How to Caramelize Apples

Caramelized apples are apples that have been sauteed in sugar and butter until soft and golden. They are not, as the name suggests, related to caramel/candy apples.

Method:

2 tbsp unsalted butter or margarine
3 tbsp brown sugar
2 large firm apples
pinch of cinnamon
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp cornstarch
1 tbsp apple juice or water

Core apples and peel if desired. Slice into 1/4″ wedges. Melt butter and sugar over low-medium heat until sugar dissolves and mixture is bubbly, about 1 minute.  Add apples and lemon juice and cook over medium heat for approximately 10 minutes, stirring constantly. Add in the cinnamon. Mix the cornstarch with the apple juice or water and add to the pot. Continue cooking until the liquid thickens.

NOTE: Be sure to use firm apples such as Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Fuji or Gala. Softer apples will fall apart during cooking.

Uses:

Caramelized apples work well with breakfast dishes such as waffles, pancakes, french toast, and oatmeal. They are a great addition to desserts such as pastry, pies, cakes and served hot over ice cream. They also work well over savory dishes like chicken and turkey roast.

39 thoughts on “How to Caramelize Apples

  1. This was a great recipe!

    My dad and I used this recipe for the apples and instead of using it as a topper, we mixed it into a banana bread recipe to make a spiced apple bread.
    It worked brilliantly and deliciously!

  2. so excited to eat this. I made the honey cake now I’m making the apples. Can they be made ahead of time and store?

  3. Can not wait to try this together with your honeycake!
    Q: Can this be made with margarine instead of butter?
    thanks!

  4. Excellent recipe!! I did use it in a little different way though. I put the apples into an apple cobbler for my boy scout cooked in a Dutch oven over an open fire…..so good!!! Thank you!!

  5. Amazing! I added cornflour mixture but included a Tbs of elderflower cordial with water to dissolve. Loved it. Thank you!

  6. this recipe was delicious !! Thanks for writing this ! its so easy to make and it dosen’t take that much time :)

  7. My mommy let me make dessert so I made Caramelized apples inside a tortilla and suger over it it was very good my tummy exploded with joy

  8. I want to make this without lemon is it like a must use because I have everything else I just want make a fruit bowl for myself

    1. You can definitely prepare it in advance. If it gets a little watery in the fridge, just drain it (or add in the cornstarch to thicken) and warm before serving.

  9. I made this recipe and I put the apples in a crumble with cream on the top. It was delicious. I am making a black and white Mille Crepe,and using caramelized apples as the filling,along with a cream filling. Thanks for the recipe,I will keep my eye on Busy In Brooklyn. TREV.

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