These CARAMELIZED APPLES are quick, cozy, and made with just a handful of ingredients. In about five minutes, you get tender apple pieces coated in a warm cinnamon-sugar glaze. They’re perfect over pancakes, oatmeal, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
This is one of those little recipes we make all the time without really thinking about it. If we have an apple on the counter and something warm like pancakes, oatmeal, or even a bowl of yogurt, these caramelized apples are usually not far behind.
They come together in just a few minutes, using ingredients we always have on hand—sugar, cinnamon, a little water, and a pinch of salt. The apples soften and get coated in a warm, glossy syrup that feels a lot more special than it should for how little effort it takes.
We usually keep the apples in small chunks so they hold their shape, but you can slice them thin if you want something more spoonable. However you serve them, they add just the right amount of sweetness and spice to whatever they’re paired with.
IN THIS RECIPE...
Substitutions & Variations
Apples:
Any apple variety works, but firmer ones like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith hold their shape best. Softer apples like Gala or McIntosh will break down more and give you a saucier result.
Sweetener:
You can swap the sugar for brown sugar, maple syrup, or even honey for a slightly different flavor. Brown sugar will make the syrup a bit richer and more molasses-like.
Spices:
Cinnamon is classic, but you can add a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom if you want something a little more spiced.
Butter:
Want a richer flavor? Add a teaspoon of butter at the end of cooking. It gives the apples a glossy finish and a slightly deeper taste.
Boozy version:
For a grown-up twist, deglaze the pan with a splash of bourbon or brandy once the sugar caramelizes. Just cook it off for a minute or two before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the apple:
Peel the apple, remove the core, and cut it into ½-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly. One large apple should give you about 1 to 1½ cups of chopped fruit.
2. Combine ingredients in the pan:
In a medium skillet or saucepan, add the chopped apple, water, sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together so the apples are well coated and the sugar starts to dissolve.
3. Cook the apples:
Set the pan over medium heat. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. After a couple of minutes, the water will begin to reduce and the sugar will start to bubble and thicken into a light syrup.
4. Watch for caramelization:
Keep cooking for about 5 minutes total, or until the apples are soft but still hold their shape. The syrup should be glossy and slightly sticky, coating the apples evenly. If the liquid reduces too quickly, you can add a splash of water to loosen it up.
5. Finish and serve:
Remove the pan from the heat and let the apples cool slightly. Serve warm over pancakes, oatmeal, ice cream, or whatever needs a quick, cozy topping.
Serving Suggestions
These caramelized apples are incredibly versatile and can dress up just about anything. Here are a few of our favorite ways to use them:
- Over pancakes or waffles for a cozy weekend breakfast
- Topped on oatmeal with a drizzle of cream or spoonful of nut butter
- Swirled into yogurt or cottage cheese for a quick snack or light dessert
- Served warm over vanilla ice cream for an easy but impressive treat
- Layered into a parfait with granola and whipped cream
- Tucked into crepes with a little cream cheese or ricotta
- Spread over toast with butter or a smear of peanut butter
They’re best served warm, but they’re still great at room temp. You can even reheat them quickly in a skillet or microwave for a few seconds if you make them ahead.
Related Recipes
Caramelized Apples
Ingredients
- 1 large apple
- 3 tablespoons water
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pinch salt
Instructions
- Peel and core the apple and chop it into ½” cubes.1 large apple
- Add the chopped apple, water, sugar, cinnamon, and salt to a medium skillet or saucepan.3 tablespoons water, 3 tablespoons sugar, ½ teaspoon cinnamon, 1 pinch salt
- Place the skillet over medium heat and cook the apples, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has caramelized and the apples are soft but not mushy, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat, serve over pancakes, ice cream, or oatmeal, and enjoy!