Skillet Apples with Cinnamon: A Warm and Cozy Dessert Recipe

Skillet apples with cinnamon are a classic dessert that’s easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. The warm, tender apples, infused with the sweet and spicy aroma of cinnamon, create a comforting and satisfying treat. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dessert or a festive addition to a holiday gathering. It’s also incredibly versatile – enjoy it on its own, top it with ice cream, or use it as a filling for pies and crisps.

This recipe explores different variations of skillet apples, including adding caramel sauce, nuts, or even a touch of bourbon for a more sophisticated flavor profile. Whether you’re a seasoned baker or a beginner in the kitchen, this guide will walk you through each step, ensuring you create a delicious and memorable dessert.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Easy to make:** Requires minimal ingredients and simple steps.
* **Quick:** Ready in under 30 minutes.
* **Versatile:** Can be enjoyed in numerous ways.
* **Comforting:** The warm spices and tender apples create a cozy and satisfying dessert.
* **Customizable:** Easily adapted to your taste preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Apples:** The star of the show! Choose firm apples that hold their shape well during cooking, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith. A mix of sweet and tart apples can add complexity to the flavor.
* **Butter:** Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness of the dish. It adds richness and helps to create a luscious sauce.
* **Sugar:** Granulated sugar provides sweetness and helps the apples caramelize. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
* **Cinnamon:** Ground cinnamon is the essential spice that gives skillet apples their signature warmth and aroma. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra depth.
* **Lemon Juice:** A squeeze of lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness to the flavor.
* **Vanilla Extract:** Enhances the overall flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
* **Optional Add-ins:** Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans), caramel sauce, raisins, oats for crumble topping, bourbon, maple syrup.

Equipment You’ll Need

* **Skillet:** A 10-12 inch skillet, preferably cast iron or non-stick, is ideal for even cooking and browning.
* **Knife:** For peeling and slicing the apples.
* **Cutting Board:** A sturdy surface for preparing the apples.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Wooden Spoon or Spatula:** For stirring and flipping the apples.

Step-by-Step Instructions

**Preparation (5 minutes):**

1. **Wash and Peel Apples:** Thoroughly wash the apples. Peel them using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife.
2. **Core and Slice Apples:** Core the apples using an apple corer or by cutting around the core with a knife. Slice the apples into ¼-inch thick slices. Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking.
3. **Prepare Lemon Water (Optional):** In a bowl, mix water with a squeeze of lemon juice. Place the apple slices in the lemon water to prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.

**Cooking the Apples (15-20 minutes):**

1. **Melt Butter:** In the skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Ensure the butter is melted evenly and coats the bottom of the skillet.
2. **Add Apples:** Drain the apple slices from the lemon water (if used) and add them to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the skillet; work in batches if necessary. Overcrowding can steam the apples instead of browning them.
3. **Add Sugar and Cinnamon:** Sprinkle the sugar and cinnamon evenly over the apples. You can adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the apples and your personal preference. Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
4. **Cook Apples:** Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, until they are tender and golden brown. This will typically take 10-15 minutes. Be careful not to burn the apples. Adjust the heat if they are browning too quickly.
5. **Add Lemon Juice and Vanilla Extract:** Once the apples are tender, stir in the lemon juice and vanilla extract. The lemon juice will add a touch of brightness, while the vanilla extract will enhance the overall flavor.
6. **Cook Until Sauce Thickens:** Continue to cook for a few more minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly. The sauce should coat the apples nicely.

**Serving (5 minutes):**

1. **Serve Warm:** Serve the skillet apples warm. They are delicious on their own, but even better with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
2. **Optional Toppings:** Consider adding a drizzle of caramel sauce, a sprinkle of brown sugar, or a dusting of cinnamon for extra flavor and visual appeal.
3. **Enjoy!** Savor the warm, tender apples and the comforting aroma of cinnamon.

Tips for the Perfect Skillet Apples

* **Choose the Right Apples:** Select firm apples that hold their shape well during cooking. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are excellent choices.
* **Don’t Overcrowd the Skillet:** Cook the apples in a single layer to ensure even browning. Work in batches if necessary.
* **Adjust the Sweetness:** Adjust the amount of sugar to your liking, depending on the sweetness of the apples and your personal preference. Brown sugar can be used for a deeper flavor.
* **Use Quality Spices:** Freshly ground cinnamon and other spices will enhance the flavor of the dish.
* **Don’t Overcook the Apples:** Cook the apples until they are tender but still slightly firm. Overcooked apples will become mushy.
* **Thicken the Sauce:** If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering for a few more minutes or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
* **Add a Touch of Acid:** Lemon juice adds brightness and prevents the apples from browning. Apple cider vinegar can also be used.
* **Experiment with Flavors:** Get creative with your add-ins. Try adding chopped nuts, raisins, caramel sauce, or even a splash of bourbon.

Variations

* **Caramel Apple Skillet:** Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Apple Crisp Skillet:** Top the apples with a crumble topping made from oats, flour, butter, and sugar. Bake in the oven until golden brown.
* **Apple Pie Filling:** Use the skillet apples as a filling for homemade apple pie.
* **Bourbon Apple Skillet:** Add a tablespoon or two of bourbon to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Maple Apple Skillet:** Use maple syrup instead of granulated sugar for a different flavor profile.
* **Skillet Apples with Nuts:** Add chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Spiced Skillet Apples:** Add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves to the skillet along with the cinnamon.
* **Vegan Skillet Apples:** Use vegan butter and sugar alternatives.

Serving Suggestions

* **On Its Own:** Enjoy the skillet apples warm, straight from the skillet.
* **With Ice Cream:** Top with a scoop of vanilla, caramel, or cinnamon ice cream.
* **With Whipped Cream:** Add a dollop of whipped cream for a light and airy topping.
* **With Yogurt:** Serve with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a healthier option.
* **With Oatmeal or Granola:** Add to your morning oatmeal or granola for a delicious and nutritious breakfast.
* **As a Topping for Pancakes or Waffles:** Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles for a special breakfast treat.
* **As a Filling for Crepes:** Fill crepes with the skillet apples for a decadent dessert.
* **With Cake:** Serve alongside a slice of vanilla or spice cake.

Storage Instructions

* **Refrigerate:** Store leftover skillet apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
* **Reheat:** Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.

Nutritional Information (Approximate, per serving)

* Calories: 200-300
* Fat: 8-12g
* Saturated Fat: 5-8g
* Cholesterol: 20-30mg
* Sodium: 50-100mg
* Carbohydrates: 30-40g
* Fiber: 3-5g
* Sugar: 20-30g
* Protein: 1-2g

*Note: Nutritional information may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

* **Can I use different types of apples?**
Yes, you can use a variety of apples in this recipe. Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, and Granny Smith are all excellent choices. A mix of sweet and tart apples can add complexity to the flavor.
* **Can I use brown sugar instead of granulated sugar?**
Yes, you can use brown sugar for a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
* **Can I add nuts to the skillet apples?**
Yes, you can add chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds, during the last few minutes of cooking.
* **Can I make this recipe vegan?**
Yes, you can use vegan butter and sugar alternatives to make this recipe vegan.
* **How do I prevent the apples from browning?**
Tossing the apple slices in lemon juice will help prevent them from browning.
* **How do I thicken the sauce?**
If the sauce is too thin, you can thicken it by simmering for a few more minutes or by adding a cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water).
* **Can I freeze skillet apples?**
While you can freeze skillet apples, the texture may change slightly upon thawing. It’s best to enjoy them fresh or within a few days of making them.

Conclusion

Skillet apples with cinnamon are a simple yet incredibly satisfying dessert that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a warm and comforting treat that will delight your taste buds. This recipe is endlessly customizable, allowing you to experiment with different flavors and toppings to create your own signature version. So, gather your ingredients, grab your skillet, and get ready to enjoy a taste of autumn in every bite!