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Simple 10-Minute Sautéed Cinnamon Apples – A Fast, Cozy Treat

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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Apples (3–4 medium): Honeycrisp, Gala, Braeburn, or Fuji are great. Granny Smith works if you like tartness.
  • Butter (1–2 tablespoons): Unsalted preferred; use coconut oil or ghee if needed.
  • Ground cinnamon (1–1.5 teaspoons): Adjust to taste.
  • Sweetener (1–3 tablespoons): Brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey.
  • Vanilla extract (1/2 teaspoon): Optional but lovely.
  • Pinch of salt: Enhances flavor.
  • Lemon juice (1–2 teaspoons): Optional, for brightness and to balance sweetness.
  • Water (1–2 tablespoons): Optional, helps soften apples quickly.

Method
 

  1. Prep the apples: Core and slice 3–4 apples into thin wedges or small chunks. Thinner slices cook faster. Peeling is optional.
  2. Warm the skillet: Set a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1–2 tablespoons butter and let it melt until foamy.
  3. Add apples and season: Stir in the apples, 1–1.5 teaspoons cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and 1–3 tablespoons sweetener. Start with less sweetener and adjust later.
  4. Quick steam (optional): Add 1–2 tablespoons water, then cover for 1–2 minutes to jump-start softening.
  5. Sauté and stir: Uncover and cook, stirring every minute, for 5–7 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy. Lower the heat if browning too fast.
  6. Finish with flavor: Turn off the heat. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon vanilla and 1–2 teaspoons lemon juice if using. Taste and adjust cinnamon and sweetness.
  7. Serve: Spoon warm apples over oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream, or enjoy them straight from the pan.