Delicious & Healthy Stovetop Cinnamon Sautéed Apples: Your Perfect Fall Dessert

This post features a fantastic recipe for healthier “fried” apples, made with the support of Bare Snacks. All opinions and culinary delights are, as always, my own. Thank you for supporting the brands that inspire me in the kitchen!

Discover how to make these delightful, refined-sugar-free Cinnamon Sautéed Apples on your stovetop, featuring tart apples, apple cider, warm fall spices, and natural coconut sugar. Elevate this sweet treat with a satisfying crunch by serving it alongside crushed Bare Snacks Apple Chips – truly a dessert masterpiece!

As the vibrant hues of summer begin to fade, a familiar crispness enters the air, signaling the arrival of autumn. This past week, I found myself embarking on an annual ritual: rummaging through my zipped storage bins, stacked high in the farthest reaches of my closet. My initial quest was for a long-sleeved pullover, perfect for an early morning outdoor climbing adventure. Specifically, I was hunting for that beloved turquoise half-zip, adorned with the iconic Nike swoosh. Alas, it remained elusive.

Instead, a delightful cascade of fuzzy sweaters, intricately knitted scarves, and cozy long socks tumbled from their zippered confines. Instantly, I was swept away, my hands instinctively reaching for the soft, brightly colored woolen fabrics. A wave of nostalgia washed over me, recalling cherished autumns past, while simultaneously igniting an eager anticipation for the beautiful fall days yet to come. It’s a feeling many of you who have followed my journey here know well: I meticulously rotate my wardrobe with the seasons, keeping it perfectly trim and effortlessly manageable. This ensures that I’m always greeted by practical, weather-appropriate options, much like embracing the joy of seasonal eating – but with clothes!

And what’s truly in season right now, besides cozy sweater weather, is an abundance of crisp, delicious apples. My kitchen is currently overflowing with a generous haul from a recent produce box, and I couldn’t be more excited to transform them into something truly special. This brings us to today’s star recipe: these incredible Cinnamon Sautéed Apples. This dish is a plant-based, refined-sugar-free reinterpretation of a beloved classic, offering all the comforting flavors without any unnecessary fuss. It’s perfect for those seeking a healthier dessert option that still delivers on warmth, sweetness, and that unmistakable taste of autumn.

The inspiration for these irresistible Cinnamon Sautéed Apples comes from a deeply nostalgic place: the iconic “fried” apples served as a side dish at Cracker Barrel. Does that resonate with anyone? I can still picture those small, white ceramic bowls arriving at the table, brimming with glistening apple slices floating in a wonderfully sweet, slightly viscous syrup, with discernible pools of what I now realize was likely oil or butter. Oh, the deliciousness!

Confession time: *sometimes* I had the willpower to save those heavenly apples for dessert, but more often than not, my fork found its way to them long before the main course even arrived. It’s been well over a decade since I last savored those particular fried apples, and the craving has been steadily building. That’s why I felt it was high time to craft a homemade variation that captures all the beloved flavor and comforting texture, but with a lighter touch – less oil, completely refined-sugar-free, and gently, naturally sweetened. The result is a dish that honors the classic while aligning with a more wholesome approach to eating, proving that you don’t have to sacrifice flavor for health. These stovetop cinnamon apples bring all the cozy vibes of fall to your table, becoming a perfect vegan and gluten-free treat.

Crafting these delectable “fried” apples requires just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a symphony of fall flavors. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Tart Apples: Opt for varieties like Granny Smith, Pink Lady, or McIntosh, cored and sliced. Their natural acidity perfectly balances the sweetness.
• Unrefined Coconut Oil: A healthier fat option that adds a subtle hint of tropical flavor, complementing the apples beautifully.
• Coconut Sugar: Our refined-sugar-free sweetener of choice, providing a rich, caramel-like sweetness without being overly processed.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential fall spice, infusing the apples with its warm, aromatic notes.
• Arrowroot or Cornstarch: This acts as a natural thickener, ensuring your apple sauce develops that luscious, gooey glaze.
• Chilled Apple Cider: Adds another layer of apple flavor and helps create the perfect syrupy consistency for the sauce.
• Nutmeg: A pinch adds depth and warmth, enhancing the overall spice profile (optional, but highly recommended).
• Powdered Ginger: Another optional but wonderful addition for an extra kick of fall spice.

That’s truly it! A short and sweet list that promises maximum flavor and comfort. These ingredients are readily available, making this a perfect impromptu fall treat.

Choosing Your Apples for Sautéing

The foundation of this delicious dish lies, of course, in the apples themselves. While many apple varieties are wonderful for snacking, for this recipe, I highly recommend selecting a tart apple. Varieties such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, McIntosh, or even Honeycrisp (if you prefer a slightly sweeter tartness) work exceptionally well. Their natural acidity provides a crucial balance to the sweetness of the coconut sugar and spices, preventing the dish from becoming cloyingly sweet. Additionally, firmer apples tend to hold their shape better during cooking, resulting in beautifully tender yet intact slices. For a rustic charm, and to maximize fiber intake, I opt to leave the apple skins on. Simply core your chosen apples and slice them into uniform ~1/2-inch thick wedges. Consistency in size ensures even cooking.

The Stovetop Sautéing Process

Our journey to “fried” apple perfection begins on the stovetop. In a large skillet, melt a small amount of unrefined coconut oil over medium heat. Once shimmering, add your prepared apple slices. The goal here is to gently sauté the apples until they begin to soften and release their natural sugars, filling your kitchen with an absolutely divine aroma. This initial sautéing step takes approximately 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of your apple slices and the heat of your stove. You’ll notice the apples becoming slightly translucent and their edges beginning to caramelize. If you’re pondering, “Lauren, isn’t this more of a sautéed apple recipe than ‘fried’ apples?” you’re not wrong! We’re using a minimal amount of oil for a light sauté, achieving a similar tender texture and caramelized flavor profile without deep-frying. Ultimately, these apples can be whatever comforting, delicious treat you want them to be!

Developing That Luscious Glaze

Once your apples have softened beautifully, it’s time to introduce the rest of our simple yet powerful ingredients. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the chilled apple cider and your chosen thickener – arrowroot powder or cornstarch. This mixture is key to achieving that wonderfully gooey, syrupy glaze that defines great “fried” apples. The chilled cider helps to prevent lumps when mixing with the starch, ensuring a smooth sauce.

Pour this apple cider and cornstarch mixture into the skillet with your sautéed apples. Add the coconut sugar and ground cinnamon, and stir everything well to combine, ensuring each apple slice is coated. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and allow the mixture to simmer gently for another 15-20 minutes. This slow simmering process is where the magic truly happens: the apples continue to tenderize, absorbing the rich flavors of the spices and cider, while the starch works its magic, transforming the liquid into a thick, glossy glaze. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Your “fried” apples are perfectly done when they are fork-tender and enveloped in that irresistible, sticky-sweet glaze. The aroma alone will be enough to make your mouth water!

Serving Suggestions and Storage

When your stovetop “fried” apples have reached your desired level of softness, remove the skillet from the heat. Allow them to cool for a few minutes before serving – this not only makes them easier to handle but also allows the glaze to set slightly, enhancing its luscious texture. For an absolutely essential textural contrast and an extra burst of apple flavor, top your warm sautéed apples with crushed Bare Snacks Apple Chips. I cannot emphasize enough how much I adore these baked apple chips; they are simply apples, nothing more, nothing less – free of any added oils or refined sugars. They provide the perfect sweet, crisp, and clean-tasting flourish to these healthier fried apples, creating an echo of apple flavor that is truly divine. Just remember to add the apple chips right before serving, as they will absorb moisture and lose their crunch over time.

These Cinnamon Sautéed Apples are incredibly versatile. Enjoy them warm, straight from the stovetop, for an instant comforting treat, or savor them chilled from the refrigerator. They reheat beautifully, whether in the microwave for a quick bite or gently on the stovetop. Beyond enjoying them by the forkful, consider these delicious applications:

• As a delightful topping for vanilla ice cream (dairy or non-dairy).
• Stirred into creamy Greek yogurt or your favorite plant-based yogurt for a satisfying breakfast or snack.
• Folded into warm oatmeal or overnight oats for an autumn-inspired morning meal.
• Piled high on fluffy pancakes or waffles for an elevated brunch experience.
• A unique and flavorful compote to serve alongside savory dishes like roasted pork loin.

Lately, I’ve been particularly fond of incorporating them into my morning yogurt bowls, often paired with crunchy granola. Any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer-term enjoyment, these sautéed apples freeze exceptionally well – simply thaw and reheat when a craving strikes!

Why These Sautéed Apples Are Your Must-Make Fall Recipe

You absolutely *need* to make these Cinnamon Sautéed Apples this fall! They capture the essence of sweet apple pie filling, but without the effort of making a crust, offering all the comforting flavors in a much simpler form. For an even richer, more complex fall flair, feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg and powdered ginger to the spice mixture – these subtle additions truly elevate the flavor profile.

This recipe yields approximately 2 cups of these delectable “fried” apples, making it perfect for a small gathering or for enjoying throughout the week. Their versatility is unmatched; whether served warm and comforting or cool and refreshing, they are always a treat. They reheat nicely, maintaining their tender texture and gooey glaze. Enjoy these sweet apple slices purely as a satisfying fall dessert, or get creative and use them as a compote for virtually any breakfast or dessert item. Their refined-sugar-free and vegan nature makes them an inclusive delight for all to enjoy. So go ahead, embrace the flavors of autumn, and make a batch of these glorious apples today!

If you give these Cinnamon Sautéed Apples a try, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please take a moment to leave a comment, rating, and review below. Your valuable feedback not only brings a smile to my face but also helps me refine my recipes and create even more delicious content for you.

Don’t forget to give me a shout-out on Instagram and use the hashtag #floraandvino to share your beautiful creations with our community. I adore seeing your culinary adventures!

For more inspiring recipes like this one, be sure to check out my Pinterest page and pin your favorites to make later. Looking for other easy fall-inspired desserts? You might love my Nutty Protein Stuffed Pears and Apple Chip Nachos with Date Caramel. They’re fantastic ways to celebrate the season’s bounty!

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XO Lauren

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Photography by Hot Pan Kitchen