The official Baking with Dolly collection includes these Southern fried apples. Sliced apples cook in butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until tender but still intact. Serve them warm as a side dish or spoon them over biscuits or ice cream.

Explore more Southern favorites in our Dolly Parton Recipe Collection.

Recipe Information

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Servings: 10
Difficulty: Beginner — Level 1 of 5
Cost: Economical — $$
Region / Ethnic Origin: Southern United States

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
• 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced 1/2 inch thick

Preparation

1. Prepare the apples. Peel, core, and cut the apples into even slices about 1/2 inch thick so they cook at a similar rate.
2. Melt the butter. Place a large cast-iron skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and melt it gently without browning.
3. Make the cinnamon coating. Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon until combined with the melted butter.
4. Add the apples. Add the sliced apples and stir gently to coat them evenly with the cinnamon-butter mixture.
5. Cook until tender. Cook for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have softened slightly but still hold their shape. Adjust the heat if the sugar begins to scorch.
6. Serve warm. Spoon the apples and their buttery cinnamon sauce into a serving bowl and enjoy while warm.

Cook’s Notes

Choose apples that hold their shape: Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady apples work well. Softer varieties may break down more quickly.

Keep the slices even: Uniform thickness helps prevent some apples from becoming mushy while others remain firm.

Watch the heat: Brown sugar can burn if the skillet gets too hot. Use moderate heat and stir gently.

Serving ideas: Enjoy the apples as a breakfast side, spoon them over warm biscuits, or serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for dessert.

Storage: Cool and refrigerate in a covered container for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until hot.

Serving Suggestions

Dolly Parton’s Buttermilk Biscuits: Spoon the warm apples over split biscuits for a comforting breakfast.

Dolly Parton’s Skillet Cornbread: Offer the apples alongside a savory Southern supper.

Beverage Suggestions

Instant Pot Iced Tea: A refreshing contrast to the buttery cinnamon apples.

Editorial Disclaimer: This recipe is part of an independent Carter Family Recipes collection celebrating the cooking traditions associated with Dolly Parton. It may be an adaptation or independently developed interpretation rather than an exact reproduction of a previously published recipe. Carter Family Recipes is not affiliated with or endorsed by Dolly Parton, Rachel Parton George, Dollywood, or their representatives.