Cinnamon Fried Apples with Caramelized Pecans & a Ginger-Cardamom Twist

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Amy Hand
Amy Hand

Amy Hand

Amy worked as the head pastry chef and the head chef at multiple restaurants in South Africa. She now shares her professional insights about cooking and kitchen tools here at The Skillful Cook.

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Cinnamon Fried Apples

Cinnamon fried apples are a fall staple, but this recipe adds caramelized pecans, ginger, and cardamom to make them a little more memorable.

The sweet, buttery apples are warmed with the delectable blend of spices that gives their sweetness a moreish complexity.

sweet, buttery apples

To make it even more special, the caramelized pecans add a sweet crunch that contrasts perfectly with the soft fried apples.

If you want a quick and easy dessert that can be ready in less than 30 minutes, look no further than this classic recipe with a twist. This dish is the ideal way to end off a comforting fall meal.

quick and easy dessert

Why you will love this Cinnamon Fried Apples recipe…

  • Quick and easy- This whole dish can be on the table in less than 30 minutes.
  • Warm spice blend- The expected cinnamon blends seamlessly with the warmth of the fresh ginger and floral notes of the cardamom.
  • Versatile- It can be a great dessert to serve with ice cream or top a stack of waffles, but it can also be used as a side for pork.
  • Great textures- The soft apples and crunchy pecans are a match made in heaven.
  • Simple ingredients- This dish can be made with ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.
Why you will love this Cinnamon Fried Apples recipe
Cinnamon Fried Apples with Caramelized Pecans & Ginger Twist

Cinnamon Fried Apples with Caramelized Pecans & a Ginger-Cardamom Twist

This recipe is perfect for cozy fall evenings or as a showstopper dessert for your next gathering. The blend of warm spices and nutty pecans takes classic fried cinnamon apples to the next level. Enjoy!
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Dessert
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 302 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji work great), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 3 tbsp salted butter
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • ¼ tsp ground cardamom
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ cup pecans
  • 1 tbsp maple syrup
  • ¼ cup water
  • Optional: vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for serving

Instructions
 

Ingredients

  • Cinnamon Fried Apples Ingredients
  • In a small skillet over medium heat, toast the pecans for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add one tablespoon of maple syrup and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the pecans evenly. Let them cook for another 2-3 minutes until caramelized and golden. Remove from the heat and set aside.
    Cinnamon Fried Apples Instruction - toast the pecans
  • In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and sauté for 5-7 minutes until they begin to soften.
    Cinnamon Fried Apples Instruction - Melt the butter and add the sliced apples
  • Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, ground cardamom, and salt. Pour in the water and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, for 5 more minutes until the apples are tender and coated in a deliciously sticky sauce.
    Cinnamon Fried Apples Instruction - Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, freshly grated ginger, ground cardamom, and salt
  • Cinnamon Fried Apples Instruction - cook until the apples are tender
  • Remove the skillet from heat and sprinkle the caramelized pecans over the apples, giving them a quick toss to distribute the nutty goodness.
    Cinnamon Fried Apples Instruction - sprinkle the caramelized pecans
  • Serve the fried cinnamon apples warm, either on their own or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for an extra indulgent touch.
    Cinnamon Fried Apples Instruction - serve with vanilla ice cream

Nutrition

Calories: 302kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 1gFat: 13gSaturated Fat: 6gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 23mgSodium: 220mgPotassium: 302mgFiber: 6gSugar: 40gVitamin A: 388IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 43mgIron: 1mg
Keyword Cinnamon Fried Apples
Tried this recipe?Let us know how if you liked it in the comments below!

Serving Suggestions

These cinnamon fried apples are usually served as a dessert with ice cream, custard, or whipped cream. They are an excellent topping for a stack of waffles, pancakes or French toast. Although they are sweet, they can also be served with pork as a side.

Here are some recipes that will work beautifully with this dish:

🧑‍🍳 Expert Tips

  • Choose the right apples – This recipe requires firm, tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith that hold their shape and bring a sharpness to this sweet dish.
  • Use citrus – Add a squeeze of lemon juice if you want a citrus kick to cut the sweetness.
  • Make it dairy-free – Swap the butter out for vegan butter or coconut oil to make this dish dairy-free and vegan.
  • Toast the spices first – This will bring out the cinnamon and cardamom flavors and remove the raw spice flavor.

Storage Suggestions

  • To store- Allow the apples to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
  • To reheat- Simply pop the apples back in the skillet and heat gently.

Cinnamon Fried Apples FAQs

What pairs well with fried apples?

Ice cream, whipped cream, or custard are ideal for serving with fried apples. They are also very tasty with French toast or as part of a breakfast casserole.

Does cinnamon stop apples from browning?

A sprinkle of cinnamon and a squeeze of lemon will stop your cut apples from browning before cooking.

Can you freeze cinnamon apples?

Yes, you can freeze cinnamon apples, but they will lose their shape and be much softer once thawed and reheated.

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Amy Hand
About The Author
After finding the chef life a little too high-paced, Amy decided to take her cooking skills and use them to teach others through food writing. She uses her knowledge as a pastry chef and experience as a head chef to write articles that are engaging and helpful while being as entertaining as possible.

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