Looking for a quick & easy side dish? Look no further! These stovetop cinnamon apples are a breeze to make and are ready to go in just 30 minutes! The best part? They can be served with just about anything!
Apple desserts and treats are a family favorite – whether it’s apple crisp, applesauce or even apple pie, we love it all! One of our favorite or more simple apple recipes are these cinnamon apples that are great as a dessert OR side.
Made in 30 Minutes
We’re big apple eaters in our household. Our toddler loves homemade applesauce, apple slices dipped in peanut butter and apple oatmeal.
I never really thought about making these tender little apple chunks until my husband mentioned serving them along with a pork tenderloin. Since then we’ve had them with just about everything- we’re obsessed! Plus I love using the leftovers in oatmeal the next morning or in breakfast parfaits. Sooo good!
Not only do these cinnamon apples add so much to any meal, but they are simple and are made in 30 minutes. We also love them as a great after school snack. Plus, with apple trees, you better believe we will be making this ALL THE TIME!
BEST APPLES: Any work, but our favorites for cooking and making applesauce type recipes with include these sweet apples
- Honeycrisp
- Braeburn
- Pink Lady
- Jonagold
- Winesap
- McInstosh
- Gala
- Fuji
For this particular recipe we went with Galas, but most apples work. 😉
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
I think you’ll be surprised as to how easy these are to make!
Just place a large skillet over medium heat and add the butter. When the butter has melted, add the peeled and chopped apples (you want to use sweeter ones, however, you can use a few different varieties) and cook for 5-8 minutes or until tender. NOTE: I prefer mine extra tender so sometimes I’ll cook them for a good 10 minutes or so.
When the apples are nice and soft, add in the orange juice (I prefer using freshly squeezed), brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice (you can use a pinch of nutmeg and ginger instead), salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Then in a small prep bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ c. of cold water. Pour into the apples and whisk to combine. Turn the heat up and bring to a boil. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
Again, I sometimes do a little longer just so the juices are nice and thick.
Storing + Tips
In the small chance you have leftovers, we recommend letting the apples cool and STORING in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Now, that you have your apples – what do you do with them?
- Eat them alone as a snack or treat – they’re great and so flavorful!
- Serve as a dessert with a scoop of vanilla or caramel ice cream and whipped cream.
- They make a great side along with any pork loin or chop.
- Serve as a side or treat to any holiday gathering – everyone loves them!
No matter how you have them – you are sure to LOVE them.
Serve them up while they’re warm and watch them get devoured in seconds! Use the leftovers for breakfast or turn them into dessert! No matter how you eat them I guarantee everyone will love them!
For more apple recipes, check out:
Stovetop Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 5 large sweet apples - (Gala or Fuji), peeled and chopped or sliced into 1/4" thick pieces
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp apple pie spice
- 1/8 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 2 tsp cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water
Instructions
- Set a large skillet over medium heat, add butter. When the butter has melted, add the apples and cook for 5-8 minutes or until tender.
- Add the orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract and stir to combine.
- In a small prep bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ c. of cold water. Pour into the apples and whisk to combine. Turn the heat up and bring to a boil. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from the and serve immediately.
Instructions were spot on and the end product DELICIOUS!!
Cinnamon apples are one of my favorite things. I love how warm and comforting they are!