Easy Cinnamon Apples (5 minutes)
Posted Sep 29, 2019, Updated Sep 13, 2024
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These cinnamon apples taste like a warm apple pie, but they are easy to make in 15 minutes on the stovetop! This cinnamon apples recipe is a delicious side dish, snack, or light dessert.
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).
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.
- 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.
- Water. apple juice or apple cider can be used in place of water to add extra flavor.
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
Now let’s walk through how to make these sautéed apples step-by-step to ensure your success. Remember to watch the video for further guidance.
Begin by placing diced apples into a non-stick fry pan and add water. Cover and cook until the apples are slightly soft.
Then, add the maple syrup, vanilla, salt and cinnamon and stir until the ingredients are evenly distributed. Cover and cook again, stirring occasionally.
Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and cook uncovered until all the ingredients caramelize onto the apples and they brown slightly.
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 recipes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Mix into overnight oats.
- Scoop on top of homemade waffles.
- Serve over a piece of warm french toast.
- Add on top of apple cinnamon baked oatmeal (or this pumpkin baked oatmeal).
Store
Store leftover apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Cinnamon Apples Recipe FAQs
This cinnamon apples recipe is a healthy and nutritious way to enjoy fresh apples.
No, fresh apples don’t freeze well so I do not recommend freezing this recipe.
Yes! You can double or triple this recipe easily.
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Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 apples (about 3 cups, chopped)
- 2 Tablespoons water
- 1 Tablespoon salted butter (or coconut oil)
- 1 Tablespoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon fine sea salt
- ¼ teaspoon 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
- 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 are good substitutes.
- 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.
- Water. apple juice or apple cider can be used in place of water to add extra flavor.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Amazing, easy recipe!! So happy I found it. I added more butter and a spoonful of flour at the end just because I like mine a tad more savory.
What a nice healthy flavorful recipe .. came out delish
Thank you Theresa!
Can you freeze this ? I love it but would like to make it and freeze some for later.
Did you try to freeze them? That’s what I’d like to do as I have a tons of apples to use up right now,
My kids loved this. Was gone in no time🙂
So glad they enjoyed these apples Michelle!
I made these apples was a topping for my son’s gluten free pancakes and they were delicious.
Delicious!
Could you use Agave Nectar for the sweetner. I am a type 2 diabetic and try really hard to cut back on my sugar intake if I can. They sound so good and such an easy sweet treat.
Totally satisfied my dessert craving!! I’ve already made this twice this week when I’m craving something sweet but don’t want any junk food.
Do these keep well in the refrigerator and if so for how long?
Yes! I keep them in the refrigerator all the time! The longest they have lasted before we eat them all has been 3 days!
A perfect healthy fall treat!