These Easy Cinnamon Apples are the perfect warm, cozy, and comforting treat! They’re like a taste of fall in every bite, with tender, spiced apples that are sweet, slightly tart, and incredibly delicious. I love how simple this recipe is – it uses just a handful of ingredients and comes together in minutes. Whether you enjoy them as a snack, a side dish, or a dessert, these cinnamon apples are sure to be a hit!
Why You’ll Love These Cinnamon Apples
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just minutes, these cinnamon apples are perfect for a quick snack or dessert.
- Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry.
- Warm and Comforting: The combination of warm apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup is incredibly cozy and satisfying.
- Versatile: Enjoy them on their own, over oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
Ingredients for Easy Cinnamon Apples
Here’s what you’ll need to make this simple treat. The full list with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Apples and Seasoning
- Apples (Fruit)
- Water (Liquid)
- Salted butter (or coconut oil) (Fat)
- Maple syrup (Sweetener)
- Ground cinnamon (Spice)
- Fine sea salt (Seasoning)
- Pure vanilla extract (Flavoring)
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Variations
I love these Easy Cinnamon Apples just the way they are, but here are a few ways to change them up:
- Add More Spices: Toss in a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a warmer, more complex flavor.
- Use Different Apples: Try using a mix of different apple varieties for a variety of textures and flavors.
- Add Nuts: Stir in some chopped pecans, walnuts, or almonds for added crunch.
- Make it a Crumble: Top the cooked apples with a simple crumble topping (flour, butter, brown sugar, and oats) and bake until golden brown.
- Add dried fruits: Add some raisins, or cranberries
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apples
Let me show you how incredibly simple it is to make these Easy Cinnamon Apples:
Cut Apples
- First, I cut the apples into same-sized pieces (about ½-1 inch cubes).
Cook Apples with Water
- I put the apple pieces into a skillet with 2 tablespoons of water.
- I cover the pan and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become slightly soft and the water is absorbed.
Add Butter
- I add 1 tablespoon of butter (or coconut oil) to the skillet.
- I stir the apples and butter together until all the apples are coated.
- I cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the apples become soft. I sometimes cover them for the last 2 minutes to help them soften even more.
Add Remaining Ingredients
- I add the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the skillet.
- I stir until everything is well mixed.
Cook Until Desired Softness
- I cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring every minute, until the apples reach my desired softness.
Serve
- I remove the skillet from the heat and serve the cinnamon apples warm.
Tips and Tricks for the BEST Cinnamon Apples
Here are a few of my tips for making these apples truly delicious:
- Use a Variety of Apples: Using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith, creates a more complex flavor.
- Cut Apples into Uniform Pieces: This ensures that the apples cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Cook the apples until they’re tender but still hold their shape. Overcooked apples will be mushy.
- Adjust sweetness: Add more or less maple syrup, depending on your taste.
How to Serve
These Easy Cinnamon Apples are incredibly versatile. Here are a few serving ideas:
- On Their Own: Enjoy them as a warm and comforting snack or dessert.
- Over Oatmeal or Yogurt: Spoon them over oatmeal, yogurt, or granola for a delicious breakfast.
- Ice Cream Topping: Serve them warm over vanilla ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Pancake or Waffle Topping: Use them as a topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Pork Chop Side: They’re a delicious side dish for pork chops or roasted chicken.
Make Ahead and Storage
You can store leftover cinnamon apples in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
FAQs about Easy Cinnamon Apples
- Can I use a different type of sweetener?
- Yes, you can use honey, brown sugar, or coconut sugar instead of maple syrup.
- Can I make these without the butter?
- Yes, you can omit the butter or use coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
- Can I add more fruit?
- Yes, you can.
Enjoy these warm, cozy, and delicious Easy Cinnamon Apples! They’re a simple yet satisfying treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Print
Easy Cinnamon Apples
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
- Cuisine: American
Description
These Easy Cinnamon Apples are a quick and delicious treat, perfect as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or ice cream, or simply enjoyed on their own. Tender apples are cooked with butter, maple syrup, and warming spices for a comforting and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 3 medium apples (about 3 cups, chopped) – see notes
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon salted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly equal-sized pieces (about 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes).
- Cook with Water: Add the chopped apples and water to a skillet. Cover the pan 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: Add the butter (or coconut oil) to the skillet. Stir until the apples are evenly coated. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the apples become softer. You may need to cover the skillet for the last 2 minutes to help them soften further.
- Add Flavorings: Add the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
- Cook to Desired Softness: Continue to cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring every minute, until the apples reach your desired level of softness.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm.
Notes
- Apple Variety: Good apple varieties for this recipe include Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Jonagold, or a mix of your favorites. Avoid apples that tend to get mushy when cooked, like Red Delicious.
- Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to your preference.
- Serving Suggestions: These cinnamon apples are delicious on their own, or served over oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, ice cream, or as a filling for pies or crisps.
- Storage Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.