Gorilla Grip Sharp Stainless Steel Swivel Vegetable Peeler, Comfortable Handle, Dishwasher Safe, Potato Peelers for Kitchen, Smooth Peeling, Peel Veggies, Apple, Corn, Includes Blade Guard, Black
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Apple Peeler Corer, Long lasting Chrome Cast Magnesium Alloy Apple Peeler Slicer Corer with Stainless Steel Blades and Powerful Suction Base for Apples and Potato(Red)
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1 cupAmount Per Serving: Calories: 450Total Fat: 24gSaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 61mgSodium: 721mgCarbohydrates: 60gFiber: 8gSugar: 47gProtein: 1g
Nutrition information is calculated automatically by an online tool at Nutritionix. It is not always accurate. Please use your own tools to check if you rely on this information.
Diane
Wednesday 20th of August 2025
Is there a way that I would be able to can these in mason jars to make it shelf stable