If you’re looking for a comforting, super simple way to enjoy apples, you’re going to love this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe. It’s one of those snacks or sides that turns out just right every time, with tender, warmly spiced apples that feel like a cozy hug in every bite. Whether you want a quick treat after work or an easy topping for pancakes or oatmeal, this recipe is here to save the day—and your taste buds will thank you!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: It comes together in just about 20 minutes with minimal fuss.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Sweet maple syrup and warm cinnamon make the apples shine without overpowering them.
- Versatile: Excellent as a snack, dessert topping, or even an accompaniment to savory dishes.
- Made with Natural Ingredients: Nothing artificial, just wholesome flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe is in the simple, fresh ingredients that play so nicely together. Using good-quality apples and pure spices really elevates the flavor, so take a moment to pick some apples you love!
- Apples: Choose firm, crisp apples like Honey Crisp or Pink Lady for the best texture and sweetness.
- Water: Just a little to help soften the apples; you can swap with apple juice for extra flavor.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and helps caramelize the apples; coconut oil or ghee work well too if you want dairy-free.
- Maple Syrup: The sweetener of choice here, its depth beats out white sugar any day.
- Ground Cinnamon: The warm spice that turns simple apples into a cozy treat.
- Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance sweetness and enhance all the flavors.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant note that pulls everything together beautifully.
Variations
I love how flexible this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe is—you can tweak it to match whatever you have on hand or your personal taste buds. Don’t hesitate to get creative and make it your own!
- Adding Nuts: Toasted pecans or walnuts stirred in at the end bring a nice crunch and nuttiness—I’ve tried it with my kids, and they can’t get enough.
- Spiced Up: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves if you want a deeper, more complex spice profile.
- Dairy-Free Version: Swap out butter for coconut oil, and you’re all set for a plant-based treat.
- Extra Sweetness: Substitute maple syrup with honey or brown sugar for a slight flavor twist.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep your apples just right
Start by cutting your apples into uniform pieces about half to one inch square. This ensures even cooking and that nice tender bite every time. I usually leave the peel on unless I’m cooking for toddlers or prefer a softer texture. If you’re like me and want that extra smoothness, peeling is totally fine too.
Step 2: Gently cook the apples
Place the chopped apples in a skillet with two tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll notice the apples start to soften and the water absorb—this is the base of that lovely tender texture. Be patient here so the apples keep shape but get gently steamed.
Step 3: Add butter and soften further
Next, add one tablespoon of salted butter (or your substitute) and stir it gently through the apples. The butter coats the apples with richness and helps develop a slight caramelization. Keep stirring every minute or so, cooking for about 5 more minutes. If the apples seem dry toward the end, cover the skillet for the last two minutes to trap some steam and soften them nicely.
Step 4: Sweeten and spice it up
Now comes the best part: stir in the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, a pinch of sea salt, and pure vanilla extract. Mixing these into the warm apples brings out all the cozy cinnamon-spiced sweetness you crave. Cook together for about 5 more minutes, stirring regularly, until the apples reach your perfect softness.
Step 5: Serve and enjoy!
Remove your skillet from the heat, and your Easy Cinnamon Apples are ready! I love serving them warm, but they’re also delicious cooled down. Either way, they make a fantastic snack or addition to many dishes.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Uniform Sizing: Cutting apples in similar sizes ensures even cooking, which is key for tenderness without mushiness.
- Peel or No Peel: I learned peeling for little kids avoids any chewing issues, but leaving the peel adds texture and nutrients for adults.
- Adjust Sweetness Gradually: Start with less maple syrup and add more after tasting so you get just the right balance, especially if your apples are very sweet.
- Don’t Rush the Cooking: Giving the apples time to soften slowly brings out their natural sweetness—resist the urge to turn the heat too high.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Garnishes
I love topping my warm cinnamon apples with a little dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans for some delightful crunch. Sometimes a spoonful of Greek yogurt adds a creamy tang, balancing the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with a stack of pancakes or waffles for breakfast, or as a sweet complement to roasted pork chops or even oatmeal for a hearty start to your day.
Creative Ways to Present
For holidays or special brunches, I like serving these cinnamon apples in small ramekins topped with a sprinkle of granola and a drizzle of honey—makes everything look fancy but requires almost no extra effort!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover cinnamon apples in an airtight glass container in the fridge, and they stay fresh for up to 5 days. When I make a batch ahead, this little trick saves me from making a new pot every day!
Freezing
Freezing cinnamon apples is possible, and I’ve done it a few times when I made extra. For best results, cool completely, then freeze in portioned containers. They thaw well for baking or reheating, but the texture softens a bit more, so I prefer fresh if I can.
Reheating
To reheat, I like warming them gently on the stove or in the microwave until hot but not boiling, stirring occasionally. Adding a splash of water or apple juice helps keep them moist and delicious.
FAQs
-
Can I make this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe without butter?
Absolutely! You can substitute butter with coconut oil, ghee, or even a neutral cooking oil if you want a dairy-free or vegan version. Each option lends a slightly different flavor but still results in tender, tasty apples.
-
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
I recommend crisp apples like Honey Crisp, Pink Lady, or Gala because they hold their shape well and offer a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. However, feel free to experiment—softer apples like Golden Delicious will cook more quickly and yield a softer texture.
-
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can make the cinnamon apples ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before serving. Just be aware that the texture may soften a little after storage, but the flavor remains lovely.
-
Is it okay to add sugar instead of maple syrup?
Definitely! Brown sugar or granulated sugar will sweeten the dish well, but maple syrup adds a deeper, more nuanced flavor that I really love. If you substitute, start with a smaller amount and adjust to taste.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe is a go-to for me because it’s so forgiving but consistently delicious. Whether you’re stirring it into your morning oatmeal, piling it on top of ice cream, or just enjoying it by the spoonful, I think you’ll find it as comforting and reliable as I do. Trust me, once you try it, these tender, spiced apples will become a staple in your kitchen too—just like they did in mine!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approximately 3 cups)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Cinnamon Apples recipe is a warm and comforting fruit dish perfect for a quick snack or a delicious side. Tenderly cooked apples are infused with cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla to create a naturally sweet and aromatic treat. Made using simple ingredients and skillet cooking, this recipe is quick to prepare, versatile, and perfect for enjoying year-round.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 apples (about 3 cups, chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Cut the apples into evenly sized pieces, approximately ½ to 1 inch cubes, to ensure they cook uniformly.
- Cook with Water: Place the apple pieces in a skillet along with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples start to soften and most of the water is absorbed.
- Add Butter: Add 1 tablespoon of salted butter to the skillet. Stir the apples with the butter to coat them evenly. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, allowing the apples to become soft; cover the skillet for the last 2 minutes if needed.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in maple syrup, ground cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract until well combined with the apples.
- Final Cooking: Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring every minute until the apples reach your preferred softness and the flavors have melded beautifully.
- Serve: Remove the skillet from heat and serve the cinnamon apples warm as a snack or side dish.
Notes
- Peeling Apples: Peeling is optional; for babies or those preferring a smoother texture, peeling is recommended.
- Apple Variety: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are preferred, but alternatives include Gala, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, and Jazz.
- Butter Substitutes: Coconut oil or ghee can be used instead of butter.
- Sweetener Substitutes: Honey, granulated sugar, or brown sugar can replace maple syrup.
- Water Substitute: Apple juice or apple cider can substitute water for additional flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a covered glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 2.8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
