Healthy Skillet Cinnamon Apples
Warm, soft apples wrapped in cinnamon galore, this healthy skillet cinnamon apples recipe is easy to make and delicious served with ice cream, on pancakes or waffles, or eaten with a spoon or fork!
Cinnamon and apples are a classic flavor combination that I never tire of!
When autumn arrives and the weather cools, nothing beats warm cinnamon apples like these Chunky Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, delicious Cinnamon Applesauce, or maybe these Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes.
Get ready for the most delicious spiced apples, made healthy with whole-food, plant-based ingredients and ready in no time!
Why We Love This Recipe!
- It’s easy to customize with your favorite apples.
- It uses refined-sugar-free ingredients, and you control how much you use.
- An oil-free option is available for those trying to control oil intake.
- Plus, it comes together quickly and easily and is ready in about 20 minutes.
- Oh, and let’s not forget—it’s cinnamon and apples—what could be better than that!?
So without further ado, let’s make something wonderful!
Ingredients for Cinnamon-Spiced Apples
Here is a look at everything you will need, including ingredient substitutions:
- Apples. Use your favorite apples. I used a mix of 2 sweet Fuji and 2 tart Granny Smith apples, which I thought was a perfect balance of taste and texture. Honeycrisp and Gala apples work well, too. Feel free to leave the skins on if you prefer. It speeds up prep time and adds more fiber.
- Sweetener. I used coconut sugar, but organic brown sugar would be great too. If you don’t have brown sugar on hand, use your favorite sugar or pure maple syrup. These cinnamon apples are sweet, but not overly sweet; feel free to adjust the sugar up or down to suit your taste.
- Spices. For the cinnamon, start with the suggested amount and add a little more if needed. Vanilla is optional, but it is so good and highly recommended. To change it up, feel free to add other spices like 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg and/or ground ginger.
- Vegan butter. I use and recommend Miyoko’s vegan butter. You can substitute with oil or use water to sauté for oil-free sautéed apples.
- Apple Glaze. For a stronger apple flavor, feel free to use chilled apple juice or apple cider in place of water. For the thickener, we’ll use arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
How To Make Skillet Cinnamon Apples
- Just core and slice the apples.
- Heat the butter/oil/water, and sauté the apples for 6 minutes.
- Stir in the spices, sweetener, and cornstarch mix, then let it boil gently for 1-2 minutes, until the mixture thickens.
That’s it, easy as can be and ready in no time at all!
Top Tips
- Cook apples al dente. Apples are best when cooked al dente or just fork-tender, for a nice texture.
- Leave the skin on the apples. If you prefer, you can leave the skins on. This speeds up prep time and adds more fiber.
- Adjust the sweetener. Depending on which apples you use, you may need to adjust the sweetener. Add more or less to taste.
Commonly Asked Questions
Can I Make Cinnamon Apples Without Butter Or Oil?
Use 1/4 cup water for a water sauté instead of butter or oil. Your cinnamon apples will still be great and even healthier!
Can I Make Cinnamon Apples Without Cornstarch?
Absolutely! You can swap the cornstarch for arrowroot, another thickening agent. You can also omit the cornstarch altogether and add half the water called for. You won’t have the thick syrup, but your cinnamon apples will still be delicious with a little juice. Alternatively, you can omit the water altogether for a drier cinnamon apples recipe.
What To Serve With Cinnamon Apples?
Pair homemade cinnamon apples as a side topped on a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal, waffles, pancakes, or french toast. They’re also great eaten as-is!
No matter how you serve these spiced apples, I know you’ll love this simple recipe. Enjoy to the fullest!
How to Store
Store leftover sautéed apples in the refrigerator for up to 5-6 days in a covered container. Reheat apples on the stovetop over low heat, stirring frequently, until warmed through. You may like to add a little water to loosen up the apple mixture. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in 30-60 second intervals, stirring between each, until warm.
More Fruit Recipes You’ll Love!
- Broiled Grapefruit
- Creamy Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Mango Coconut Popsicles
- Cherry-Berry Fruit Salad
- Berry Chia Seed Jam
If you try this spiced apples recipe, please let me know! Leave a comment and rate it below. I love to hear what you think, or any changes you make.
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SKILLET CINNAMON APPLES (HEALTHY)
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 – 6 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Skillet Cinnamon Apples features warm, soft apples wrapped in cinnamon galore! Healthy and easy to make, this spiced apple recipe is delicious on its own or served with ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced into 1/4 inch slices
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter, coconut oil, or 1/4 cup water (for oil-free)
- 3 tablespoons sugar (pure cane, coconut, brown, date, or sugar-free monk fruit)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch or arrowroot
- 1/2 cup cold water or apple juice/cider
- Optional add-ins:
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- Sauté: Heat butter or oil over medium heat, add apple slices, and sauté for 6 minutes.
- Cornstarch mix: Mix the cornstarch with cold water, then set aside.
- Add spices: Add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and water mixture to the apples, then stir to combine. Continue cooking at a gentle boil for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are fork-tender. Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
Serve: Pair with non-dairy ice cream or serve topped on cinnamon oatmeal, waffles, french toast or pancakes. Or simply enjoy as is!
Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5-6 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months.
Use your favorite apples. I love a mix of sweet and tart, so I used 2 Granny Smiths and 2 Fuji apples. Feel free to use all one color. If you use all Granny Smiths, consider adding 1 more tablespoon of sugar.
You can also substitute pure maple syrup for sugar.
If you don’t have arrowroot or cornstarch on hand, you can still prepare these apples by omitting them. It just will not have the syrup, but it will still be delicious!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Category: Side
- Method: saute
- Cuisine: American
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These warm skillet cinnamon apples look absolutely delicious! I love how simple and healthy the recipe is. Can’t wait to try it out and enjoy it with my family—perfect for fall! 🍏✨
Great addition to cinnamon porridge, with some peanut butter and mixed seeds. Thank you!