Cinnamon Maple Skillet Apples

SidesDinner

Sep 30

⏱️ Prep Time: 10 minutes • 🍳 Cook Time: 15 minutes

These Cinnamon Maple Skillet Apples are everything cozy about fall wrapped into one simple side dish. The apples soften as they cook in a buttery cinnamon glaze, creating this warm, syrupy goodness that’s perfect alongside roasted meats—or even spooned over pancakes or ice cream. Think of them as apple pie filling, but a little lighter and quicker to whip up.

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*Warm cinnamon maple skillet apples glistening in syrup, served in a white bowl on a bright fall table.*

There’s just something so nostalgic about cinnamon apples. They remind me of county fairs, family dinners, and the kind of comfort food that shows up on holiday tables. I love how the apples get tender but still hold their shape—you don’t want mush here, you want slices that are soft but still have a little bite. And that glossy maple syrup glaze? Absolute fall magic.

These come together super quickly too, which makes them a weeknight win. I usually throw them together when I’m roasting pork or chicken because the flavors pair beautifully. But honestly, they’re so versatile—serve them at breakfast with waffles, tuck them into a sandwich with turkey and brie, or just eat them straight from the skillet with a fork (guilty as charged).

And here’s the real kicker—they make your whole kitchen smell like apple pie without the effort. That buttery cinnamon aroma fills the house and just screams “fall is here.” Once you make them, I promise they’ll become one of your go-to sides for the season.

🍽️ Servings: 4 • 🔥 Calories/Serving: 190

Ingredients

4 large apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), sliced into wedges
2 tbsp butter
3 tbsp maple syrup (or honey)
2 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp cinnamon
¼ tsp nutmeg
1 tsp lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Steps

Step 1

Slice the apples into even wedges, leaving the skin on for texture.

Step 2

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.

Step 3

Stir in maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and salt.

Step 4

Add apple slices and toss to coat in the mixture.

Step 5

Cook, stirring occasionally, for 10–12 minutes until apples are tender and glossy but not mushy.

Step 6

Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.

Step 7

Serve warm as a side dish, or spoon over breakfast and desserts.

Make it your own!

🥄 Make it saucier
Add ¼ cup apple cider while cooking for extra syrupy goodness.
🌱 Go dairy-free
Use coconut oil instead of butter for a dairy-free version.
🥃 Spiked apples
Stir in a splash of bourbon or rum for an adult twist.
🍯 Healthier swap
Use only maple syrup or honey to sweeten instead of adding brown sugar.