Sauteed Apples (naturally sweetened)
These sautéed apples are lightly sweetened with maple syrup and are quick and easy to prepare! They’re also gluten-free, vegan, paleo and dairy-free.
I’ve tried and tried to make a healthy pecan pie (check out these pecan pie bars or mini caramel pecan tarts for some unhealthy options), but it’s not happening this year. Here’s something easier! Boring, yes, but still delicious. :)
I know sauteed apples aren’t the most exciting or most popular Thanksgiving side dish, but I’m always happy when I see them on the table. If you’re looking for some more standard recipes, try this gluten-free vegan cornbread or my cranberry sauce with orange juice.
I love sautéed apples, but I don’t love how sugary and gloppy they are. Yuck. I want to taste the apples and not a bunch of sugar.
These sauteed apples only use 1 tablespoon of maple syrup per serving (which, according to my love of cinnamon apples, is a generous 1 apple per person!) But if we’re being realistic, and this is being served at Thanksgiving, I bet this recipe would be enough for 8 people.
I did want the slightly molasses-y taste that brown sugar adds, so I added a teaspoon of molasses to the apples. It was just enough! You can omit it if you don’t have any on hand.
I used Elstar apples, which are common over here in Germany, but I think any sweet apple would do. Except for Red Delicious, which I’ve mentioned before in this apple butter post, they’re basically useless.
Do note that if you use a tart apple, your sautéed apples are going to be tart because there’s not very much sweetener in this recipe.
You can also add more spices like nutmeg, allspice, and cloves – or just make it simple and add apple pie spice to taste. I didn’t add any more spice because of picky eaters in the family.
And these cinnamon apples fit pretty much every diet! They’re naturally paleo, gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.
I used refined coconut oil just because I like coconut oil, but you could also use regular butter if you prefer. Bring these to Thanksgiving dinner and everyone will be able to enjoy them! If you have any left over, which I doubt, you could use them in place of the apple pie filling in these air fryer apple pie taquitos.
What sides are you all making this year for Thanksgiving? I like this sweet potato mac and cheese for something a little different and this gluten-free cornbread.
And if you’ve never made cranberry sauce before, be sure to check out this post on how to make cranberry sauce! It’s so very easy.
And if you’d like to make something with pears, here’s how to make poached pears. They would be great for Thanksgiving!
I hope you’ll enjoy these sautéed apples if you try them out. If you do, I’d love for you to leave a comment below. Thanks!
Sauteed Apples (naturally sweetened)
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) refined coconut oil see notes; or butter for a non-vegan version
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon molasses optional
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 4 sweet apples unpeeled, cored and sliced into 1/4" slices – mine were 810 grams total
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a large pan over medium heat, mix together the first four ingredients (coconut oil through cinnamon).2 tablespoons (28 grams) refined coconut oil, 1/4 cup (60 ml) maple syrup, 1 teaspoon molasses, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- Once the oil is melted, add the apples and mix to cover the apples thoroughly in the liquid mixture.4 sweet apples
- Cover and simmer the apples for 7 – 15 minutes or until the apples are soft enough for your liking.
- Add in the vanilla and stir.2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- Remove the apples from the heat and let them sit for 10 minutes and then serve. The liquid will gel a little as it cools. Can also be served at room temperature.
- Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
- I used refined coconut oil, which has no coconut oil taste. If you use unrefined coconut oil (which does have a coconut taste), these sauteed apples might have a slight coconut taste to them.
- The nutrition information provided is calculated as a courtesy and is only an estimate. I am not a licensed nutritionist or dietitian. For the most accurate nutritional data, consult a professional or use your preferred calculator.
- The nutrition information does not include the optional molasses.
Yum. This looks delicious. My kids will love it. Can’t wait to make it
Hope you’ll enjoy them!
I adore apple-y goods! Apples with warm spices are just heavenly. Nice addition with the molasses here, too!
I could seriously eat this all year round.
Same here!
I *AM* always excited to see an apple dish like this! I love them paired with savory dishes, and I just may make them for our holiday dinners this year!
Hmm it looks delicious!! And what is the white cream on the picture? Ice cream .. cream cheese? It looks delicious !!
Thank you! :) It’s vanilla ice cream. So yummy with these apples!
Oh, I love this idea for a healthy side!! Gonna have to remember it for Christmas ;)
Hope you’ll enjoy them! :)
I forget about sauteed apples, but these look so easy and delicious!!! I’ll have to make these – and don’t think I’m skipping out on the ice cream on top either, lol!
Haha. Always good to know with the ice cream!
This looks delightful! We all love apples around here and I WILL be making this sometime this fall – YUM!
I hope you’ll enjoy it as much as we do!
I have made these a number of times and they have been great every time! Everyone in my house loves them, with pancakes,crepes, pork tenderloin or even alone. They are so good, everyone should try them! Thanks for your sharing and Happy Thanksgiving!!
I’m so happy you like them! Thanks for the feedback and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving, too. :)
I just love sauteed apples, but forget to make them. And I have a whole bag of apples on hand! I need to get on this.
I think you do! ;)
YUM!! I am a cinnamon apples person myself. No other spices needed for me.
What a cute pic of your little one. He is such a cutie.
Thanks so much! :)
Sounds simple enough. My husband is forever bringing home ice cream, pies, cookies. I’m always tempted and give in. I should have on hand something for me that doesn’t scream guilt.
That’s a good idea! And this is easy enough that you can make it quickly. :)