If you're looking for an easy and quick treat to top ice cream, oatmeal, or pancakes, these Easy Caramelized Apples will become your new favorite. With just a handful of ingredients and a skillet, you can whip up tender, golden apples in less than 15 minutes.
These easy caramelized apples taste just like apple pie filling. Perfect on their own, over oatmeal, pancakes, or a scoop of vegan ice cream - this recipe proves that simple can be seriously delicious!
Caramelized apples are a cozy classic, especially popular during fall when apples peak and holiday desserts are in full swing.
But honestly use them anytime since apples are in season at stores all year!
If you're looking for more apple recipes, check out Kale and White Bean Salad, Vegan Apple Crisp Recipe, and Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Caramelized apples bring out their natural sugars - no heavy syrups are needed.
- Perfect as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, or enjoyed alone.
- You can customize this recipe to make it with or without butter.
Ingredients
- Brown Sugar: Substitute with coconut sugar.
- Apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, pink ladies, or Fuji hold their shape and caramelize beautifully. Granny Smiths are more tart, making them perfect if you prefer a sweet-tart contrast, while Honeycrisp and Fuji offer a naturally sweeter flavor.
- Butter: Omit the butter for a healthier alternative. Instead, use a couple of tablespoons of water.
- Water: Optional - Add a few tablespoons of water while caramelizing apples.
See the recipe card for quantities and a full list of ingredients.
Variations
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a cozy autumn flavor.
- Splash in a bit of bourbon or rum for an adults-only version.
- Toss in toasted pecans or walnuts for added texture.
- You can easily make these without butter like I do in my Apple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats. Just add a few tablespoons of water while cooking to prevent sticking and keep them soft if needed. Using water for caramelized apples creates a lighter, softer texture with a more natural apple flavor, while butter adds richness, depth, and a slightly caramelized, buttery taste.
How To Make Easy Caramelized Apples
Step 1: Add the sliced apples to a pan with vegan butter. If not using butter add a few tablespoons of water to the pan.
Step 2: After a few minutes, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, and another couple of tablespoons of water. Cook until softened. Add a pinch of salt and stir.
Top Tips
- Cut the apples evenly so they cook at the same rate. Also, cut them into a shape that suits how you plan to use them. For example, slice them thin for oatmeal or pancakes, cube them for topping ice cream or yogurt, or leave them in thicker wedges if serving as a side dish or for the top of a cake.
- Don't cut the apples until you're ready to cook. Since they oxidize after being cut, you want them at their freshest.
- Cook apples in a single layer to help them caramelize instead of steam.
- Stir gently to prevent sticking, but not too much - you want those golden edges!
- This recipe makes enough to top Vegan Banana Oat Pancakes for four people.
- Using water for caramelized apples creates a lighter, softer texture with a more natural apple flavor. If you cook it with vegan butter, it adds richness, depth, and a more caramelized, buttery taste.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over Simple Vegan Pancakes , Vegan Protein Waffles, or a serving of Vegan French Toast Casserole.
- With dairy-free vanilla ice cream or Homemade Vegan Banana Ice Cream.
- Mixed into oatmeal or topped on overnight oats like Vegan Banana Cream Pie Overnight Oats.
- Top on vegan cheesecake, chia pudding, or add to Banana Kiwi Dessert Pizza.
- Use it as a filling for vegan apple turnovers or vegan crepes.
Recipe FAQS
Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their shape and caramelize beautifully.
Yes! Store caramelized apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
It's up to you! Peeling creates a softer texture while leaving the skins on adds a bit of chew and extra fiber.
Make sure the pan isn't overcrowded, and use medium heat. Too many apples at once can cause steaming instead of caramelizing.
Store caramelized apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave at 50% power for several minutes before serving.
Yes! You can caramelize apples without butter by using coconut oil or simply cooking them with maple syrup or just the brown sugar. You can also add a tablespoon or two of water to help them soften and prevent sticking. Using water for caramelized apples creates a lighter, softer texture with a more natural apple flavor, while butter adds richness, depth, and a caramelized, buttery taste.
More Vegan Sweet Treats
Got a minute? I'd love for you to comment and rate these Easy Caramelized Apples. Your feedback is invaluable. Did you love it? Did you make any fun twists? Let me know how my directions worked so I can keep improving my recipes. Follow me on Pinterest, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube for inspiration.
Easy Caramelized Apples
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, pink ladies, or Fuji work well, peeled (or not), cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons vegan butter salted
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- pinch of salt if not using salted butter
- ½ cup water optional
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel (if you want), core, and slice the apples into thin wedges or bite-sized chunks. Whatever shape you decide, make them uniform.
- Melt Butter: In a large skillet, melt the vegan butter over medium heat. If not using butter, add two-four tablespoons of water to the skillet. Add more water as needed.
- Caramelize Apples: Add the apple slices to the skillet and cook for about 3-5 minutes, stirring occasionally until they begin to soften.
- Add Sugar and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the apples, stirring well to coat. Continue cooking for another 5-7 minutes until the apples are tender and caramelized. Adjust heat as needed to prevent burning. Optional: Add two more tablespoons of water.
- Finish: Add a pinch of salt. Cook for an additional 30 seconds to let the flavors meld.
- Serve Warm: Remove from heat and serve immediately. Enjoy as-is or use as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Regi Pearce says
These caramelized apples are buttery, golden, and perfectly soft with just the right amount of sweetness. They’re easy to make and ridiculously versatile. Pile them on pancakes, oatmeal, or even ice cream for an instant upgrade. The best part? That rich, syrupy glaze that forms as they cook. Whether you’re making them for breakfast or dessert, they’re the kind of thing you’ll want to eat straight from the pan!