If you’ve been searching for a fun, crispy, and utterly delicious snack that feels like a little celebration on your taste buds, you are going to love this Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe. Picture perfectly crisp apple sticks, lightly fried until golden, then dusted with a warm cinnamon sugar and paired with luscious caramel sauce for dipping. This treat combines the freshness of apples with the indulgence we all crave, making it an ideal dessert or snack that’s both easy to whip up and impressive to share with friends or family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
What’s great about this Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe is how straightforward the ingredients are. Each one plays a vital role, whether it’s the tartness of Granny Smith apples balancing sweetness or the crisp coating courtesy of cornstarch. Together, they create a perfect harmony of flavors and textures.
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a subtle tang.
- 1 Cup water: Combine with lemon juice for an apple bath that maintains crispness.
- 4 Granny Smith apples (cored, peeled, sliced into fries about 1/2 inch thick): Their tartness provides a refreshing counterpoint to the sugar and caramel.
- 1/2 Cup cornstarch: The secret to achieving that perfectly crispy coating on each apple fry.
- 4 Cups canola oil: Ideal for frying because of its neutral flavor and high smoke point.
- 2 Cups granulated sugar: Combines with cinnamon for the classic sweet spice dusting.
- 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon: Adds warmth and depth to the sugar coating.
- Fresh whipping cream: Optional but fantastic as a creamy complement.
- 1 Cup caramel sauce (heated): The irresistible dip that makes this snack a real treat.
How to Make Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apple Bath
Start by mixing 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice into 1 cup of water in a large bowl. This simple apple bath is crucial because it prevents your apple fries from turning brown and keeps them fresh and crisp once sliced. Set this mixture aside for the next step.
Step 2: Slice the Apples
Peel and core your Granny Smith apples, then slice each one into sticks about 1/2 inch thick to resemble fries. As you slice, immediately add the apple sticks to the prepared lemon water bath. Let them soak for 3 to 5 minutes. This soaking step helps the apples maintain their texture and flavor during frying.
Step 3: Heat the Oil
Pour 4 cups of canola oil into an electric fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot and heat it to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. While the oil heats, place a wire rack over a baking sheet to drain the fries once they come out of the oil. This will keep them crispy and prevent sogginess.
Step 4: Drain, Rinse, and Coat the Apple Fries
Drain the apple sticks from the lemon water and rinse them briefly under cool water to refresh their surface. Set them aside in a clean bowl and divide into two batches for easier handling. In a small bowl, place your cornstarch, then toss the apple sticks thoroughly until each piece is well coated. This coating is key to creating that irresistible crunch.
Step 5: Fry the Apple Fries
Carefully lower one batch of the coated apple fries into the preheated oil. Fry for about 3 to 4 minutes until they turn golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to transfer the fries onto the wire rack to drain excess oil. Repeat the process with the second batch. While still warm, toss the fries in a mixture of granulated sugar and cinnamon for that irresistible sweet spice layer.
Step 6: Serve with Caramel Sauce
Heat your caramel sauce gently before serving, so it’s perfectly smooth for dipping. Arrange your apple fries on a platter, sprinkle with cinnamon sugar, and serve alongside the warm caramel sauce and fresh whipping cream if you’re feeling indulgent. This combination makes for a cozy, comforting treat that everyone will reach for again and again.
How to Serve Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For an extra touch of elegance, sprinkle some finely chopped toasted nuts like pecans or walnuts over your apple fries. You can also add a light dusting of powdered sugar to boost the visual appeal and sweetness. Fresh mint leaves provide a pop of color and refreshing aroma that beautifully balances the richness.
Side Dishes
Apple fries shine on their own, but if you want to turn them into an even heartier dessert experience, try pairing them with vanilla bean ice cream or a dollop of fresh whipped cream. For a brunch twist, serve alongside warm oatmeal or fluffy pancakes for a fun texture contrast and burst of flavor.
Creative Ways to Present
Consider serving your apple fries in individual rustic paper cones or small baskets lined with parchment paper for a playful, casual look that invites snacking. You could also stack them high on a tiered dessert stand surrounded by small bowls of caramel sauce and whipped cream, allowing guests to customize their bites. The presentation is a joy that enhances every bite of the Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain some of the crispiness, place a paper towel in the container to absorb moisture. However, freshly made apple fries always taste best.
Freezing
Freezing apple fries is not the best option, as the texture suffers significantly once thawed. The apples tend to become soft and lose their signature crispness. For the best experience, make them fresh when craving this snack.
Reheating
To reheat and revive some of the crunch, pop the apple fries into a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. This method warms them through and brings back a bit of that delightful crisp texture without making them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal because of their tartness and firmness, other crisp varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji can work well too. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples might change the balance of flavors slightly.
Is frying necessary, or can I bake the apple fries?
Frying provides the signature crispy texture that makes these apple fries so addictive. However, for a lighter version, you can bake them in a single layer at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Expect a less crunchy but still tasty result.
How do I make homemade caramel sauce?
Homemade caramel sauce is easy to make with just sugar, butter, and cream cooked together until golden and smooth. There are plenty of recipes available, but using pre-made caramel sauce saves time while still delivering that luscious flavor.
Can I prepare the apple fries ahead of time?
You can prep the apple slices and store them in the lemon water bath for up to a few hours ahead of frying. However, it’s best to fry and coat them just before serving to keep the fries crispy and fresh.
What if I don’t have cornstarch? Can I use flour?
Cornstarch is preferred because it creates a lighter, crisper coating. All-purpose flour can be used in a pinch, but the texture will be denser and less crunch. For best results, stick to cornstarch if possible.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe truly feels like a little celebration of flavors and textures in every bite. It’s simple enough to prepare on a whim but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to try it. Don’t hesitate to dive in and share these crispy, sweet apple fries with your loved ones—you might just discover a new favorite treat that turns ordinary apples into something magical.
Print
Apple Fries with Cinnamon Sugar and Caramel Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and easy-to-make Apple Fries are a delightful snack or dessert featuring fresh Granny Smith apples sliced into fries, coated lightly in cornstarch, and fried to golden perfection. Served with cinnamon sugar, warm caramel sauce, and fresh whipped cream, these apple fries offer a perfect balance of tartness, sweetness, and crunch.
Ingredients
Apple Preparation
- 1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 Cup water
- 4 Granny Smith apples (cored, peeled, sliced into fries about 1/2in thick)
Coating and Frying
- 1/2 Cup cornstarch
- 4 Cups canola oil (for frying)
Toppings
- 2 Cups granulated sugar
- 3 Tbsp ground cinnamon
- Fresh whipping cream (for serving)
- 1 Cup caramel sauce (heated, for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare Apple Bath: In a large bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice with 1 cup of water to create a citrus water bath that will prevent the apples from browning.
- Slice Apples: Peel and core the Granny Smith apples, then slice them into 1/2 inch wide sticks resembling fries. As you slice, immediately add the apple sticks into the lemon water bath to keep them fresh.
- Soak Apples: Let the sliced apples soak in the lemon water bath for 3-5 minutes to maintain their crispness and prevent oxidation.
- Heat Oil: Pour 4 cups of canola oil into an electric fryer or deep pan and heat until it reaches 300°F (about 150°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil temperature is accurate.
- Drain and Dry: Remove the apple fries from the water bath, drain thoroughly, and rinse under cold water. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture to prevent oil splatter.
- Coat with Cornstarch: Place 1/2 cup of cornstarch in a small bowl and toss the apple fries in it until they are evenly coated. This light coating helps achieve a crispy exterior when fried.
- Prepare Cinnamon Sugar: In a separate bowl, mix the granulated sugar with 3 tablespoons of ground cinnamon and set aside for later use.
- Fry Apple Fries: Carefully place the coated apple fries into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry for about 3-5 minutes or until the fries turn golden and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to remove excess oil.
- Coat with Cinnamon Sugar: While still warm, toss the fried apple fries in the cinnamon sugar mixture ensuring an even coating of sweetness and spice.
- Serve: Plate the apple fries warm, accompanied by fresh whipped cream and a small bowl of heated caramel sauce for dipping. Enjoy this crispy, sweet treat immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using granny smith apples adds a tart flavor that balances the sweetness of the sugar and caramel.
- Ensure apples are patted dry after soaking to avoid oil splattering during frying.
- You can substitute canola oil with any neutral-flavored frying oil like vegetable or peanut oil.
- Maintain oil temperature at 300°F for optimal crispiness without burning the apples.
- Serve immediately after frying to preserve crispness; leftovers may become soggy.
