If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that’s as simple as it is delicious, you’re going to love this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe. I absolutely love how these tender, cinnamon-spiced apples come together with just a handful of ingredients, and you’ll find they’re perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even a quick dessert. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become your go-to fall favorite all year round!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge.
- Fast and Easy: Ready in just about 20 minutes, perfect for busy mornings or last-minute treats.
- Versatile Flavor: Sweet, warmly spiced apples that pair beautifully with lots of dishes.
- Kid-Friendly and Adaptable: Great for little ones (just peel the apples!) and easy to tweak with what you have.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic in this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Choosing the right kind of apples really makes a difference here, and the small touches like pure vanilla and a bit of sea salt elevate the flavors beautifully.
- Apples: I like Honey Crisp or Pink Lady for this recipe because they hold their shape nicely and have that perfect sweet-tart flavor.
- Water: Helps steam the apples gently; you can also use apple juice or cider for extra flavor.
- Salted Butter: Adds richness and depth; coconut oil or ghee are great alternatives if you want a dairy-free option.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens with a lovely caramel note — honey or brown sugar can also work.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice here that brings warmth and comfort.
- Fine Sea Salt: Just a pinch to balance the sweetness and intensify flavors.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: Adds a subtle, fragrant layer that makes the apples taste extra special.
Variations
I love how this recipe is so straightforward yet totally customizable. Over the years, I’ve messed around with a few tweaks that keep it interesting or adapt it to whatever mood or ingredient stash I have.
- Add Nuts or Seeds: I often sprinkle chopped walnuts or pecans on top for crunch — my family goes crazy for it when we want a bit more texture.
- Make it Dairy-Free: Simply swap butter for coconut oil or vegan ghee without losing any of the luscious flavor.
- Change the Sweetener: Maple syrup is my favorite, but I’ve also used honey or even a splash of brown sugar for a caramel-y twist.
- Spice it Up: Sometimes, I throw in a pinch of nutmeg or ground ginger for an extra cozy vibe.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Step 1: Prep Your Apples Just Right
Start by cutting your apples into evenly sized pieces — about half to one-inch cubes work great. I usually leave the peel on for extra texture and nutrients, but if you’re making this for toddlers (or prefer it smoother), peeling is totally fine. The trick is having uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Steam the Apples Gently
Pop your chopped apples into a skillet with 2 tablespoons of water, then cover and cook over medium heat. Stir occasionally for about 5 minutes until the apples start to get soft and the water is mostly soaked in. This gentle steaming softens the apples just enough without turning them mushy, which is crucial for that perfect bite.
Step 3: Add Butter and Let the Flavor Build
Next, add the butter. Stir it in so every apple piece gets that silky coating. Now cook for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples soften further. For the last couple of minutes, you can cover the pan again to trap the steam — I discovered this keeps the apples tender but intact.
Step 4: The Magic Mix-in — Sweetness and Spice
Time to add the maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together thoroughly. Then keep cooking over medium heat for about 5 more minutes, stirring often until your apples reach your desired softness. This step lets all those lovely flavors meld together — it’s what makes this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe so addicting!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the apples are perfectly tender and aromatic, take the skillet off the heat and serve immediately. These apples are delicious on their own, but wait till you see how good they are drizzled over yogurt, pancakes, or even ice cream.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Choose the Right Apple: I learned that tart apples like Granny Smith give a nice contrast while sweeter ones like Honey Crisp soften beautifully without falling apart.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Just a pinch of sea salt makes all the difference in balancing sweetness and enhancing overall flavor.
- Keep Stirring: Stirring frequently prevents the apples from sticking or burning, especially once the butter and syrup are added.
- Avoid Overcooking: Cook until tender but still holding their shape — overcooked apples turn mushy and lose that great texture.
How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love topping these cinnamon apples with a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt. A little fresh mint on top adds unexpected freshness, especially if you’re serving it warm.
Side Dishes
This recipe is fantastic alongside your morning oatmeal or pancakes for a cozy breakfast. I’ve also served it next to roasted pork or chicken — the sweetness pairs beautifully with savory dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dessert, I’ve spooned these apples over vanilla ice cream and drizzled a little caramel sauce on top. Another favorite is layering them between pancakes or waffles to create a show-stopping brunch centerpiece for friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers keep beautifully in a sealed glass container in the fridge for up to 5 days. I’ve found they’re perfect reheated gently on the stove or enjoyed cold mixed into yogurt for a quick snack.
Freezing
If you want to freeze them, just let the apples cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. They keep well for 2-3 months. When I thaw them, their texture gets softer, so I usually use frozen apples in baked dishes rather than fresh toppings.
Reheating
I like to warm leftovers over low heat on the stove with a splash of water or apple juice to refresh the moisture and flavor. Microwaving works too, but be careful not to overcook and turn the apples mushy.
FAQs
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Can I use any type of apple for this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend varieties like Honey Crisp or Pink Lady because of their perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, you can use Gala, Jonagold, Granny Smith, or even Jazz apples. Just keep in mind that firmer apples hold their shape better during cooking.
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Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. I usually leave the skins on for extra texture and nutrients, but if you’re serving this to young kids or prefer a smoother bite, peeling the apples is a good idea. It won’t affect the flavor much.
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Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Just swap out the butter for coconut oil or your favorite plant-based oil. Both will lend richness and help the apples cook beautifully.
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How long does it take to make easy cinnamon apples?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes total: 5 minutes prep and 15 minutes cooking. It’s quick enough to whip up on weeknights or lazy weekends alike.
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Can I use sugar instead of maple syrup?
Definitely! Maple syrup adds a lovely depth, but brown sugar, honey, or even granulated sugar work just fine. Adjust the amount to taste — I recommend starting with equal sweetness.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe is one of those simple joys I keep coming back to. It’s quick, comforting, and so versatile — perfect whenever I want a touch of warmth and sweetness without fuss. Whether you eat it straight from the pan or get creative with toppings, I’m confident you’ll find it as irresistible as I do. Give it a try and let me know how you like to customize it in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (about 3 cups)
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy cinnamon apples recipe is a deliciously simple way to enjoy tender, spiced apples perfect for a quick breakfast topping, snack, or dessert. Cooked gently on the stovetop with butter, cinnamon, maple syrup, and vanilla, these apples are soft, flavorful, and comforting.
Ingredients
Apples
- 3 apples (about 3 cups, chopped into ½-1” cubes)
- 2 Tablespoons water
Flavorings
- 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 the Apples: Cut the apples into uniform pieces approximately ½-1 inch cubes to ensure even cooking.
- Cook Apples with Water: Place the chopped apples into a skillet with 2 tablespoons of water. Cover and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples begin to soften and the water is mostly absorbed.
- Add Butter and Cook: Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the skillet and stir to coat all apples. Continue cooking for an additional 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so until the apples are tender. Cover during the last 2 minutes to help soften further.
- Mix in Flavorings: Stir in the maple syrup, ground cinnamon, sea salt, and vanilla extract until well combined.
- Finish Cooking: Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring frequently until the apples reach your preferred softness and the flavors meld beautifully.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm as a topping, side, or snack.
Notes
- Peeling Apples: You can peel the apples if desired, especially if serving to babies or those who prefer a smoother texture.
- Apple Varieties: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady apples are recommended, but Gala, Jonagold, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, or Jazz can also be used.
- Butter Substitutions: Coconut oil or ghee are suitable alternatives to butter.
- Sweetener Substitutions: Honey can replace maple syrup, or you can use granulated or brown sugar to taste.
- Water Substitution: Apple juice or apple cider can replace water for added flavor.
- Storage: Store leftovers in a covered glass container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ¾ cup (approximate)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 120mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
