These healthy sautéed caramel apple slices taste like warm apple pie filling. This easy recipe is made in a skillet on the stovetop with your favorite apples and 5-minute vegan caramel sauce.
As soon as apple season comes around, these warm caramel apple slices need a place in your recipe rotation. The thinly sliced apples cook quickly in a skillet and then get coated in a delicious healthy caramel sauce. They taste exactly like a warm, gooey apple pie filling. Honestly, these caramel apples slices are apple pie just without the crust and all the effort!
These warm caramel apple slices pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream for a cozy fall dessert. But they also taste delicious as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or oatmeal. If you’re up for the extra bit of effort, you could make this pie crust and use these caramel apple slices as a pie filling!
Ingredients In Sauteed Caramel Apple Slices
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- Apples – I like using a firm, crisp apple variety that holds up when cooked. Pink lady, honey crisp, fuji, and gala are all good options. However, you really can’t go wrong. You keep an eye on the apples when cooking. you want them soft but also hold their shape.
- Water – simmering the apple water softens them up without needing to add extra oil. The 5-minute caramel sauce adds-in healthy fats from coconut oil and almond butter, making the apples warm, gooey, and delicious.
- Lemon juice – adds a brightness to the apples and balanced out the sweetness of the caramel sauce.
- Cinnamon – adds flavor and sweetness. Plus, apples and cinnamon pair wonderfully together. You could also add a pinch of nutmeg and clove!
- Cornstarch – this is key for thickening the juice from the apples while they cook. It gives the apples that “pie filling” quality. I recommend using organic cornstarch if possible. Feel free to use tapioca or arrowroot starch in place of the cornstarch.
- Vegan caramel sauce – this 5-minute caramel sauce made from coconut oil, maple syrup, and almond butter is incredibly easy to make. Plus, it’s a healthier alternative to traditional caramel sauce recipes.
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST warm Caramel APPLE Slices
While I love making baked cinnamon apples in the oven, it usually 45 minutes or more to soften the apples. This stovetop method for making these sauteed caramel apple slices requires only 15-20 minutes of your time. Perfect for whipping up on a weeknight treat! Here’s how to make these warm caramel cinnamon apple slices.
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- Slice – Thinly slice the apples. Aim for 1/4 inch thick.
- Soften – Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the apples and toss with the water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch to coat the apple slices. Cover and let cook for 15-20 minutes. You want the apples to be soft and tender but not falling apart.
- Make the Caramel – While the apples are softening make the 5-minute caramel sauce in the microwave. You can also follow the directions in this post for a stove-top version.
- Add the Caramel – Once the apples are softened, add the caramel sauce. Gently fold the apples so they get coated in the caramel. Let simmer for 1-2 minutes, until mixture thickens.
How easy is that?! Serve warm as is, or with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an epic fall dessert.
How to Serve:
While these apples are delicious as is, they’re extremely versatile. Here are some ideas to get you started.
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- Serve with ice cream or make a caramel apple sundae
- Top with granola or pecans
- Use as the filling for apple pie or crumble bars
- Serve with pancakes, waffles, or french toast
- Swirl into yogurt
More Healthy Apple Recipes
If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rate the recipe below to let me know how you liked it. You can also tag #nourishedbynutriton on Instagram with your creations!
PrintHealthy Sautéed Caramel Apple Slices
These healthy sautéed caramel apple slices taste like warm apple pie filling. This easy recipe is made in a skillet on the stovetop with your favorite apples and 5-minute vegan caramel sauce.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 20 min
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Ingredients
For the Sautéed Apples:
1 1/2 lbs apples (about 4 medium apples), cored and sliced in 1/4 inch slices
1/4 cup filtered water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 tablespoon cornstarch
For the CARAMEL SAUCE:
1/4 cup coconut oil
1/4 cup maple syrup
3 tablespoons unsalted almond butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
1/4 teaspoon sea salt
Instructions
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and cornstarch. Toss to coat the apples. Place a lid over the apples and let cook for 15-20 minutes or until soft.
While the apples soften, make the caramel sauce. Place the coconut oil and maple syrup in a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in the microwave for 30-45 sec. Mix the coconut oil and maple syrup to dissolve any remaining coconut oil solids. Add the almond butter, vanilla, and sea salt. Mix until completely smooth.
Once the apples have softened, add 1/3 cup the caramel sauce to the apples. Gently fold the apples together so they get coated in the caramel. Continue to cook the apples for 1-2 minutes, just to heat the caramel. Serve immediately.
Serving suggestions: These apples are delicious as is! Or top with ice cream or granola. Use as a topping for pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Notes
These apple slices are best served warm. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. The caramel sauce will harden in the fridge due to the coconut oil. This is okay! Just retake the apples in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water until heated through.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
I’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #nourishedbynutriton.
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