Welcome to the ultimate guide for crafting the most delicious and versatile Stewed Cinnamon Apples! Made with just three simple ingredients, this timeless recipe is a perfect addition to any breakfast, dessert, or even a wholesome snack. Whether you prefer them warm and comforting or cool and refreshing, these spiced apples effortlessly elevate everything from creamy oats and Greek yogurt to decadent ice cream and silky custard. Best of all, they’re incredibly easy to prepare in a big batch, allowing you to store them in your fridge or freezer and enjoy their delightful flavor throughout the week, making meal prep a breeze.
Following the enthusiastic feedback from our recent How to Make Oatmeal post, where many of you spotted the irresistible Stewed Cinnamon Apples gracing one of my photos, I knew I had to share this recipe without delay! And here it is, fulfilling my promise to bring you this simple yet spectacular dish. But let me assure you, these cinnamon-infused apples are far too magnificent to be confined solely to oatmeal. Their adaptability knows no bounds, making them a true kitchen hero.
Imagine serving a warm bowl of stewed apples as a comforting breakfast on a crisp morning, or chilled as a light, sweet treat on a warm afternoon. Beyond their standalone appeal, they can be folded into a creamy Greek yogurt for a protein-packed start to your day, swirled into a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert, or spooned over rich custard for a touch of elegance. Don’t be afraid to think outside the box – these tender, spiced apples are also phenomenal as a filling for muffins, a topping for fluffy pancakes, or even incorporated into savory dishes for a unique flavor twist. This recipe is designed for both culinary novices and seasoned home cooks alike, promising a delightful outcome with minimal fuss.
Why You’ll Absolutely Adore This Stewed Cinnamon Apples Recipe
There’s a reason why these stewed cinnamon apples have become a staple in many households, and why I constantly receive requests for the recipe. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a versatile, comforting, and incredibly easy culinary experience. Here’s a closer look at what makes this recipe an absolute favorite:
- Effortlessly Simple to Prepare: You don’t need to be a gourmet chef to master this recipe. With straightforward steps and minimal cooking time, you can whip up a batch of these delectable apples in under 20 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy mornings or when you need a quick, healthy dessert option.
- Requires Minimal Ingredients: Forget long shopping lists! This recipe celebrates simplicity, calling for just three core ingredients that are likely already in your pantry: fresh apples, fragrant cinnamon, and a touch of maple syrup. This minimalist approach proves that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require a complex array of components.
- The Flavor is Truly Unforgettable: Prepare your taste buds for an amazing journey. The natural sweetness of the apples, enhanced by the warm, aromatic notes of cinnamon and the subtle richness of maple syrup, creates a symphony of flavors that is both comforting and deeply satisfying. It’s a taste that evokes warmth, coziness, and pure culinary joy.
- Incredibly Versatile for Endless Pairings: This isn’t just a single-use recipe. Stewed cinnamon apples are a chameleon in the kitchen, adapting beautifully to a multitude of dishes. They are a fantastic topping for nearly anything you can imagine – from breakfast bowls to decadent desserts, and even some savory applications. Their versatility makes them an invaluable prep-ahead item for countless meals.
Essential Ingredients for Your Perfect Stewed Cinnamon Apples
One of the true beauties of this recipe is its elegant simplicity. You’ll be delighted to find that you likely already possess all the necessary ingredients to create this heartwarming dish. No special trips to the store required! Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need, along with some insights to help you choose the best:
- Apples: The Star of the Show
For optimal results, I highly recommend using crisp, firm apple varieties that hold their shape well during cooking while softening beautifully. Pink Lady apples are my personal favorite for their balanced sweet-tart flavor and excellent texture. Other fantastic choices include Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith if you prefer a tarter profile that offers a delightful contrast to the maple syrup. Aim for apples that are free from blemishes and have a vibrant color. - Cinnamon: The Heart of the Flavor
This warm, fragrant spice is what truly transforms ordinary apples into a cozy, aromatic delight. Ground cinnamon is readily available and provides that classic, comforting taste we all love. For an extra layer of complexity, you could even try a pinch of nutmeg or a tiny dash of ground cloves, though cinnamon alone is perfectly wonderful. Make sure your cinnamon is relatively fresh for the most potent aroma and flavor. - Maple Syrup: Nature’s Sweetener
Maple syrup adds a natural, rich sweetness and a hint of caramel-like depth that complements the apples and cinnamon perfectly. It’s a healthier alternative to refined sugars and contributes a unique flavor profile. For the best taste, opt for pure maple syrup (Grade A Amber or Dark Robust). If you don’t have maple syrup on hand, honey or a touch of brown sugar can be used as a substitute, adjusting to your preferred sweetness level. - Water: The Braising Liquid
While not strictly a flavor ingredient, water is crucial for gently braising the apples and preventing them from sticking or burning. It helps create that tender, yielding texture without turning them into mush. You’ll typically only need a small amount, just enough to create a steamy environment in the saucepan.
That’s it! With these fundamental ingredients, you’re well on your way to creating a batch of irresistibly delicious stewed cinnamon apples. (Full measurements will be detailed in the recipe card below).
Crafting Your Stewed Cinnamon Apples: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making these delightful stewed apples is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum flavor. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Prepare Your Apples: Begin by thoroughly washing your chosen apples. Then, peel them using a vegetable peeler, core them, and dice them into fairly uniform, bite-sized pieces. While precision isn’t paramount, aim for pieces of roughly similar size (about ½ to ¾ inch) to ensure they cook evenly. This step prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain too firm.
- Combine and Cook: Place a small saucepan or a sturdy skillet over low to medium-low heat. Add the diced apples, water, cinnamon, and maple syrup to the pan (as depicted in photo 1). Stir everything gently to coat the apples evenly with the spice and sweetener.
- Simmer to Perfection: Allow the apples to cook, stirring regularly every couple of minutes, for approximately 10 to 15 minutes. The goal is for the apples to soften beautifully without losing all their structure. They should be tender when pierced with a fork but still have a slight integrity. Keep an eye on the liquid; if the saucepan seems to be drying out too quickly and the apples aren’t yet soft, add another tablespoon or two of water as needed to maintain a gentle simmer (refer to photo 2 for the desired consistency). The exact cooking time will depend on the apple variety and the size of your dice.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the apples have reached your desired tenderness, remove the saucepan from the heat. Your fragrant stewed cinnamon apples are now ready to be enjoyed! They are incredibly versatile, so consult the list below for a myriad of delicious serving suggestions.
Unlock the Versatility: Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Stewed Apples
The beauty of homemade stewed cinnamon apples lies in their incredible versatility. Once you have a batch ready, a world of culinary possibilities opens up! Here are some fantastic ways to incorporate these tender, spiced delights into your meals, from breakfast to dessert and beyond:
- Elevate Your Breakfast Bowl: Spoon a generous helping over a warm bowl of classic oatmeal or stir them into healthy overnight oats for an instant flavor upgrade. The warmth of the apples complements the creamy oats perfectly.
- Perfect with Yogurt and Granola: Stir them into plain or vanilla Greek yogurt for a protein-rich and satisfying breakfast or snack. For added crunch and flavor, top with a sprinkle of Honey Almond Granola.
- Effortless Desserts: Serve warm stewed apples with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream for a simple yet decadent dessert, or pair them with a luscious custard for a comforting, old-fashioned treat.
- Pancake and Waffle Topping: Transform your morning pancakes, crepes, or waffles into a gourmet experience by generously spooning warm stewed apples over them. Add a dollop of whipped cream for extra indulgence.
- Craft a Delicious Apple Crisp or Crumble: Use your pre-made stewed apples as the base for a quick apple crisp or crumble. Just transfer them to an oven-safe dish, top with a crumbly oat topping (like the one from these Healthy Individual Apple Crisps), and bake until golden and bubbly. It’s an easy shortcut to a classic dessert!
- Bake into Muffins or Quick Breads: Fold chilled stewed apples into your favorite muffin or quick bread batter. They add moisture, flavor, and delightful pockets of tender fruit. Simply substitute the amount of raw apples a recipe calls for with an equal amount of your stewed apples.
- A Unique Sandwich or Toast Spread: Spread them on toast with a dollop of cream cheese, or layer them into a grilled cheese sandwich with sharp cheddar for a surprisingly delicious sweet and savory combination.
- Blend into Smoothies: Add a spoonful or two to your morning smoothie for a natural sweetener and a burst of apple-cinnamon flavor.
- Accompaniment for Savory Dishes: Don’t limit them to sweet applications! Stewed apples make a fantastic side dish for roasted pork, chicken, or even a hearty breakfast sausage, adding a touch of sweetness and acidity to balance rich flavors.
Smart Storage Solutions for Your Stewed Apples
One of the best reasons to make a larger batch of these delicious stewed cinnamon apples is how well they store. Proper storage ensures you can enjoy them for days or even months, making healthy eating and meal planning incredibly convenient.
- In the Refrigerator: Once your stewed apples have cooled completely, transfer them to an airtight container. They will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 4 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them, simply reheat a portion in the microwave for about 30 seconds to a minute, stirring halfway through, until they are warmed through to your liking. They can also be enjoyed cold straight from the fridge!
Can I Freeze Stewed Cinnamon Apples? Absolutely!
Yes, you can absolutely freeze stewed cinnamon apples, which is fantastic for long-term meal prep and ensuring you always have a wholesome topping or ingredient on hand. Freezing extends their shelf life significantly, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fresh apples even out of season.
- For the Freezer: After the stewed apples have cooled completely, transfer them into an airtight, freezer-safe container or a heavy-duty ziplock bag. For easier portioning later, you can freeze them in individual serving sizes. Be sure to remove as much air as possible from ziplock bags to prevent freezer burn. They will maintain their quality in the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Thawing and Reheating: When you’re ready to use them, simply transfer the frozen stewed apples to the refrigerator to thaw overnight. For quicker thawing, you can gently reheat them from frozen in a saucepan over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed, or in the microwave using short intervals. Stir occasionally until they are heated through and tender.
Having a stash of frozen stewed apples means you’re always just minutes away from a warm, comforting breakfast or a quick, healthy dessert!
Expert Tips for Making the Best Stewed Cinnamon Apples
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can elevate your stewed cinnamon apples from great to absolutely exceptional. These insights will help you achieve the perfect texture, flavor, and consistency every time:
- Uniformity in Dicing is Key: When peeling and dicing your apples, strive for pieces that are roughly the same size. They don’t need to be meticulously exact, but cutting the apples into similar dimensions (e.g., ½ to ¾ inch cubes) ensures they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from turning to mush while others remain crunchy.
- Monitor and Adjust Water as Needed: The amount of water required can vary slightly depending on the juiciness of your apples and the heat of your stove. Keep an eye on the saucepan as the apples simmer. If you notice it drying out too quickly before the apples have softened to your liking, don’t hesitate to add a tablespoon or two more water. This helps maintain a gentle braise and prevents scorching.
- Don’t Be Afraid to Double or Triple the Recipe: Stewed apples are fantastic for meal prepping! Since they store so well in both the fridge and freezer, consider making a larger batch than you initially think you’ll need. This way, you’ll always have a ready supply on hand for quick breakfasts, easy desserts, or last-minute baking projects throughout the week or month.
- Choose the Right Apple Variety: While many apples work, some varieties are better suited for stewing. Firmer apples like Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala will hold their shape better and offer a pleasant texture. Granny Smith apples are excellent if you prefer a tarter stew that cuts through sweetness.
- Experiment with Spices: While cinnamon is king, feel free to get creative with other warm spices. A pinch of nutmeg, a tiny dash of ground cloves, or even a hint of cardamom can add wonderful depth and complexity to your stewed apples.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The amount of maple syrup is a guideline. Taste your apples after about 5-7 minutes of cooking and adjust the sweetness to your preference. If your apples are particularly sweet, you might need less syrup. If they’re tart, you might want a little more.
- Add a Zest of Citrus: A small squeeze of lemon or orange juice (about ½ teaspoon) added at the beginning of cooking can brighten the flavors and prevent the apples from browning too much.
- Caramelization for Extra Flavor: If you desire a deeper, more caramelized flavor, cook the apples for a slightly longer period over medium-low heat, allowing some of the sugars to slightly brown. Just be careful not to burn them!
Pair Your Stewed Apples with These Delightful Recipes
Once you’ve mastered these incredibly versatile stewed cinnamon apples, you’ll be looking for more ways to enjoy them! Here are some of my favorite recipes that truly shine when paired with a spoonful (or two!) of your homemade apple goodness:
- How to Make Oatmeal: The classic pairing! Warm, creamy oatmeal topped with spiced apples is the ultimate comfort breakfast.
- Healthy Overnight Oats: For a no-cook breakfast, prepare your overnight oats and then layer with cold stewed apples in the morning. So refreshing!
- Protein Pancakes: Ditch the standard syrup and top your protein-packed pancakes with warm stewed cinnamon apples for a delicious and wholesome meal.
Discover More Irresistible Apple-Inspired Desserts
If you love the comforting flavors of apple and cinnamon, you’re in for a treat! Here are more fantastic dessert recipes that celebrate the humble apple in all its glory:
- Easy Apple Cake: A moist and flavorful cake studded with tender apple pieces.
- Mini Apple Crisps: Perfect single-serving desserts with a delightful crunchy topping.
- Air Fryer Apple Turnovers: Quick and crispy pastries with a warm apple filling, made easy in the air fryer.
- Apple Cinnamon Scrolls: Soft, sweet rolls swirled with spiced apples and cinnamon.
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal: Another variation of spiced oatmeal, perfect for a cozy start to your day.
- Protein Pancakes: While listed above, they truly make a fantastic vehicle for any apple dessert!
If you’ve had the pleasure of trying these wonderful Stewed Cinnamon Apples, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience! Please feel free to share your thoughts, tips, and a star rating in the comments section below. Your feedback truly helps others discover and enjoy this recipe!
You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to stay updated with more delicious and easy-to-make recipes!
📋 RECIPE
Stewed Cinnamon Apples
4 serves
5 minutes
15 minutes
20 minutes
Effortlessly prepare these delightful Stewed Cinnamon Apples with just three simple ingredients. Perfect for a quick breakfast or a comforting dessert, they can be served warm or cold over oats, yogurt, ice cream, or custard. Make a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for convenient enjoyment throughout your week.
Ingredients
- 2 Apples (Pink Lady or similar firm variety recommended)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Maple Syrup
- 2 tablespoon Water
Instructions
- Peel, core, and dice apples into fairly uniform, bite-sized pieces (approximately ½ to ¾ inch cubes) for even cooking.
- Place a small saucepan or skillet on low to medium-low heat. Add the diced apples, water, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Cook, stirring regularly, for 10-15 minutes or until the apples have softened to your desired tenderness. If the pan dries out before the apples are soft, add an extra tablespoon or two of water.
- Remove from heat. Serve immediately, warm or cold, with your favorite breakfast or dessert options (refer to the “How to Use Stewed Apples” section above for suggestions).
Notes
Expert Tips for Making Stewed Cinnamon Apples:
- Uniform Dicing: Cutting apples into similar sizes ensures even cooking.
- Adjust Water: Add more water during cooking if the pan dries out before apples are tender.
- Batch Cooking: Double or triple the recipe to keep a supply in the fridge or freezer.
Storing Stewed Cinnamon Apples:
- Place cooled stewed apples in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy cold.
- For longer storage, freeze in an airtight container or ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 53Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 1mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 3gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g