Warm Cinnamon Apples

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.

How to Make Warm Cinnamon Apples

Prepare the Apples

Peel (or not), core, and slice the apples.

Combine With the Sugar and Spices

Put the sliced apples in a large bowl or food storage bag. Add the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt and shake to coat.

Cook the Apples

Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. When the butter begins to sizzle, add the apple mixture. Cook, stirring frequently, for 7 to 10 minutes or until the apples are tender and the juices are syrupy. Add the vanilla extract.

Serve

Serve the apples in bowls with some syrup or serve alongside pork or ham.

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.

How to Serve Cinnamon Apples

Dessert Options

• 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 Suggestions

• 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 Warm Cinnamon Apples

Refrigerate cooled apples in an airtight container for up to 5 days.

Freeze in airtight containers or zip-close bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop.

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