Rum and raisin sautéed apples served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, citrus zest, and crumbled cookies in a festive holiday setting.

This rum raisin sauteed apples recipe brings together tender apple slices, plump raisins, warm cinnamon, honey, and a generous splash of spiced rum, all cooked gently in butter until glossy and fragrant. It’s a simple skillet dessert with deep, cozy flavours, perfect for the colder months and festive tables alike.

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Bowl of warm rum and raisin sautéed apples with cinnamon and mixed raisins, styled with festive greenery and winter decor.

Hey, folks – I hope you’re all doing well!

Skillet desserts like this are some of my favourite, especially when they come together quickly and fill the kitchen with warm, spiced aromas. This one is all about comfort and simplicity, so let’s dive into these rum and raisin sauteed apples.

Why You’ll Love These Rum Raisin Sauteed Apples

Quick and simple: This recipe comes together in one skillet with minimal prep.
Warm and cozy: Cinnamon, butter, and rum create an irresistibly comforting flavour.
Versatile: Perfect as a dessert, topping, or sweet breakfast addition.
Elegant but easy: Ideal for both casual evenings and festive entertaining.

Flavour and Texture Profile

These rum and raisin sauteed apples are soft and tender without turning mushy, coated in a buttery, honeyed sauce infused with cinnamon and spiced rum. The raisins become plump and juicy, adding sweetness and texture, while the sauce stays glossy and rich when served warm.

Ingredients You’ll Need for These Rum Raisin Sauteed Apples

For these rum and raisin sauteed apples, you’ll only need a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients.

Apples: The star of the recipe, providing structure and natural sweetness. Firm, crisp apples work best, as they soften while still holding their shape during sautéing.
Butter: Forms the rich base of the sauce and gives the apples a silky finish.
Maple syrup and maple sugar: Provide deep sweetness and warm flavour; regular brown sugar can work in a pinch.
Mixed raisins: Add sweetness, chew, and classic rum-and-raisin character.
Spiced rum: Brings warmth and depth; the alcohol cooks off, leaving flavour.
Clementine juice (optional): Adds a hint of brightness and balance.
Cinnamon: Adds gentle spice and enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.
Salt: Just a touch to balance the sweetness.

How to Make Rum and Raisin Sautéed Apples

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the maple syrup, maple sugar, a pinch of salt, and cinnamon. Let this mixture simmer for about 1 minute until warm and blended. Add the sliced apples and sauté over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are coated and just beginning to soften.

Increase the heat to medium–high. Add dark spiced rum along with a generous handful of raisins. Add a splash of clementine juice if using. Let the mixture simmer over higher heat for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften further and the sauce reduces and thickens.

Add the additional rum and butter and sprinkle in a little more sugar. Cook for a few more minutes until the sauce takes on a toffee-like colour and taste and the apples are tender but not falling apart.

How to Enjoy This Recipe

These rum and raisin sauteed apples are best enjoyed hot or warm, when the sauce is silky and spoonable.

As an elegant standalone dessert: Serve warm in small bowls, optionally with cream or ice cream.
With pancakes or waffles: Spoon generously over breakfast favourites.
Alongside yogurt or porridge: A cozy topping for cool mornings.
Over French toast or crepes: Perfect for a festive brunch.

Note: This dish is not recommended chilled. Once cooled, the butter in the sauce solidifies, which affects the texture and makes it far less pleasant than when served warm.

More Delicious Recipes

Are you looking for more easy dessert recipes for the holidays, like these rum raisin sauteed apples? Be sure to check more recipes below:

I’d love for you to try these festive skillet rum raisin sauteed apples. If you give these festive sauteed apples recipe a go, please share your results in the comments, message me on Instagram, or post your photos with the hashtag #havocinthekitchen. I look forward to seeing your creations and hearing your thoughts!

Cheers!