Simple Skillet Cinnamon Apples make an amazing side dish or dessert and are perfect for breakfast. They are ready in just 30 minutes, and I bet you already have everything you need to make them. Sauteed in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon, your favorite apples are transformed into a classic Southern dish that’s hard to resist!

Cinnamon Apples cooked in a cast iron skillet using a wooden spoon.

In This Post

As soon as there’s a chill in the air, I start thinking about all the great food I will make for fall and the holidays. One recipe that’s always at the top of my “must-make” fall foods list is Skillet Cinnamon Apples. My family, along with folks who somehow tend to show up for supper, not only love this recipe, but they request it over and over.

Why You’ll Make These Apples On Repeat

Warm Spices – They are full of all the spices that make you feel cozy inside.
Quick – Ready in just 30 minutes in one pan.
Versatile – They are delicious spooned-over waffles or pancakes for breakfast or brunch!

Do The Apples Need To Be Peeled?

The answer to this question is that it’s totally up to you. I usually peel the apples, but I don’t if I run short on time. The recipe will turn out great either way.

Ingredients For Skillet Apples

Apples – I like to use a combination of Honey Crisp and Granny Smith.
Lemon – This brightens all the other flavors up.
Sugar – We’ll need both brown and white sugar for the perfect combination of caramel flavors and slight sweetness.
Butter – Coconut oil works too.
Spices – Grab cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to pack in all the fall flavors.

Let’s Talk Apples

For this recipe, you can use almost any kind of apple. I like a combination of Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a sweet yet tangy flavor. Other varieties to consider:

Gala – sweet with a soft texture.
Fuji – readily available in the grocery store and they are great for cooking, baking, or eating as a snack.
Granny Smith – crisp and tart with a firm, crunchy texture.
Jonagold – mellow flavor that’s not too sweet and wonderful for baking and cooking.
Honeycrisp – juicy, sweet, and super crunchy.

Step-By-Step Directions

Skillet Cinnamon Apples are simple and great as a side dish, breakfast or dessert.

Prep the Apples: Fill a medium-sized bowl ¾ full with water and add the juice of a lemon. Peel, core, and slice apples and add them to the lemon water as you go. Drain the water off the prepped apples and set aside.
Heat the Spices: Add butter, brown and white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt to a large skillet. Cook until the sugars are melted.
Add the Apples: Add the apples to the sugar syrup and cook. Turn up the heat to medium-high and cook the apples until they are softened and the syrup has thickened.
Enjoy: Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How Long Do These Cooked Apples Last?

After you’ve made the apples, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Apples cooked in a cast iron skillet with brown sugar, butter and cinnamon.

What To Serve With Cinnamon Apples

These are delicious on everything, but here are a few of my favorite pairings.

For Breakfast: Spoon them over waffles.
For Dinner: Enjoy these as a side dish alongside Marinated Pork Tenderloin.
With Dessert: You can pile them high over Brown Sugar Cream Cheese Pound Cake or spoon them over your favorite ice cream.

In my family, Skillet Cinnamon Apples must be served with ham during the holidays. I know this is a bold statement, but after one bite, you’ll agree with the classic combination, especially at Thanksgiving, Christmas, and Easter.

How To Save Leftovers

Save any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, warm up with apples in a microwave or on the stovetop in a pot or cast-iron skillet.

More Great Apple Recipes You’ll Love

If you tried this Skillet Cinnamon Apples Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!