Cinnamon Apples
These cozy Cinnamon Apples are the perfect topping for pancakes, oatmeal or ice cream. Or you can simply eat them on their own — they're delicious. The best part? The apples are sweet enough on their own and don't need sugar.
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Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Cinnamon apples are one of those simple, fall-forward recipes I look forward to every apple season. They soften into this glossy, tender mix that tastes like the best part of an apple pie without the crust.
You can whip these up any time of day, too. I love spooning them over my apple pancakes for a warm, cinnamon-sweet topping that is always a weekend morning treat. They’re just as good on their own for dessert when you want something comforting and a little nostalgic.
These spiced apples are also delicious with savory dishes like pork chops or anything that needs a little cozy sweetness. (And you don't even need extra sugar!)
Why You'll Love this Recipe
Cinnamon-spiced apples are wonderful for a number of reasons:
- Easy but elevated: Simple ingredients and quick cooking deliver a cozy, pie-like flavor without all that extra work.
- Peak fall vibes: Cinnamon and tender apples make the whole kitchen smell like apple season.
- Holiday-friendly: Scales well, holds beautifully and pairs with breakfast or dinner sides, or serve it for a lighter dessert over ice cream.
Ingredients
Start with some fresh apples. Red apples like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala and Fuji are my favorite to use, but you could use any kind of apple. Green apples, like Granny Smith apples, will be more tart, but that is kind-of nice too!
You'll also need unsalted butter, vanilla extract and apple pie spice. You can use ground cinnamon or any warm spices you like — ginger, nutmeg and a pinch of whole cloves would be delicious.
Variations and Substitutions
Sweeter cinnamon apples: Notice something missing from the ingredient list? Sugar! Apples are already quite sweet. Heat brings out their natural sugars, so you really don't need to sweeten them any more. However, if you wish to, you can add a sprinkle of white or brown sugar. Maple syrup or honey would also be great.
Apple genius: Try this recipe with red and/or green apples. Red apples are sweeter, whereas green ones are more tart. Sometimes I do a mixture of both! You could also try it with pears for a totally different spin.
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
These stovetop cinnamon apples are so easy.
- Start by cutting your apples into slices or chunks, leaving the skin on for extra flavor and texture. (It's okay to peel them though if you prefer!)
- Once the apples are ready, add some butter to a pan and let it melt over medium heat.
- Sprinkle the steamed apples with ground cinnamon, a pinch of salt, and a dash of vanilla.
- Stir to make sure everything is coated well for that delicious flavor. Cook covered, stirring often, for about 10 minutes, until softened.
Tips for Success
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for added flavor complexity. Fresh, crisp apples will enhance the taste and texture of your pancakes.
- This recipe is a great way to use up apples that are bruised or too soft for eating fresh.
- For softer apples, add a splash of water and cover to steam them more until they reach your desired texture.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apples
- Breakfast: We love to make a cinnamon-apple topping to go on top of pancakes or waffles. They make it feel kind of like you're eating apple crisp for breakfast! So fun. They are also great on oatmeal, yogurt or overnight oats.
- Dessert: These cinnamon apples taste like warm apple pie without the crust! Throw these over vanilla ice cream or serve them with a dollop of whipped cream.
- Savory dish topping: Spoon these over grilled chicken or pork. We love them with these apple pan-seared pork medallions.
- Side dish: Chain restaurants sometimes serve cinnamon apples as a side, and you can too! Dice them up to make them easier to plate.
FAQ
Sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji or Gala work well for sugary applications, while tart apples like Granny Smith add a pleasant contrast. A combination of both can enhance the flavor.
Cook them a little longer. Add a splash of water and keep it covered. This creates steam inside the pot, which helps to soften them. But don't go too long — we're not making applesauce or apple butter here!
Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients
- 2 large, sweet apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji or Pink Lady
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon apple pie spice or cinnamon
Instructions
- Slice (or dice) apples while melting butter in a skillet over medium heat.
- Once melted, add apple slices, cinnamon and vanilla. Allow to cook until softened.
- Serve with whipped cream or on top of oatmeal or yogurt.
Nutrition
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