Name: Easy Skillet Apples with Cinnamon and Double Vanilla
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 12 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 2 apples, cut into small cubes; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon homemade or Fourth & Heart Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ghee; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1 tablespoon maple syrup

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These easy skillet apples taste like warm apple pie, except they are so simple to make and much healthier!

There is nothing better than the scent of warm, cinnamon vanilla apples wafting through your kitchen. Everyone needs an easy cooked apples recipe up their sleeve, and this one is so simple! No fuss or frills, no baking required, and ready to enjoy in 10 minutes.

These skillet cinnamon apples get their double dose of vanilla flavor from a combination of vanilla extract and a Madagascar Vanilla Bean Ghee by Fourth & Heart!

Ingredients and Substitutions for Easy Skillet Apples

Apples – I’m sure you remember the old saying “an apple a day keeps the doctor away,” well it turns out to be true! Apples are known to improve digestion and are considered one of the best high-fiber foods. They’re also a top source of pectin which slows glucose absorption (1), and are an excellent source of Vitamin C.
Ghee – Butter or coconut oil can be used in place of ghee, but I love the nutty caramelized flavor ghee gives the apples.
Vanilla Extract – This gives the apples their delicious flavor and scent, but did you know vanilla also has several health benefits? It’s a powerful antioxidant, has antibacterial properties, reduces inflammation, and is known to be a mood booster (2)!
Ceylon Cinnamon – This provides the warm, spiced taste in these apples! Feel free to use regular cinnamon here, but I prefer Ceylon Cinnamon for it’s extra health benefits. Ceylon Cinnamon regulates blood sugar (3) and is an antioxidant with anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects.
Maple Syrup – Adding a sweetener like maple syrup helps the apples caramelize, but you can absolutely leave the sweetener out of this recipe if you prefer. Honey would also make a great substitution.

What is Ghee?

Ghee (also known as clarified butter) has nutty caramelized flavor. Ghee made with milk from grass-fed cows is loaded with healthy, fat-soluble Vitamins A, D, E and K. It’s a great option for anyone on a dairy-free diet since the milk solids are removed.

How to make Ghee

It’s quite simple to make your own ghee. Add a pound of good quality grass-fed butter (Kerrygold is my favorite) to a small sauce pot and cook on low heat. Foam will begin to form at the top and the bubbles will become clear as the ghee continues to cook. After about 15 minutes of simmering (you will notice the amazing aroma), turn off the heat and let it sit for a few minutes before straining with cheesecloth into a glass container.

Store Bought Ghee Options

You can also buy ghee pre-made from brands like Fourth & Heart. This particular brand has several unique flavors like garlic, Madagascar vanilla bean, and even chocolate! I use Fourth & Heart Vanilla Bean Ghee in this recipe to create a double vanilla flavor.

The Best Apples for Baking and Cooking

While you can use any apple variety in this recipe, there are certain varieties that stay crisp and hold up well when cooked.

My favorite apples for this recipe:

Honeycrisp
Braeburn
Pink Lady

Other apple varieties to try:

Gala
Granny Smith
Jazz
Jonagold.

How to Make Easy Skillet Apples with Cinnamon and Double Vanilla

The secret to these easy skillet apples is a two-step process:

Steam the apples in water for 5 minutes to soften them up.
Add the remaining ingredients and cook uncovered until the apples brown and caramelize.

How to Enjoy Easy Skillet Apples

These apples are best served warm. We like to enjoy them as a sweet treat with dessert or for breakfast!

For a tasty treat or addition to your favorite breakfast, enjoy these sauteed apples:

Served over vanilla ice cream or yogurt
Mixed into your favorite oatmeal
Topped on french toast or pancakes