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    Home » Easy Cinnamon Apples (5 minutes)

    Easy Cinnamon Apples (5 minutes)

    Published: Sep 29, 2019 · Modified: Aug 12, 2021 by Laura · This post may contain affiliate links.

    Jump to Recipe

    These Cinnamon Apples taste like a warm apple pie, but they come together in 15 minutes on the stovetop! This cinnamon apples recipe makes a perfect breakfast, pancake topper, snack, or light dessert.

    overhead photo of cinnamon apples in a white bowl

    I can describe my favorite thing about fall in two simple words - Apple Season!  If you find yourself with an abundance of delicious fall apples, you need to make these Cinnamon Apples! Not only are they easy to make in minutes, but they're healthy and delicious!

    These sautéed cinnamon apples are like eating a warm apple pie (or apple crumble pie), but without the crust! They take 15 minutes to prepare and can be used in a variety of ways!

    Serve these Cinnamon Apples as a topping over pancakes, scoop them onto some vanilla ice cream or just eat them with a spoon for a healthy sweet treat! They are easy to customize to comply with just about every dietary need.

    One of the reasons I created this healthy cinnamon apples recipe is so that my babies could enjoy eating apples too!  These soft, cinnamony, bite-sized apples are perfect for adults and kids of all ages!  (Note: when I serve these apples to my babies I do peel them first).

    overhead view of sautéed cinnamon apples in a black nonstick fry pan

    Sautéed Cinnamon Apples: Ingredients & Substitutions.  

     Let's start by chatting about the ingredients in these cinnamon apples! This recipe uses coconut oil or butter, cinnamon, a dash of salt, vanilla and a touch of maple syrup to create the tastiest little bits of apple bliss you've ever eaten!  Here are a few possible substitutes that could be made in this recipe.

    overhead view of the ingredients in this cinnamon apples recipe
    • Apple Variety. I recommend honey crisp or pink lady apples, but any variety works beautifully in this recipe! Here are some suggestions: 
      • Gala
      • Jonagold
      • Golden delicious
      • Honey Crisp
      • Pink Lady (pictured in this post)
      • Granny Smith
      • Jazz 
    • Coconut oil. Butter or ghee can be used in place of coconut oil with delicious results! As you can see, I used butter in the photos and coconut oil in the video. Both taste amazing, just choose your favorite that complies with your dietary needs. 
    • Maple syrup. Honey is a great substitution, although I love the flavor of maple syrup in this recipe! You can also use granulated sugar, brown sugar, etc. 
    up close overhead view of cinnamon apples in a bowl

    How to make Cinnamon Apples 

    Now let's walk through how to make these sautéed apples step-by-step! They're super easy but I like to make sure you know exactly how it's done to ensure your culinary success!

    Cook apples in water

    Start making these cinnamon apples by placing diced apples into a non-stick fry pan and add water. Cover and cook until the apples are slightly soft. 

    overhead view of a hand pouring water into diced apples in a nonstick fry pan showing how to make cinnamon apples

    Add the rest of the ingredients

    Add the maple syrup, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and stir until everything is evenly distributed. Cover and cook again, stirring occasionally. 

    Overhead view of adding cinnamon to apples in a black fry pan showing how to make cinnamon apples

    Cook 

    Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and cook uncovered until all the ingredients caramelize onto the apples and they brown slightly. 

    Overhead view of sautéed cinnamon apples in a non-stick fry pan

    Serve

    Transfer to a dish and serve the cinnamon apples warm! We like to serve them as a side dish, but they can also be used as a topping to your favorite breakfast foods! Here are some serving suggestions: 

    • Mix into overnight oats.
    • Scoop on top of homemade waffles. 
    • Serve over a piece of warm french toast.
    • Add more apple goodness to this apple cinnamon baked oatmeal (or this pumpkin baked oatmeal). 

    Store

    Store leftover apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5-7 days.

    Overhead view of sautéed cinnamon apples in a white bowl

    Recipe FAQs

    Are apples and cinnamon good for you?

    This cinnamon apples recipe is a healthy and nutritious way to enjoy fresh apples.

    Can I freeze this recipe?

    No, fresh apples don't freeze well so I do not recommend freezing this recipe.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes! You can double or triple this recipe easily.

    up close front view of cinnamon apples in a bowl

    If you make and love our recipes, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a comment and rating! And don't forget to follow along with us on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Youtube - be sure to tag @joyfoodsunshine and use the hashtag #joyfoodsunshine so we can your creations!

    Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe

    Laura
    These Cinnamon Apples taste like a warm apple pie, but they come together in 15 minutes on the stovetop! This cinnamon apples recipe makes a perfect breakfast, pancake topper, snack, or light dessert.
    5 from 79 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe Saved!
    Prep Time 5 mins
    Cook Time 15 mins
    Total Time 20 mins
    Course Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
    Cuisine American
    Servings 3 cups of apples (4 servings)
    Calories 95.8 kcal

    Equipment

    • saute pan
    • measuring spoons
    • spatula

    Ingredients
     
     

    • 3 apples (about 3 cups, chopped)
    • 2 TBS water
    • 1 TBS salted butter (or coconut oil)
    • 1 TBS maple syrup
    • ½ tsp ground cinnamon
    • ⅛ tsp fine sea salt
    • ¼ tsp pure vanilla extract

    Instructions
     

    • Cut apples into same-sized pieces (about ½-1” cubes).
    • Put apples pieces into a skillet with 2 TBS water. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become slightly soft and water is absorbed.
    • Add 1 TBS of butter to the skillet. Stir apples and oil together until all the apples are coated. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring every minute or so, until the apples become soft (you may need to cover them for the last 2 minutes).
    • Add Maple syrup, cinnamon, salt and vanilla. Stir until well mixed.
    • Cook for about 5 more minutes, stirring every minute until the apples reach your desired softness!
    • Remove from heat and serve!

    Video

    Notes

    • You can choose whether or not you peel your apples (if I'm feeding them to a baby without teeth I always peel them)!
    Ingredient Substitutions 
    • Apple Variety. I recommend honey crisp or pink lady apples, but any variety works beautifully in this recipe! Here are some suggestions: 
      • Gala
      • Jonagold
      • Golden delicious
      • Honey Crisp
      • Pink Lady (pictured in this post)
      • Granny Smith
      • Jazz 
    • Butter. coconut oil or ghee can be used in place of coconut oil with delicious results.
    • Maple syrup. Honey is a great substitution, although I love the flavor of maple syrup in this recipe! You can also use granulated sugar, brown sugar, etc. 
    •  

    Nutrition

    Serving: 0.5cupCalories: 95.8kcalCarbohydrates: 16.6gProtein: 0.2gFat: 3.7gSaturated Fat: 3.3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gSodium: 66mgPotassium: 112.7mgFiber: 2.4gSugar: 12.8gVitamin A: 50IUVitamin C: 7.5mgCalcium: 14mgIron: 0.3mg
    Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

    This post contains affiliate links, which means that if you purchase a product through a link you clicked on here, I receive a portion of the sale. Thank you for supporting JoyFoodSunshine! 

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Lynn Harland

      January 01, 2023 at 8:01 pm

      5 stars
      This recipe was wonderful - we love sauteed apples but always wished for less sugar and butter - and this recipe is perfect. The apples really shine through and the maple syrup and cinnamon are wonderful together.

      Reply
      • Laura

        January 02, 2023 at 7:55 am

        Thank you so much Lynn!

        Reply
    2. Debbie

      December 29, 2022 at 11:49 am

      You said you can't freeze apples. Did you mean this recipe can't be frozen? I freeze cut up apes all the time.

      Reply
    3. Liane @ Foodie Digital

      December 27, 2022 at 7:11 pm

      5 stars
      Quick to make, and delicious! I make a batch of these cinnamon apples often to add on top of yogurt and granola, smoothie bowls and more! My kids love them.

      Reply
      • Laura

        December 28, 2022 at 7:08 am

        Thank you Liane!

        Reply
    4. Andrija

      November 07, 2022 at 9:05 am

      5 stars
      How do you make them without turning to mush? still really tasty but I felt like I could have made apple sauce 😛
      note: They were softened enough after the 1st 5 mins

      Reply
      • Laura

        November 07, 2022 at 2:21 pm

        I suggest you stop cooking them as soon as you feel they are soft enough. Also, not peeling the apples helps them hold together.

        Reply
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    About Laura

    I’m Laura, a former chemistry teacher turned homeschooling mom of six beautiful babies! I create simple and delicious recipes that are tested and perfected to make cooking and baking joyful and fun!

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