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Copycat Famous Dave's Drunken Rum Apples

My all-time favorite side dish! A very simple copycat recipe of Famous Dave's delicious Drunken Rum Apples.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Course lunch/dinner
Cuisine American
Servings 6 people
Calories 2461.5 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Large Heavy-Bottomed Saucepan Essential for even cooking and preventing scorching.
  • 1 Wooden Spoon or Heat-Resistant Spatula For frequent stirring during cooking.
  • 1 Chef's knife For coring and slicing apples.
  • 1 Cutting Board For safe and efficient apple preparation.
  • 1 Measuring Cups and Spoons For accurate ingredient portions.

Ingredients
  

Main

  • 7 Granny Smith apples cored and sliced
  • 2 cups white sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon ground nutmeg
  • ΒΌ cup spiced rum

Instructions
 

  • Stir apples, sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg together in a large saucepan. Pour in rum and stir until apples are evenly coated and a thick sauce forms. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook, stirring frequently, until apples are soft, about 20 minutes. Cool for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For optimal results, select firm, tart Granny Smith apples that will hold their shape well during cooking. While the recipe specifies 2 cups of sugar, consider adjusting based on the natural sweetness of your apples and personal preference; a good starting point might be 1.5 cups, tasting and adding more if needed. Frequent stirring is paramount to prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom of the saucepan and ensuring even caramelization and softening. The 'thick sauce' will develop naturally as the apples release their juices and the sugar dissolves and slightly reduces. For a deeper flavor profile, consider adding a pinch of sea salt to balance the sweetness, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end to brighten the dish. A knob of unsalted butter stirred in just before cooling can add richness and a beautiful gloss. Serve these warm apples with a dollop of vanilla bean ice cream for dessert, or as a vibrant side dish to roasted pork or chicken.