If you’re in search of a dessert that’s both comforting and light, look no further than sautéed apples. This simple yet delicious recipe is reminiscent of the iconic McDonald’s apple pie filling, without the flaky pastry crust. It’s a guilt-free indulgence that captures the essence of warm, spiced apples and is perfect for any season.
This recipe uses few, simple ingredients, highlighting the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples. We provide tips and tricks for sautéing apples with little butter so they caramelize and release their juices, resulting in a luscious texture and flavor.
Why you should try this recipe
- Naturally sweetened: This recipe offers a delightful burst of natural apple sweetness with a hint of buttery richness and spices.
- Ready in minutes: Sautéed apples are a breeze to prepare, making it an ideal last-minute dessert or even a quick snack.
- Minimal Ingredients: With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe is accessible and budget-friendly, yet it delivers a luxurious taste that feels indulgent.
- Versatile: These sautéed apples are incredibly versatile. You can enjoy them on their own, serve them over ice cream, pair them with pancakes or waffles, or incorporate them into various dishes and desserts.
- Low carb: Unlike traditional apple pie, this recipe is lighter as it omits the pastry crust. It’s a guilt-free way to enjoy the essence of a classic dessert.
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Servings: Approximately 4
2 WW points per serving.
Ingredients
· 2 large red apples (such as Pink Lady, but your preferred variety works)
· 3 packets of sucralose sweetener
· 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
· 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
· 1 tablespoon of light butter
· 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
· A pinch of salt
· ½ cup of water (120 ml)
Instructions for making Sautéed Apples
- Prep the Apples: Begin by washing, peeling, and coring the red apples. Slice them into even-sized, thin rounds. Ensuring uniform thickness will help with even cooking.
- Sweeten and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the sucralose sweetener, salt, and ground cinnamon. Mix them well and set this mixture aside for later.
- Sauté the Apples: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced apples. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften and become slightly translucent.
- Add Sweetener and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the prepared sweetener-cinnamon mixture over the sautéed apples. Gently stir the apples to evenly coat them with the sweet and spiced mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the apples. Stir well to combine. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the apples are tender.
- Butter It Up: Add the light butter to the skillet, and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. The butter adds richness to the sautéed apples.
- Serve: Once the sautéed apples have reached your desired level of tenderness and are coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Enjoy: Serve the sautéed red apples hot, with the option to add a dollop of low-fat yogurt or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for extra flavor.
Variations and substitutions
- Instead of butter, use honey and oil to sweeten and glaze your sautéed apples. The honey will add a distinctive, rich sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate a burst of fresh flavor by adding a bit of orange or lemon zest to the sautéed apples.
- Crunchy Toppings: For added texture, sprinkle chopped nuts (such as walnuts or pecans) over the sautéed apples just before serving. The combination of soft apples and crunchy nuts is delightful.
- Liqueur or Rum: For a more adult twist, you can add a splash of your favorite liqueur or a bit of dark rum. The alcohol will evaporate during cooking, leaving behind a unique depth of flavor.
Tips and Tricks Section for Making Sautéed Apples
- Consistent Slicing: To ensure even cooking, slice all the apple rounds to the same thickness. However, if you find that slicing takes some time and the apples tend to darken, you can sprinkle them with a little lemon juice after cutting. This not only prevents browning but also adds a subtle citrus note to the dish.
- Preventing Butter Browning: While sautéing, you can add a teaspoon of water to the skillet along with the butter. This helps prevent the butter from browning too quickly and forming a browned layer at the bottom of the pan. It allows for a smoother, more uniform sauté.
- Using Cornstarch Dilution: In any case, you may need to add a bit of water with diluted cornstarch to complete the cooking process. This step helps thicken the sauce and gives the sautéed apples the perfect texture and consistency.
- Storage: Sauteed apples can be made in advance and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes them a convenient option for meal planning or quick desserts.
- Apple Variety: Sauteed apples work well with all apple varieties. Yellow apples tend to be delicate and may break down a bit, resulting in a saucier consistency. Green apples offer a pleasant tartness and firmness, making them an excellent choice. Opt for more affordable apple varieties to save on costs without compromising on flavor.
Related Recipes
Sautéed Apples
A naturally sweet and crisp apple dessert or treat.
Ingredients
- 2 large red apples, such as Pink Lady, but your preferred variety works
- 3 packets of sucralose sweetener
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon of light butter
- 1 tablespoon of cornstarch
- A pinch of salt
- ½ cup of water, 120 ml
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Begin by washing, peeling, and coring the red apples. Slice them into even-sized, thin rounds. Ensuring uniform thickness will help with even cooking.
- Sweeten and Spice: In a small bowl, combine the sucralose sweetener, salt and the ground cinnamon. Mix them well and set this mixture aside for later.
- Sauté the Apples: In a large skillet or frying pan, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the sliced apples. Sauté them for about 2-3 minutes or until they start to soften and become slightly translucent.
- Add Sweetener and Cinnamon: Sprinkle the prepared sweetener-cinnamon mixture over the sautéed apples. Gently stir the apples to evenly coat them with the sweet and spiced mixture. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, ensuring there are no lumps. Pour this mixture into the skillet with the apples. Stir well to combine. Continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and the apples are tender.
- Butter It Up: Add the light butter to the skillet, and stir until it’s fully melted and incorporated. The butter adds richness to the sautéed apples.
- Serve: Once the sautéed apples have reached your desired level of tenderness and are coated in the sauce, remove the skillet from the heat. Enjoy: Serve the sautéed red apples hot, with the option to add a dollop of low-fat yogurt or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon for extra flavor.
Notes
2 WW points per serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 146gCalories: 93kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 0.5gFat: 3.2gSaturated Fat: 1.4gCholesterol: 3.7mgSodium: 55mgPotassium: 103mgFiber: 1.8gSugar: 12gCalcium: 17mgIron: 0.2mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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