Cinnamon Apples
Cinnamon Apples offer a cozy, warm flavor perfect for fall or any time of year. This quick and easy recipe highlights the natural sweetness of apples paired with the comforting spice of cinnamon, creating a versatile snack, dessert, or breakfast topping that’s nutritious, budget-friendly, and loved by all ages.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegan Option Available
Main Ingredients
- 4 fresh apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith or sweet ones like Fuji), sliced about 1/2 inch thick
- 2 tablespoons butter or coconut oil
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Optional Spices and Additions
- Pinch of ground nutmeg or ground cloves
- Toasted walnuts or pecans for topping
- Additional fruits like pears or cranberries for mixing in
- Alternative sweeteners such as honey, agave, or coconut sugar
- Prepare the Apples: Wash and slice the apples into uniform pieces about half an inch thick to ensure even cooking and maintain shape.
- Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, melt the butter or coconut oil over medium heat to create a rich base for caramelizing the apples.
- Cook the Apples: Add the apple slices to the skillet, stirring gently to coat them with the melted butter. Cook for about 5 minutes until the apples begin to soften but remain firm.
- Add Cinnamon and Sweetener: Sprinkle the ground cinnamon and brown sugar or maple syrup evenly over the apples. Stir carefully to ensure each slice is well-coated with the cinnamon and sweetener mixture.
- Finish with Lemon Juice and Optional Spices: Add fresh lemon juice to keep the apples vibrant and prevent browning. If desired, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves. Continue cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until the apples are tender but not mushy.
Notes
- Use firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best texture and balance of sweetness.
- Do not overcook the apples to avoid mushy texture; cook just until tender.
- Use freshly ground cinnamon to enhance aroma and depth of flavor.
- Employ a non-stick pan to prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Adjust sweetness gradually by tasting as you cook to suit your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 150 kcal
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 15 mg
- Fat: 5 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 30 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: cinnamon apples, fall recipes, apple dessert, healthy snacks, easy dessert, vegan dessert, gluten free dessert