Sweet, fragrant and the essence of fall. Plus, it’s a gluten-free treat!
When I was a child, there was nothing quite as special as coming home from a crisp fall walk in the woods and being greeted by the warm, comforting aroma of apples baking in my mother’s apple pie. Those sweetly-scented memories are still with me to this day. This recipe for cinnamon apples takes me back to those carefree days, but it skips the pie crust or crumble topping, making it a quick fix whenever a craving strikes. In just minutes, you can enjoy the best part of apple pie—those tart, juicy, cinnamon-soaked apples—without all the fuss.
These cinnamon apples are cooked to perfection in a fragrant blend of cinnamon, brown sugar, and butter. Each bite of succulent apples is a pure delight, making it an irresistible snack, dessert, or even breakfast. Whether you’re serving it up to family or keeping it all for yourself, these perfect apples are sure to be a hit. And the best part? They’re so easy to make, which is why this is such a great recipe to make with the kids and why it’s destined to become a new family favorite.
Are Cinnamon Apples Healthy?
While this recipe is fairly low in fat, it does contain a small amount of sugar, which is essential for flavor and the slight caramelization of the apples. The recipe can also be made vegan and dairy-free by using a plant-based butter instead of the classic unsalted butter listed below.
A Worldly Fruit
Did you know that the word ‘apple’ is derived from the Old English word ‘æppel,’ which was used to refer to all fruits? The evolution of the apple, however, isn’t as certain. Some believe it originally came from Kazakhstan, in Central Asia. By 1500 BC, apple seeds had supposedly spread throughout Europe, where they were planted and cultivated by Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans. Centuries later, European settlers brought apple seeds to the Americas, and as they say, the rest is history. Apples are now one of the most common fruits out there, because they grow easily in a variety of climates and taste amazing.
How to make ahead and store
One of the best things about this recipe is that the apples can easily be stored in an airtight container for up to a week. In fact, the flavor tends to improve after a few days. You can also freeze them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and then reheat on the stove for a few minutes until warmed through.
Serving Suggestions
There are so many ways to serve these apples. They are a classic topping for Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal, Pancakes, or Waffles.
I also recommend trying them on top of Cottage Cheese Ice Cream—a uniquely protein-packed treat for breakfast or dessert.
Of course, as a simple snack, cinnamon apples can also be served standalone with a garnish of toasted walnuts, almonds, or pecans.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples peeled and sliced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the sliced apples and water, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly soft.
- Stir in the brown sugar and cinnamon. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and the mixture is syrupy, about 5 more minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Serve warm.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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