Spiced Butter Apples

Oh my gosh, you guys! I just made spiced butter apples. They smell sooo good!

I took a bite, and wow… the butter and spices just melt together. It’s warm, sweet, and cozy all at once.

I bet you’ll love them too. Every bite feels like a hug for your taste buds!

You should totally try making them. Grab some apples, butter, and spices—let’s go!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Reader Favorite: As one reader said, “These spiced apples are like autumn in a bowl! So comforting and delicious.”
• Perfectly Spiced: With the right balance of cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, these apples are flavored to perfection.
• Simple & Quick: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal ingredients and effort.
• Versatile: Serve them as a side dish, dessert, or even atop ice cream or pancakes.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and store them for easy breakfasts or snacks throughout the week.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Large Skillet or Sauté Pan: To cook and caramelize the apples with the spiced butter.
• Peeler and Corer: To peel and core the apples for even cooking.
• Wooden Spoon: For stirring the apples and spices as they cook.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To accurately measure the ingredients.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Unsalted Butter: The base of the dish, adding richness and flavor to the apples.
• Brown Sugar: The slight molasses flavor of brown sugar enhances the sweetness of the apples.
• Ground Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and Allspice: The classic spices that give the dish its warm, cozy aroma and flavor.
• Salt: Just a pinch of salt to bring out the sweetness and balance the spices.
• Vanilla Extract: Adds depth and a warm, aromatic sweetness to the dish.
• Optional: Chopped pecans or walnuts for added crunch and flavor.

Variations for Spiced Butter Apples

• Add Honey or Maple Syrup: For extra sweetness, you can drizzle a little honey or maple syrup over the apples.
• Use Different Nuts: Try adding almonds, hazelnuts, or even crushed graham crackers for a different texture and flavor.
• Spicy Twist: If you like a little heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or ground ginger for a spicy kick.
• Add Citrus: A splash of fresh lemon or orange juice can add a bright contrast to the sweet and spiced apples.
• Vegan Option: Swap the butter for coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative to make this recipe vegan-friendly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into 1/4-inch thick slices. I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, as they hold up well when cooked.

2. Make the Spiced Butter Sauce

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and begins to bubble slightly, add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir the mixture with a wooden spoon until the sugar has dissolved, and the spices are evenly distributed in the butter. The smell at this point will be heavenly!

3. Cook the Apples

Add the apple slices to the skillet and toss them gently to coat them with the spiced butter mixture. Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they soften and become golden brown on the edges. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape, so be careful not to overcook them.

4. Add the Vanilla Extract

Once the apples are cooked to your desired tenderness, add the vanilla extract and stir to combine. The vanilla will complement the spices and elevate the flavor of the dish.

5. Optional: Add Nuts

For an extra layer of texture and flavor, sprinkle in your choice of chopped pecans or walnuts at this point. Stir the nuts into the apples and cook for another 1-2 minutes until they’re slightly toasted.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Transfer the spiced butter apples to a serving dish and enjoy them warm. They can be served on their own or paired with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even on top of a stack of pancakes.

How to Serve Spiced Butter Apples

These Spiced Butter Apples are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways:

• As a Dessert: Serve the apples warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. The warm, spiced apples complement the cold dessert perfectly.
• On Oatmeal or Porridge: Add a spoonful of these spiced apples to your morning oatmeal or porridge for a cozy and filling breakfast.
• On Pancakes or Waffles: Spoon the apples over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a decadent breakfast or brunch treat.
• As a Side Dish: These spiced apples also make an excellent side dish for roasted pork, chicken, or even Thanksgiving turkey. Their sweetness and spice pair beautifully with savory meats.
• In a Tart or Pie: Use these apples as a filling for a tart or pie crust for an easy twist on the traditional apple pie.

Storing Spiced Butter Apples

• In the Refrigerator: Store any leftover spiced butter apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop for a few minutes until warmed through.
• Freezing: If you want to keep them for longer, freeze the cooked apples. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. These spiced apples will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. To reheat, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight and warm them in a skillet or microwave.

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Here’s a breakdown of the nutrition information for one serving (approximately 1/4 of the recipe):

Nutrient	Amount per serving
Calories	220
Protein	0g
Carbohydrates	30g
Dietary Fiber	3g
Sugars	25g
Fat	12g
Saturated Fat	7g
Cholesterol	30mg
Sodium	90mg
Potassium	150mg

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on ingredient substitutions and portion sizes.

Conclusion

These Spiced Butter Apples are the ultimate comfort food. With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can create a dish that’s packed with warmth and flavor. The tender apples are infused with butter and a perfect blend of spices, making them the ideal dessert or side dish. Whether you enjoy them as a cozy treat on a chilly night or serve them at your next holiday meal, these apples are sure to impress.