Delicious Cinnamon Apples

This cinnamon apple recipe transforms ordinary apples into a decadent treat without the guilt. I started making these when looking for a healthier alternative to apple pie, and they've become a staple in my autumn cooking rotation.

I first made these for my children as an after-school snack during apple picking season. Now they request them weekly and even prefer them to store-bought sweets.

Ingredients

• Apples: Use firm varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for best results. The texture holds up well during cooking.
• Butter: Adds richness without needing much. Use unsalted if controlling sodium intake.
• Apple juice: Enhances the natural apple flavor and creates the base for the sauce.
• Sweetener: Sugar-free or honey both work beautifully. Adjust to your preferred sweetness level.
• Cinnamon: The star spice that gives warmth and that classic fall flavor.
• Allspice: Adds complexity beyond just cinnamon. Its warm notes complement the apples wonderfully.
• Salt: A small amount enhances all other flavors. Do not skip this ingredient.
• Arrowroot or cornstarch: Optional thickener for a more luxurious sauce texture.
• Apple cider vinegar: The secret ingredient that brightens all flavors with just a touch of acidity.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Melt Butter with Apples:

Place sliced apples and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss continuously until butter completely melts and coats each apple slice. This creates a protective layer that helps apples maintain their shape during cooking.

Create the Sauce:

Mix apple juice, sweetener, cinnamon, allspice, and salt in a small bowl until well combined. Pour this aromatic mixture over the buttered apples and toss thoroughly to ensure even coating. Cover with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Allow apples to simmer for approximately 5 minutes or until they begin to soften but still hold their shape.

Thicken the Sauce:

Uncover and gently toss the apples. For a thicker sauce, either continue simmering until liquid reduces naturally, or sprinkle your chosen thickener over the apples and toss quickly to incorporate. Watch carefully as the sauce will thicken rapidly once the thickener is added.

Add Brightness:

Stir in the apple cider vinegar just before serving. This small amount wakes up all the flavors without making the dish taste acidic. Serve immediately while hot for the best experience.

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The cinnamon is truly the heart of this recipe. I experimented with various spice combinations, but always return to this classic blend. My grandmother used to make something similar on Sunday afternoons, though her version used significantly more sugar. This healthier adaptation brings back those warm memories without the sugar crash.

Make Ahead and Storage

These cinnamon apples store beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. The flavor actually improves after a day as the spices continue to infuse the apples. Reheat gently in the microwave or in a small saucepan over low heat until just warmed through. Add a tiny splash of apple juice if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.

Customize Your Apples

The beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. For a more indulgent version, add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries during the last few minutes of cooking. For extra texture, sprinkle with chopped walnuts or pecans before serving. Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg to the spice blend. For a holiday twist, stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract or a tablespoon of bourbon with the vinegar.

Perfect Pairings

These versatile cinnamon apples complement numerous dishes. Serve warm over vanilla ice cream or Greek yogurt for a simple dessert. Spoon onto oatmeal or pancakes for a special breakfast. They make an unexpected but delightful side dish with roasted pork or chicken. For an elegant brunch, layer them with granola and yogurt in parfait glasses. During the holidays, I serve them alongside cheese boards for a sweet counterpoint to savory cheeses.

Nutritional Benefits

Beyond being delicious, these apples offer impressive nutritional benefits. The natural fiber in apples supports digestive health and helps maintain steady blood sugar levels. Using minimal added sweetener keeps the calorie count low while allowing the natural sweetness of the apples to shine. The small amount of fat from butter helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins present in the apples. This recipe proves that healthy eating can be both nutritious and indulgent.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of apples work best for this dish?

Firm apples that hold their shape when cooked work best, such as Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith, Fuji, or Pink Lady. Avoid softer varieties like McIntosh which may break down too much during cooking, especially if you prefer distinct apple slices rather than a sauce-like consistency.

→ Can I make these cinnamon apples ahead of time?

Yes! These cinnamon apples store well in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. They're perfect for meal prep and can be made in larger batches for the week.

→ What can I serve with these cinnamon apples?

These versatile cinnamon apples pair beautifully with many dishes. Serve them alongside pork chops or roasted chicken for dinner, over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast, with ice cream for dessert, or simply enjoy them on their own as a healthy snack.

→ Is it necessary to add the thickening agent?

No, the thickening agent is optional. Without it, you'll have a thinner, more syrupy sauce surrounding the apples. Adding arrowroot, cornstarch, or glucomannan creates a thicker sauce that clings to the apple slices. Choose based on your preference for texture and presentation.

→ Can I use regular sugar instead of a sugar-free sweetener?

Absolutely! You can substitute the sugar-free sweetener with equal amounts of regular granulated sugar, brown sugar, or coconut sugar. The recipe suggests honey as an alternative sweetener already, but maple syrup would also work beautifully for a different flavor profile.

→ Why add apple cider vinegar at the end?

The teaspoon of apple cider vinegar adds brightness and balances the sweetness of the dish. This small amount of acidity enhances the natural apple flavor without making the dish taste sour. It's a culinary trick that adds complexity to the flavor profile.