Indulge in the wholesome nostalgia of **Heart-Healthy Classic Southern Fried Apples**, a lighter twist on the traditional Southern favorite. This recipe blends tart Granny Smith apples with a medley of warm cinnamon, nutmeg, and pure maple syrup for natural sweetnessβperfect for those seeking a guilt-free dessert or comforting side dish. By swapping heavy fats for heart-conscious olive oil and using unsalted butter, this dish achieves a rich, caramelized flavor without compromising health goals. Ready in just 35 minutes, these tender, spiced apples are ideal served warm with a sprinkle of vanilla or alongside savory dishes. Elevate your comfort food game with this easy, nutrient-packed treat!
Peel, core, and slice the Granny Smith apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. Place the slices in a large bowl.
Drizzle the lemon juice over the apple slices to prevent them from browning. Toss gently to coat all the slices evenly.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil and unsalted butter over medium heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is shimmering.
Add the apple slices to the skillet and toss them to coat in the melted butter and oil mixture.
Sprinkle the ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt over the apples. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
Reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the skillet. Cook the apples for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften.
Remove the cover, increase the heat to medium, and add the pure maple syrup and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Continue to cook the apples uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until they are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly.
Serve the fried apples warm as a side dish or dessert. Enjoy the heart-healthy comfort of Southern fried apples!
Calories |
824 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 41.8 g | 54% | |
| Saturated Fat | 11.4 g | 57% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 31 mg | 10% | |
| Sodium | 604 mg | 26% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 124.5 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.1 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 90.0 g | ||
| Protein | 2.5 g | 5% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 94 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 1.4 mg | 8% | |
| Potassium | 887 mg | 19% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.