Cinnamon Apples

homemade cinnamon apples

The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Prep: 10 mins
Cook: 8 mins
Total: 18 mins
Servings: 6 servings
Yield: 4 cups

Cinnamon apples are a fuss-free way to prepare fresh apples. The cored, peeled, and sliced apples are simmered to perfection with a buttery brown sugar and cinnamon sauce.  The apples make a fabulous quick dessert or serve them as a side dish with baked ham or pork chops

Cooking the apple mixture is a breeze, and it's all done on the stovetop. The cooking time might vary a bit depending on the apple you choose and the texture you prefer. If you like a tart apple, Granny Smith apples are a good choice, but if you want a slightly sweeter apple that will hold up better, use Rome or Golden Delicious. Use about 2 to 2 1/2 pounds of apples in this recipe.

There are so many different ways to enjoy cinnamon apples, a tasty treat by themselves, or indulge and put whipped cream or ice cream on them.

Ingredients

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter

  • 4 large apples (Granny Smith or Rome)

  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, firmly packed

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg

  • 1/8 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

Steps to Make It

  1. Gather the ingredients.

    ingredients for cinnamon apples

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  2. Peel the apples and remove the cores. Cut the apples into 1/4-inch to 1/2-inch slices.

    sliced apples

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  3. Transfer the apple slices to a bag or bowl. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt; toss to coat the apple slices.

    apple slices in a bowl tossed with brown sugar and spices

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  4. Put the butter in a large skillet and place it over medium heat. When the butter begins to sizzle, add the apple mixture.

    cooking the cinnamon apples

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

  5. Cook the apples, occasionally stirring, for about 6 to 9 minutes, or until they are tender, and then stir in the vanilla extract.

    bowls with homemade cinnamon apples

    The Spruce / Diana Rattray

Tip

  • Optionally, to thicken the sauce mixture, combine 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of apple juice or water; stir until smooth. Add the cornstarch mixture to the apples and cook for about 1 to 2 minutes longer or until thickened.

Recipe Variations

  • Replace the cinnamon and nutmeg with 1 1/2 teaspoons of apple pie spice.
  • Add a pinch of ground allspice to the cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • If the apples are quite sweet, toss them with a teaspoon or two of lemon juice.
  • Instead of apples, make the recipe with fresh sliced pears.

Do I Have to Peel the Apples?

You can certainly leave the apples unpeeled if you like. Just make sure to scrub them and cut out the cores before you slice them.

What Apple Varieties Are Best for Cooking?

Apples that hold their shape are best for cooking. Sweet varieties include Golden Delicious, Rome, Jonagold, and Braeburn. If you prefer a tart apple, choose Granny Smith, Empire, or Cortland.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apples

  • Spoon the cinnamon apples over a scoop of ice cream.
  • Serve the sliced cinnamon apples in dessert dishes with a drizzle of cream or dollop of whipped cream.
  • Make mini puff pastry tarts with leftover cinnamon apples.
  • Serve cinnamon apples with pork chops or baked ham.
  • Spoon cinnamon apples and sauce over pancakes, waffles, or split biscuits.

How to Store and Freeze Cooked Apples

  • Refrigerate cinnamon apples in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
  • The apples may be frozen, but keep in mind the texture might be a bit mushier after thawing. To freeze, transfer them to airtight containers or zip-close bags and freeze for up to 6 months.
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
175 Calories
6g Fat
32g Carbs
0g Protein
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Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6
Amount per serving
Calories 175
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 6g 8%
Saturated Fat 4g 18%
Cholesterol 15mg 5%
Sodium 32mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 32g 12%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Total Sugars 27g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 6mg 28%
Calcium 28mg 2%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 155mg 3%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
(Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate.)

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