Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe

If you’re looking for a cozy, comforting treat that comes together in no time, this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe is a game changer. I absolutely love how the warm cinnamon aroma fills the kitchen, and you’ll find that the tender, buttery apples make a perfect snack or side dish any time of year. Whether you’re craving something sweet without too much fuss or need a quick way to jazz up your breakfast, this recipe hits all the right notes.

When I first tried this recipe, I was amazed at how such simple ingredients could create something so flavorful and satisfying. You’ll enjoy the subtle sweetness from maple syrup and the gentle warmth of cinnamon in every bite. Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve alongside pancakes, oatmeal, or even as a topping for ice cream. This Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe is definitely one worth keeping in your back pocket for busy weeknights or last-minute desserts.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient here plays a simple yet important role—the apples bring natural sweetness and texture, while cinnamon and maple syrup add warmth and depth. When shopping, picking fresh, crisp apples really makes a difference in the final dish.

• Apples: Choose varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady for a nice balance of sweet and tart.
• Water: Helps steam the apples gently without making them mushy.
• Salted Butter: Adds richness; coconut oil works well if you want a dairy-free option.
• Maple Syrup: Gives a lovely natural sweetness and depth; honey is a great alternative.
• Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that brings warmth and a comforting aroma.
• Fine Sea Salt: Balances the sweetness and brightens the flavors.
• Pure Vanilla Extract: A little vanilla rounds out the sweetness and adds complexity.

Variations

I love playing around with this Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe depending on the season or what I have on hand. Don’t hesitate to make it your own—you’ll find it’s forgiving and made for experimentation.

• Use different apples: I once used Granny Smith for a tangier twist, and the tartness was a fun contrast with the cinnamon sweetness.
• Dairy-free: Switching butter for coconut oil or ghee works perfectly and adds a subtle flavor change.
• Sweetener swaps: Honey adds floral notes, but brown sugar can give more caramel-like depth.
• Extra spice: Adding a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves amps up the cozy vibes especially during fall.

How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples

Start by cutting your apples into evenly sized pieces, about half to one inch cubes—this helps them cook at a similar rate and stay tender but not mushy. You can peel them if you want, especially if you’re making this for little ones, but I often leave the peel on for extra texture and nutrition.

Step 2: Steam Until Tender

Place the apples in a skillet with two tablespoons of water, cover, and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes. This steams the apples gently so they start to soften without browning. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and check that the water hasn’t evaporated too quickly.

Step 3: Add Butter and Continue Cooking

Next, stir in the tablespoon of butter or coconut oil until the apples are evenly coated. Cook, uncovered, for about 5 more minutes—stirring every minute—to soften the apples fully and infuse them with richness. I usually cover the pan for the last 2 minutes to help them get extra tender.

Step 4: Sweeten and Spice Things Up

Now for the best part: add the maple syrup, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir well so every piece of apple picks up that delicious flavor. Cook another 5 minutes, stirring regularly, until the apples reach your preferred softness—some like them firmer, others more melt-in-your-mouth like me.

Pro Tips for Making Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe

How to Serve Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Garnishes

My go-to garnish is a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans or walnuts—that crunch contrasts so nicely with the soft apples. Sometimes, I add a drizzle of heavy cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert makeover. Fresh mint leaves or a little dollop of Greek yogurt also works beautifully if you want something lighter.

Side Dishes

Easy Cinnamon Apples pair wonderfully with pancakes or waffles for breakfast. I also love serving them alongside roasted pork or chicken as a sweet complement. They make a simple but impressive accompaniment to oatmeal or even spread over toast with a bit of nut butter for a satisfying snack.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve layered these cinnamon apples in parfait glasses with granola and whipped cream to create a quick apple crumble-inspired dessert. Another fun idea is to serve the apples warm inside baked puff pastry shells or under a crumbly streusel topping for a fuss-free treat that looks fancy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Whenever I have leftovers, I store the apples in an airtight glass container in the fridge, and they keep beautifully for up to five days. This means you can make a bigger batch and enjoy quick, flavorful apples throughout the week without extra effort.

Freezing

Freezing cooked apples is totally doable, though I prefer fresh when possible. If I freeze them, I cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge for a ready-to-reheat treat.

Reheating

I usually reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, so the apples warm evenly and don’t turn mushy. You can also microwave them in short bursts but keep an eye on the texture. Adding a splash of water or a little butter helps refresh the apples’ softness.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe has become a little joyful ritual in my kitchen, especially when I want something quick that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—and that it brings a bit of warmth and comfort to your table, no matter the season. Give it a try next time you want to treat yourself or your family to something simple yet delicious—you won’t regret it!

Print