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These cinnamon apples prove you don’t have to have a ton of ingredients to enjoy a delicious apple dessert. And there’s no baking required. Just slice the apples and cook them in a skillet with cinnamon, brown sugar, butter, and vanilla. I add a hint of nutmeg to enhance the warm spice flavor.

The apples make a fabulous dessert, or you could serve them as an accompaniment to baked ham, pork chops, or chicken. The spiced brown sugar and butter cook down to a syrupy consistency, and if you want a thicker sauce, you can adjust with a simple slurry of cornstarch and water.

I used Granny Smith apples because that’s what I had on hand. I added 2 extra tablespoons of sugar to balance their tartness. Honeycrisp apples are also an excellent choice, with a sweet and tart flavor.

? Best Apples for Cinnamon Apples

A blend of tart and sweet apples that hold their shape is ideal. Try half Honeycrisp and half Granny Smith for structure, tanginess, and mellow sweetness. Here are some of the best apple varieties, with their attributes. Avoid McIntosh and Red Delicious, as they tend to break down and become mushy.

Honeycrisp – Sweet-tart, firm, and great texture retention.
Granny Smith – Great tart flavor and they hold their shape, but may need more sugar to balance. Add 2 to 3 extra tablespoons of brown sugar if using.
Pink Lady (Cripps Pink) – Sweet with a tangy bite, and very sturdy.
Jonagold – A balanced apple that softens nicely while maintaining slices.
Braeburn – Firm and aromatic, with a well-rounded flavor.
Golden Delicious – Mild and sweet; softens more than the others but still holds fairly well.
Fuji – Very sweet and crisp, though slightly less structured when cooked.

Recipe Variations

Maple-Glazed: Replace some of the brown sugar with maple syrup.
Apple Pie-Inspired: Add a pinch of allspice and ground cloves, and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
Spirited: Stir in a tablespoon or two of bourbon along with the vanilla for depth of flavor.
Cranberry-Apple: Add 1/3 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the apples and cook as directed.

Serving Suggestions

Sweet

Over pancakes, waffles, French toast, or biscuits.
With vanilla or butter pecan ice cream.
Layered parfait-style with granola and yogurt.
Spooned over slices of pound cake or angel food.

Savory

Alongside pork chops, pork tenderloin, or roast chicken.
As a topping for a savory sweet potato or butternut squash mash.
In a savory tart with ham or prosciutto.

How to Store and Reheat Cinnamon Apples

Refrigerate: Let the cinnamon apples cool completely, then transfer them to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Freeze: To freeze, place the cooled apples in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat: Warm the apples in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave them in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second increments until heated through.