This stovetop cinnamon apples recipe can be whipped up in about 15 minutes and are a perfect topping for oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, and more!
This might be one of the easiest apple recipes on our site. I love them with my everyday oatmeal, as a side for breakfast, and spooned over vanilla ice cream with caramel sauce for dessert. My son even loves them added to his school lunchbox!
Warm cinnamon apples are the best, especially during the fall!
Key Ingredients
- Apples: You can use any variety of apples for this recipe. I love crispier varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Pink Lady apples. These are the same apples I use for apple cobbler. You can peel them or leave the peel on. I love the peel, but my toddler prefers this recipe when made with peeled apples since the apples turn out a little softer.
- Lemon Juice or Apple Cider Vinegar: A little acid, like lemon juice or vinegar, balances the sweetness of the apples and maple syrup. It makes everything pop.
- Butter: I love cooking the apples in a bit of butter since it turns into a silky sauce. Plant-based butter or coconut oil is an excellent substitute.
- Cinnamon: We are pretty generous with the cinnamon in this recipe. You can add or reduce as you see fit.
- Optional Spices: I love adding extra spices like cardamom and nutmeg. They bump up the cozy factor and taste wonderful.
- Vanilla and Maple Syrup: These make the apples taste more rich and add a bit of sweetness.
Find the full recipe with measurements below.
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
Tip 1: Lemon is your best friend. We love the balance and brightness that lemon adds to the party. When adding the chopped apples to a skillet we add lemon juice and a bit of water. Cover the skillet with a lid and cook over medium-high heat until the apples soften. When they are soft, toss in your butter, cinnamon, extra spices, vanilla, and maple syrup.
Tip 2: Stir until the butter turns into a butter sauce. Stir the apples around the pan until the butter melts and turns into a silky cinnamon butter sauce that coats the apples. When it does, the apples are ready!
Tip 3: Serving ideas. I love serving them with pumpkin pancakes and on top of steel-cut oats. My toddler also loves these and happily eats them with a spoon (or, more often, his fingers).
More Easy Apple Recipes
Perfect Cinnamon Apples
- PREP
- COOK
- TOTAL
Extra easy cinnamon apples made on the stovetop in about 15 minutes! Enjoy these buttery spiced apples over ice cream for dessert, spooned over pancakes and waffles for breakfast, or as a deliciously sweet side.
You Will Need
1 ¾ pounds apples, 5 to 6 small
1 teaspoon lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons water, plus more as needed
2 tablespoons butter or vegan butter
1 ½ teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom, optional
1/8 teaspoon fresh grated nutmeg, optional
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 tablespoon to 1 tablespoon maple syrup, optional
Directions
1Choose whether or not you want to peel the apples. We prefer our apples with the peel. However, for softer cinnamon apples, peel them.
2Core and cut the apples into bite-size pieces, 3/4-inch to 1-inch cubes. For slices, slice the apples into 1/4-inch thick slices.
3Toss the apples, lemon juice (or vinegar), and two tablespoons of water into a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Cover the skillet with a lid (or tent them with aluminum foil). Cook, covered, for 3 to 4 minutes.
4Uncover the apples, and stir in the butter, cinnamon, optional spices (cardamom and nutmeg), vanilla, and maple syrup (optional).
5Cook, while stirring, until the butter melts and the apples soften to your liking, 3 to 5 minutes more. For more saucy apples, stir in 2 to 3 tablespoons more water. Simmer the water until it thickens and coats the apples. Taste, and then adjust with more maple syrup.
Adam and Joanne's Tips
- Storing: These apples can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze them for a few months.
- The nutrition facts provided below are estimates.
These were good! I added a pinch of salt to taste as well and it actually brought out the flavors a little more. Easy and I’ll make more often.
So easy and so good! My breakfast-loving husband asked for them with his waffles this very morning!
I haven’t made these in quite awhile. I will be making your recipe soon. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Wonderful, Sharon!
These apples are soo delicious..I’m so happy I’ve joined your ‘ family ‘ so far we’ve had them for breakfast more in the fridge for today . They are going to be a staple . Mustn’t forget the mushrooms my goodness such deliciousness .
Regards to you .. Sylvie ..
So happy you enjoyed them, Sylvia!
Thanks, I love this recipe it is similar to what I already make minus the lemon or cider vinegar.
(Citrus and vinegar allergies.) I will try with the butter though.
Grew up on fried apples! Still make em and I’m 67 now. Add onions from time to time.
Love your idea to make them more savory with the onions! Thanks, CJ.
I really enjoy your recipes and videos. They’re easy, everyday dishes with simple ingredients, many of which I’ve made and enjoyed! Have this one lined up for tomorrow.
That’s great, Laurie! Let us know when you make them 🙂
What a fantastic recipe and I didn’t have to change a thing. Tastes great on yogourt, waffles and pancakes. Will be a keeper for sure.
Your recipe for Cinnamon Apples looks great! Can I freeze the finished product? Thanks so much. RCH
Hi there, You can definitely freeze these apples. Store them in an air-tight container for a few months in the freezer.
I was looking for something more substantial and tastier than applesauce with my oatmeal. This does the trick. Also good with vanilla ice cream and granola topping.
That is a great idea! So happy you loved it 🙂
My twin grandies are picky eaters, but I’m sure that they will love this recipe! With guidance, they will be able to help in the preparation. And I love the options you gave for serving this — over ice cream, pancakes or waffles, or as a stand alone. Thank you!