Stovetop Cinnamon Apples

Stovetop Cinnamon Apples are my go-to fall treat. You only need a few simple ingredients to make them and they're perfect for using in your favorite recipes to add a bit of fall flair!

There's nothing quite like apple desserts in the fall! I love using in-season apples to whip up all sorts of treats, from baked apples to apple chips and a breakfast apple crisp.

These stovetop cinnamon apples are the newest addition to my fall baking list. They're cooked in a skillet on the stovetop with maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt for a cozy fall treat that's perfect on top of oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, ice cream, French toast, or eating by the spoonful!

Why You'll Love Old Fashioned Cinnamon Apples

Here's why you'll love these stovetop cinnamon apples:

• Quick and easy: All you need is 10 minutes and a few simple ingredients to whip up this cozy treat.
• Versatile: Cinnamon and apple is the ultimate combo, perfect for adding a fall flair to plain old yogurt, waffles, ice cream, or even pork!
• Healthy dessert or side: With this recipe, you can satisfy that sweet tooth without loading up on the calories!

Ingredients and Substitutions

Here's everything you need to make these old-fashioned cinnamon apples!

• Apples: I recommend using tart, crisp apples like Granny Smith apples, Honeycrisp, Jazz, Braeburn, Pink Lady, or another type of tart apple. You can also use sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala, but I suggest cutting back on the brown sugar so they're not too sweet!
• Brown sugar: You can use light or dark brown sugar or pure maple syrup. Honey would also work. 
• Vanilla extract: Adds a depth of flavor. I use pure vanilla extract, but you can use vanilla bean paste to give it a deeper flavor!
• Cinnamon: Adds a bit of warmth. Feel free to use other spices like nutmeg, allspice, pumpkin pie spice, or apple pie spice.
• Butter: This helps the apples cook and gives them a bit of flavor. You could also use coconut oil as a vegan option.
• Salt: This balances out the sweetness in the dish and adds a bit of flavor. If you used salted butter, skip the extra salt.

How to Make Cinnamon Apples on the Stovetop

Learn how to make this recipe step-by-step.

1. Saute the apples

Melt some butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add the sliced apples and a splash of water. Let them cook until they start to soften up a bit, but aren't mushy.

2. Add sugar and spices

Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all together and cook for a minute or two until everything is coated! They should smell amazing at this point. 

3. Thicken the sauce

For a thicker sauce, add a little cornstarch mixed with water or a dash of flour. Stir and enjoy warm with your favorite desserts, breakfast recipes, or main dishes!

Pro tip: Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with one tablespoon of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry. You can dump this into the apple mixture to help thicken it!

What happens if my apples get clumpy?

The bets way to prevent this is not to overcook the apples. They should be soft, but they shouldn't be applesauce. This can also happen when the apples cool down. Gently reheat them on the stovetop or microwave to loosen the syrup.

Do I have to slice the apples?

Nope! You can cube the apples instead for a more bite-sized effect. Just make sure to cube them into even pieces so they cook evenly.

How to Make Cinnamon Apples in the Instant Pot

Don't feel like making these apples on the stovetop? Try the pressure cooker instead! Here's how:

1. Add the sliced apples to the Instant Pot, along with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Toss until well-coated.
2. In a small bowl, mix water and cornstarch until smooth, then pour into the pot, stirring to combine.
3. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Pressure Cook for 2 minutes.
4. Once cooking is complete, perform a Quick Release. Carefully open the lid, give the apples a gentle stir, and they’re ready to serve.

Variations and Tips

Here are some simple variations and tips to make this recipe you're own:

• Spices: I use cinnamon, but you can add different spices like ginger, nutmeg, cardamom, cloves, or anything else you like!
• Peel: You don't have to peel the apples, but you can if you don't like the texture.
• Lemon juice: Add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
• Water: Swap out the water for apple juice or apple cider for a more intense apple flavor.
• Savory: Add some chopped onion or shallot and sage or thyme for a savory twist. It also delicious with some crumbled goat cheese.
• Spicy: Drizzle the apples with hot honey and fresh herbs for the best sweey, savory, and spicy treat.

Serving Suggestions

There are so many ways to eat these stovetop cinnamon apples! Here are some of our favorite ways to enjoy them:

• For breakfast: Serve with Greek yogurt, microwave Oatmeal, Greek yogurt pancakes, protein packed oat waffles, or this healthy French toast.
• As a dessert: Add vanilla ice cream, crepes, or stuffed the apples inside of a puff pastry. Crumble some walnuts, pecans, or hazelnuts on top.
• As a side: Add a sweet element to Grilled Pork Chops, Slow Cooker Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Tenderloin, or Rosemary Chicken.

How to Store and Reheat

Storing and reheating this recipe is super easy. Here's how we do it:

• Store: Store the cooked apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
• Reheat: Place a small pot on the stovetop over medium heat or pop them in the microwave for 20-30 seconds.