Easy Cinnamon Apples are a warm, sweet, and comforting dish that can be enjoyed as a side, topping, or dessert. Made with fresh apples, cinnamon, and a touch of sweetener, this simple recipe brings out the natural flavors of the fruit. Whether served on oatmeal, pancakes, or with ice cream, these cinnamon apples are a quick and delicious treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal ingredients.
- Healthy & Naturally Sweetened – A great alternative to sugary desserts.
- Versatile – Perfect as a snack, topping, or side dish.
- Kid-Friendly – A fun way to get kids to enjoy fruit.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Apples (any variety)
- Butter or coconut oil
- Cinnamon
- Honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar
- Lemon juice (optional, to prevent browning)
- Water or apple juice (for a saucier consistency)
Directions
- Prepare the apples – Peel (optional), core, and slice the apples into thin pieces.
- Cook – Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the apples and cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add flavor – Sprinkle with cinnamon and drizzle with honey or brown sugar. Stir well and cook for another 5-7 minutes until tender.
- Serve – Enjoy warm on its own or as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-3
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Vegan Option – Use coconut oil instead of butter and maple syrup instead of honey.
- Spiced Apples – Add nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a deeper flavor.
- Crunchy Twist – Sprinkle chopped nuts or granola before serving.
- Baked Version – Toss apples with cinnamon and sweetener, then bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20 minutes.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pan over low heat or microwave for 20-30 seconds.
FAQs
What are the best apples for this recipe?
Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples work great for their balance of sweetness and tartness.
Can I make this without added sugar?
Yes! The natural sweetness of apples is enough, but you can add a splash of apple juice for extra flavor.
Can I freeze cinnamon apples?
Yes, freeze them in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat before serving.
How do I keep apples from turning brown?
A splash of lemon juice helps prevent browning before cooking.
Can I use apple pie spice instead of cinnamon?
Absolutely! Apple pie spice adds extra warmth and depth of flavor.
What can I serve these with?
They pair well with oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, ice cream, or even pork chops.
Can I cook these in the slow cooker?
Yes, cook on low for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, for a softer texture.
Are these good for meal prep?
Yes! Make a batch ahead of time and enjoy throughout the week.
Can I make this in the microwave?
Yes, microwave sliced apples with cinnamon and a bit of water for 2-3 minutes until tender.
Can I use this as a pie filling?
Yes, just thicken the mixture with a little cornstarch or flour for a perfect pie filling.
Conclusion
Easy Cinnamon Apples are a simple, flavorful, and comforting dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether eaten on their own, as a topping, or as part of a meal, they bring warmth and sweetness to any dish. Try them today and enjoy a quick, homemade treat!
Print
Easy Cinnamon Apples
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 12 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
These soft, caramelized cinnamon apples are the perfect cozy treat! Enjoy them as a side dish, topping for pancakes or oatmeal, or a healthy dessert on their own.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg for extra warmth
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice apples into ¼-inch thick slices.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Cook the Apples: Add apple slices, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- Simmer: Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and caramelized.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in vanilla extract and cook for another minute. Serve warm on their own or as a topping!
Notes
- Serving Ideas: Delicious over pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, or vanilla ice cream!
- Make It Healthier: Swap brown sugar for honey or maple syrup.
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave.