Easy Caramelized Apples Recipe (2024)

Easy caramelized apples sauteed in butter and sugar make a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. They also serve as the best topping and filling for delicious pastries.

Caramelized apples, like caramelized peaches, can becooked with or without brown sugar,browned in a skillet, sliced ​​or diced,and eaten like a simple apple dessert enhanced with streusel, almonds, or cinnamon.

They are perfect for garnishing caramelized apple turnovers and French crepes, making them unique like these Begga'r purses. They are used in the preparation ofapple crumbles, muffins, and apple Tarte Tatin.

Whether you agree or not, as per the prize-winning Mr. Lejarre,

Caramelization accounts for the charm of the tart. It's everything.

So, let's learn how to make caramelized apples. Please, note that these indulgent delights differ from other dessert recipes such as candy or caramel apples.

Why you should try this recipe

• The caramelized apple recipe is quick and comforting and made with just a few simple ingredients (no cornstarch added) within 15-30 minutes.

• Cooking apples on stove has never been easier and more fun, especially preparing for parties.

• Caramelized apple slices make a perfect festive dessert to enhance your Christmas and Thanksgiving table.

• The apple recipe is fully customizable, doesn't depend on the time of year, and is also vegetarian and gluten-free.

Ingredients

Get a quick overview of the necessary ingredients. For precise measurements and instructions, refer to the recipe card.

• Apples: Choose firm apples that hold their shape when cooked.The best apples to use are Golden, Gala, Pink Lady, Pippin Queen, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Crispin, Braeburn, and Granny Smith apples.

You don't need to peel them to benefit from dietary fiber using organic apples. Otherwise, peel your apples with a vegetable peeler.

• Brown sugar is used to make the recipe. Rich in molasses, it brings an additional caramel flavor. Choose light or dark brown sugar for a deeper flavor.

• Butter: The recipe calls for high-quality, 82% fat-content European-style butter. You can use salted or unsalted butter; it is up to you. But don't replace butter with oil by opting for a healthy version.

• Ground cinnamon brings a beautiful flavor to apples. Omit it if desired, or replace it with apple pie spice, allspice, or nutmeg.

• Salt: A pinch of salt enhances the flavors of caramelized apples. You can use Fleur de Sel if available.

• Lemon: Lemon juice is used to deglaze the skillet. You can easily replace it with orange juice, apple cider, or balsamic vinegar.

Also, read about the recipe variations below for using alcohol to flambe caramelized apples.

Recipe variations

Try exploring different flavors and textures to create a unique twist on the traditional caramelized apples. Incorporate some extra ingredients while caramelizing apples.

• Apples: Choose different types of apples, red and green, sweet and tart, for the best flavor and taste.

• Sugar: You can use more or less sugardepending on your sweetness preferences. The more sugar is used, the more caramel is produced.

• Flavorings: Flavor caramelized apples with vanilla extract, orange blossom water, or fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, etc.

• Add-ins: Add raisins, chopped dried fruits, flaked or slivered almonds, or pine nuts at the end of cooking.

• Cream: Pour 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of heavy cream at the end of cooking for more indulgence.

• Alcohol: You can flambe caramelized apples with Calvados, Grand Marnier, or apple brandy: pour the liqueur and flambé like crepes Suzette.

How to caramelize apples

Prepare apples

Peel and remove the core using an apple corer. If you use organic apples, don't peel them. Cut apples into quarters, then each quarter in half. If you don't like thick slices, you can chop apples into smaller pieces.

Caramelize apples

In a medium-sized skillet or a saucepan, melt butter. Once the butter is well melted, add apple slices and a cinnamon stick (optional) to the skillet and sprinkle with brown sugar.

Cook apple wedges over medium heat, stirring regularly, until the apple slices are colored and the caramel sauce turns a nice light brown color.

It usually takes 6-7 minutes, depending on the stove. Sprinkle the apple mixture with ground cinnamon and a pinch of fleur de sel.

Remove the apples, deglaze the bottom of the pan with lemon juice, and pour over the apples.

Serve

Serve caramelized apples hot, warm, or cold with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. If desired, coat them with the sweet buttery caramelized sauce and garnish with mint leaves.

Expert Tip

1. Opt for firm apples such as Golden, Gala, Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Pippin Queen, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Crispin, and Braeburn.
2. Respect the cookie settings to avoid burning caramel-like sauce.
3. If the apples are not juicy enough, you may need to add some water.
4. Add extra butter and sugar for delicious layers of flavor and juiciness.
5. If you double or triple the recipe, use a large skillet or sautee apples in batches.
6. Add one teaspoon of honey or maple syrup at the end of cooking if desired.

Storage instructions

Keep caramelized apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a week.So you can prepare them in advance for a party. To serve warm, reheat them quickly in the microwave or a skillet.

Can you freeze caramelized apples? Unfortunately, they don't freeze well, losing their texture when thawed. But you can place them in a freezing bag, seal well, and freeze them for up to 3 months if desired.

What to make with caramelized apples

Caramelized apples are the perfect way to liven up any dish, from savory and sweet and beyond. So let's explore all the delicious possibilities that caramelized apple offer.

• Simple and delicious dessert

Serve sauteed apples hot with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and a dollop of Chantilly cream or sugar-free whipped cream.

• Breakfast topping

Caramelized apple topping made with butter, and brown sugar, with a hint of lemon, is best served over crepes, cheese pancakes, waffles, and sourdough French toast.

You can try apples as a perfect topping on something more unexpected, like French rice pudding, overnight oats, or Greek yogurt.

• Apple filling

Sauteed apples add a sweet flavor to beloved apple pie recipes, and luscious puff pastries and delectable tarts.

• Accompaniment

Cinnamon apples make a great side dish or addition to savory dishes like brie cheese, goat cheese, pork chops, and chicken.

FAQ

Love apple recipes? Try these next!

If you are a fan of delectable apple-based recipes, there may be more delicious recipes for your baking discovery.

• Apple Crumble Bread
• Sponge Apple Cake
• Apple Mousse Cake
• French Apple Fritters

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Recipe card

The nutritional information has been calculated using an online recipe nutrition calculator such as Verywellfit.com and is intended for informational purposes only. These figures should be used as a general guideline and not be construed as a guarantee.