Name: Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (57 grams); 6 cups peeled and sliced Jonathan apples (678 grams, about 5 apples); 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams); 2 tablespoons light brown sugar (27 grams); ½ lemon (juiced); ¼ teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (3 grams, optional)

There’s something magical about the sweet scent of apples sizzling in butter, dusted with cinnamon, filling your kitchen instantly with warmth. That’s exactly why this Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe is a kitchen favorite—it’s fast, comforting, and bursting with homemade charm.

The image shows a black cast iron pan filled with cooked apple slices that are golden yellow and soft in texture, coated with a light sauce and sprinkled with ground cinnamon. On the right side of the pan, there are two whole cinnamon sticks laid on top of the apples. The pan handle is wrapped with a white and blue checkered cloth, and the pan sits on a surface with a white marbled texture. The apple slices are layered unevenly, with some pieces overlapping each other photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I’ve made these quick fried apples countless times when I want something sweet but simple, and it always delivers. Whether as a quick side or a cozy treat, this recipe quickly became my go-to for a fuss-free apple delight.

Speedy and Simple: Ready in just about 10 minutes, it’s perfect when time’s tight but you want homemade comfort.
Classic Flavors: Cinnamon and butter bring out the natural sweetness, making this a nostalgic, crowd-pleasing treat.
Versatile Use: It’s great on its own or as a topping over pancakes, oatmeal, or even vanilla ice cream.
Easy to Customize: You can easily tweak sugar levels, spices, or add extras to suit your personal taste.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe lies in its few simple ingredients working together seamlessly: tender but slightly crisp apples, creamy butter, sweet sugars, bright lemon juice to balance, and that warm cinnamon hug.

Flat lay of a small slab of unsalted butter with a pale yellow color, a heaping pile of peeled and sliced Jonathan apples showing creamy white flesh and subtle red and yellow skin edges, two small white ceramic bowls—one filled with granulated white sugar and the other with light brown soft brown sugar, half a fresh lemon cut to show juicy pulp, a small white ceramic bowl containing warm brown ground cinnamon powder, and a tiny white bowl holding fine kosher salt crystals, all arranged symmetrically and balanced with perfect spacing, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Jonathan apples: These give a nice balance of tartness and sweetness, plus they hold up well when cooked without turning to mush.
Unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps coat the apples with that silky glaze everyone loves.
Granulated and light brown sugar: The combo sweetens the apples and the brown sugar brings a subtle molasses depth.
Lemon juice: Just a splash cuts the sweetness and brightens up the flavors.
Kosher salt: Balances the sweetness and highlights the other ingredients.
Ground cinnamon (optional but recommended): The star spice that wraps everything in cozy warmth.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love playing around with this Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe depending on the season and mood. Don’t be shy—you’ll find your favorite twist in no time.

Variation: One of my favorite twists is adding a pinch of ground nutmeg or clove along with cinnamon for an extra warm spice profile. It’s perfect for chilly evenings.
Less Sweet: If you’re watching sugar, you can cut back on the granulated sugar or swap it for a natural sweetener like honey—just remember to adjust cooking time slightly.
Extra Texture: Feel like a little crunch? Toss in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts right at the end—it adds a lovely contrast.
Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil instead of butter for a subtle tropical note and to keep it vegan-friendly without losing richness.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

A black cast iron pan filled with slices of cooked apples that are soft and golden yellow with a light brown coating of cinnamon and sugar, arranged in a loose, layered pile. At the bottom right of the pan, three cinnamon sticks are placed side by side. The pan is resting on a white marbled surface with a crumpled white and blue checkered cloth draped near the top left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Melt the Butter Slowly

I start by melting the butter in a large, heavy skillet over medium-low heat. This low-and-slow approach lets the butter simmer gently without burning, giving it a nutty aroma that’s the perfect base for our apples.

Step 2: Add Apples and Seasonings

Next, toss in your peeled, sliced apples along with both sugars, lemon juice, kosher salt, and cinnamon if you’re using it. Stir everything together so the apples are coated in that buttery, sweet, spicy goodness.

Step 3: Cook Low and Patiently

Keep the heat on medium-low and cook uncovered for about 8 to 10 minutes. Every couple of minutes, gently turn the apples with a spatula to soften them evenly without breaking their shape. You want tender apples with a slight bite, not mush.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks to make these quick fried apples shine every single time I make them—these tips save me from common pitfalls and ensure perfect texture and flavor.

Don’t Rush the Cook Time: Cooking the apples slowly allows the sugars to caramelize lightly without burning. It’s tempting to crank the heat, but patience pays off here.
Choose Firm Apples: I’ve tried softer varieties before, and they tend to fall apart. Firm apples like Jonathan or Granny Smith keep their shape and give you better texture.
Use a Heavy Skillet: A thick-bottom pan spreads the heat evenly, preventing hot spots and burnt patches. Your apples cook more beautifully and consistently.
Turn Gently: When flipping the apples, use a spatula and be gentle. Too much stirring breaks them up and you lose that lovely shape.

How to Serve Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe

fried apples with cinnamon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top and add a tiny drizzle of warm honey or a dollop of whipped cream. Sometimes, I toss on toasted nuts for crunch—these simple touches make all the difference.

Side Dishes

These cinnamon fried apples are awesome alongside breakfast staples like pancakes, French toast, or even scrambled eggs for a sweet-and-savory combo. I also love serving them over vanilla ice cream or warm oatmeal for an easy dessert or snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday breakfasts or special brunches, I sometimes scoop the warm apples into small ramekins and top them with a sprinkle of granola and a mint leaf. It feels fancy but takes just a minute—always a crowd-pleaser!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and they usually keep well for up to 3 days. When you reheat, they almost taste like freshly made, which is a lovely surprise.

Freezing

I’ve frozen these apples once or twice and found that they reheat nicely, but the texture softens a bit. If freezing, I recommend using them later in baked goods or as a topping rather than eating them standalone.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, I gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, or pop them in the microwave in short bursts. This helps keep the apples soft but prevents them from becoming mushy.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What apples work best for Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon Recipe?

Firmer varieties like Jonathan, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp are ideal because they hold their shape during cooking and offer a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! Simply swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative such as coconut oil or vegan margarine. The apples will still cook beautifully and taste delicious.

How do I prevent the apples from becoming mushy?

Cook the apples over medium-low heat and turn them gently every few minutes. Using firmer apple varieties and avoiding overcooking are key to maintaining that tender yet slightly crisp texture.

Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Definitely! Feel free to experiment with warm spices like nutmeg, allspice, or cloves. These can add depth and complexity, especially during fall or winter months.

Final Thoughts

Making these Quick Fried Apples with Cinnamon always reminds me of those cozy mornings when life feels just a bit sweeter with something homemade. Give it a try—you’ll quickly see why this simple recipe has earned a permanent spot in my kitchen and, I hope, yours too.