With the perfect balance of sweetness and spice, these Stovetop Cinnamon Apples are a delicious and easy dish that only takes 30 minutes to prepare!
These Stovetop Cinnamon Apples are a warm, comforting dish that fills the kitchen with the cozy aroma of fall. Tender chinks of fresh apples are gently simmered in butter, brown sugar, and fragrant spices until they become soft, glossy, and perfectly caramelized. I love eating these apple straight from the bowl or serving them over pancakes, oatmeal, or even ice cream.
Apple desserts are always a family favorite—whether it’s apple crisp, applesauce, or even apple pie, we love them all! These simple cinnamon apples are a favorite, perfect as a dessert or even a side dish.
Table of Contents
Why We Love Cinnamon Apples
- These stovetop cinnamon apples work for breakfast, dessert, or a side dish.
- You can make a big batch and enjoy them throughout the week.
- The recipe uses simple, pantry-friendly ingredients and only takes 30 minutes to make.
Recipe Ingredients
Apples – While using sweet and tart apples like Gala or Fuji is recommended, you can really make this dish with any apple variety on hand.
Cinnamon – The key spice in this dish! If you’re a big fan of cinnamon, feel free to add an extra ½ teaspoon to boost the flavor.
Orange Juice – Adds brightness and balance to the sweetness.
For a full list of ingredients and amounts, see the recipe card below.
Variations
Apple Varieties – Sweet and tart apples like Pink Lady apples, Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp apples create a balance of flavor, absorbing the buttery sauce while holding their shape.
Add Raisins or Dried Cranberries – Add raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness and texture.
How to Make Stovetop Cinnamon Apples
Step 1: Set a large skillet over medium heat and add butter. When the butter has melted, add the apples and cook for 5-8 minutes or until tender.
Step 2: Add orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
Step 3: In a small prep bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the apples and whisk to combine. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
Ways to Serve Cinnamon Apples
For Breakfast – On top of pancakes or French toast, stirred into oatmeal or porridge, layered with yogurt and granola, mixed into overnight oats, or used as a filling for crepes.
For Lunch or Dinner – Served as a side with pork chops or roasted chicken, on top of grilled ham steaks, added to a turkey or ham sandwich, or paired with roasted vegetables like squash or sweet potatoes.
For Dessert – With a scoop of caramel or vanilla ice cream, layered in a parfait with whipped cream, served over pound cake, waffles, or biscuits, used as a pie or tart filling, or inside pastry turnovers.
FAQs
Yes, peeling the apples is recommended for a softer texture and to help the apples absorb the buttery sauce more evenly. However, if you prefer a bit more texture, you can leave the peel on.
Yes, you can make this recipe in an Instant Pot. Sauté the apples with butter on the sauté setting, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on high pressure for 1-2 minutes, then use the slurry to thicken the sauce after cooking.
Storage Information
STORE Cinnamon Apples leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freezing is not recommended, as the apples may lose their texture.
To REHEAT, warm them on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through.
Fresh and Flavorful Apple Dishes
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 and add butter. When the butter has melted, add the apples and cook for 5-8 minutes or until tender.
- Add orange juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, apple pie spice, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- In a small prep bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup cold water to create a slurry. Pour into the apples and whisk to combine. Turn up the heat and bring to a boil. Simmer until the mixture thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve immediately.
We love to put these on top of oatmeal. So yummy and simple to make!
Incredible!! So cozy & comforting! Cinnamon apples are the best!
Fantastic recipe, my food snob family loves it! Interestingly enough, it’s not that easy to find such a recipe. Some others require too much butter, others don’t have enough liquid. The tang of the OJ here is wonderful. I didn’t have apple pie spice but added some nutmeg and cloves in its place since that’s what is in apple pie spice. Adding this recipe to our family cookbook. Thank you, Natalie! I’ll check out your other recipes.
You are so welcome! I am so happy you liked it! I appreciate you saying this! Thank you!
Would this recipe freeze well?
I have not tried, but I probably wouldn’t freeze apples. That’s just me, though. Not sure how it would freeze.
One of my very favorite quick, fall treats! So warm and delicious.