It goes without saying that one of the best parts of Fall in the South is apple picking. This rite of passage (into Fall) is a great family Fall activity but oftentimes leaves apple pickers what to do with their plentiful bounty. Aside from the traditional go-to of apple pie, there are also Southern Fried Apples, Fried Apple Hand Pies, and Swedish Apple Cake. All of which pairs quite nicely with vanilla bean ice cream. Find this tasty apple recipes below. 

Southern Fried Apples

There is something nearly nostalgic about Southern Fried Apples. They’ve been a staple of brunch at Granny’s for as long as I can remember.  Additionally, they’re simple to make. You can’t go wrong with a side dish that goes great next to grits, bacon, and biscuits. Southern Fried Apples are best when made by the old adage of “less is more.” 

Ingredients

2 large Granny Smith apples (or whatever you picked from the orchard)

4 tablespoons of butter, chopped

Juice from 1/ 2 a lemon

2 tablespoons white sugar

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Peel, core, and evenly slice the apples.
2. Melt butter, medium heat in a skillet.
3. Add apples to the skillet and pour the lemon juice over.
4. Let the apples simmer until most of the butter is absorbed. The apples will be tender. Be careful not to overcook. Apples are best firm to the touch.
5. Mix the white sugar and brown sugar. Sprinkle them over the apples. 
6. Combine apples and sugar mixture.
7. Heat may need lowered.
8. Continue to cook apples till sugar mixture dissolves and creates a syrup.
9. Remove from heat and toss in cinnamon.

Keep in mind that cooking time varies depending on the type of apples used and the thickness to which they are cut. 

Homemade Fried Apple Hand Pies

Homemade Fried Apple Hand Pies are the perfect Fall breakfast treat on the go. They are easy to make since you can use frozen pie crust or refrigerated biscuit dough. They’re a great time-saving treat since you can make them the day before and then fry them in the morning. Perfect for keeping warm at the bus stop while waiting for school on a brisk fall morning. A simple apple recipe to keep on hand after visiting the apple orchards. 

Ingredients

Apple Pie Filling

5 medium/large apples

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

2 tablespoons brown sugar

¼-½ cup granulated sugar

1 tablespoon cornstarch

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg

Homemade pie crust or biscuit dough

Instructions

Apple Pie Filling

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces. In a 10-12 in. fry pan, melt the butter. Cook the apples over medium heat for 15-20 min. (until soft). Sprinkle with brown sugar and sugar while cooking. Occasionally stir with a wooden spoon to ensure the apples don’t burn. 
2. In about ¼ cup of cold water, dissolve and combine the cornstarch.
3. Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pan with the apples to thicken.
4. Remove from heat and add cinnamon, nutmeg and stir to combine. Let cool completely. 

Apple Hand Pies

1. Roll out biscuit dough/pie crust on a lightly floured surface, into 4-6 inch ovals, about ⅛-¼ in. thick. Scoop about 1 tablespoon of cooled pie filling into the center of each round. Fold over, lightly press down on the filling and the edges. Crimp the edges of the dough with a floured fork. Place on a half-sheet pan lined with parchment paper. 
2. Fill a fry pan with about 2-3 inches of canola oil. Heat the oil until about 370/375 degrees. Fry until brown on both sides (3-4 min.) Only fry a few at a time as not to overcrowd the pan. Sprinkle with granulated sugar or dust with powdered sugar. 

Swedish Apple Cake

My all time favorite apple recipe solution for what to do with all those apples from apple picking is Swedish Apple Cake. Not only is it quick and easy, it goes amazingly well with vanilla bean ice cream. 

Ingredients

3 to 4 apples

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon sugar

¾ cup margarine

1 cup sugar

1 cup flour

Directions

1. Peel, core, and slice apples. Place into a pie plate until ¾ full. 
2. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt margarine. 
4. Remove from heat and add sugar and flour. 
5. Mix in 1 egg.
6. Bake in preheated oven at 325 degrees until brown. 

With three apple recipes in your repertoire, you’re now free to pick apples to your heart’s desire at the apple orchards this Fall. Make sure to let us know how your apple treats turned out in the comments section. Check back with The Lexington Yankee for more fun fall treats and activities.