Warm, soft, apples wrapped in cinnamon galore, this healthy skillet cinnamon apples recipe is not overly sweet, so easy to make and is perfect served with ice cream, on pancakes, waffles, or eaten with a spoon or fork!
Cinnamon Apples – easy and delicious spiced apples!
When autumn arrives and the weather cools, nothing beats warm cinnamon apples, like these warm Chunky Cinnamon Apple Oatmeal Breakfast Cookies, or this delicious Cinnamon Applesauce, or maybe these Cinnamon Applesauce Pancakes.
Cinnamon and apples is a classic flavor combination that I never tire of!
What I really love about this cinnamon apple recipe is how versatile it is:
- There’s options to use various sweeteners and spices.
- You’ll find an oil-free option for those watching their oil intake.
- Plus, it comes together quick and easy, and will be ready in about 20 minutes.
So without further ado, let’s makes something wonderful!
How To Make The Best Cinnamon Apples
Tips & Suggestions:
- Apples: Use your favorite apples here. 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. Honey Crisp and Gala apples would be great too. Feel free to leave the skins on if you prefer, it speeds up the prep time and adds more nutrition in the way of fiber. Apples are best when cooked until al dente or just fork tender, giving them a nice texture.
- 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 what you have on hand. These cinnamon apples are sweet, but not overly sweet, feel free to adjust the sugar, up or down, to suit your taste. You can also substitute sugar for 3 – 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup.
- Spices: For the cinnamon, start with the amount suggested, add a little more if needed. The vanilla can be optional, but it is so good and highly recommend. To change it up, feel free to add other spices like ¼ teaspoon nutmeg and/or ground ginger.
- Apple Glaze: In place of water, feel free to use chilled apple juice or apple cider for a stronger apple flavor. For the thickener, we’ll be using arrowroot powder or cornstarch.
How To Make Cinnamon Apples – On The Stovetop
- Just slice the apples.
- Heat the butter/oil/water, and saute the apples for 6 minutes.
- Stir in the spices, sweetener, and cornstarch mix, and let boil gently for a 1 – 2 minutes, until mixture thickens.
That’s it, easy as can be and ready in no time at all!
Commonly Asked Questions
How To Make Cinnamon Apples Without Butter Or Oil?
Simply use ¼ cup of water for a water saute instead of using butter or oils. Your results will still be great and extra healthy too!
Can I Make Cinnamon Apples Without Cornstarch?
Absolutely! You can swap the cornstarch for arrowroot, another thickening agent. Also, you can simply omit the cornstarch all together, while adding half the amount of water called for. You won’t have the thick syrup, but your cinnamon apples will still be delicious with a little juice. Alternately, omit the water all together for a dryer cinnamon apples recipe.
What To Pair With Cinnamon Apples?
Pair your homemade cinnamon apples as a side topped on a bowl of cinnamon oatmeal, waffles, pancakes or french toast. It’s also great eaten as is all by itself!
No matter how you serve your cinnamon apples, I know you’ll love this simple recipe. Enjoy to the fullest!
If you try this cinnamon 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.
PrintHEALTHY SKILLET CINNAMON APPLES
Warm, soft, apples wrapped in cinnamon galore, this healthy skillet cinnamon apples recipe is perfectly sweet, easy to make and is perfect served with ice cream, on pancakes, or eaten as is!
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 10 min
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4 - 6 1x
- Category: Side
- Cuisine: Vegan
Ingredients
- 4 large apples, peeled, cored and sliced into even ¼ inch slices
- 1 tablespoon vegan butter or coconut oil or ¼ water (for water saute)
- 3 tablespoons coconut sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon arrowroot or cornstarch
- ½ cup (113ml) cold water or apple juice/cider
Optional add-ins:
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
Heat butter or oil, over medium heat, add apple slices and saute for 6 minutes.
Mix the cold water and cornstarch, set aside.
To the apples, add the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla and water mixture, and stir to combine. Continue cooking at a gentle boil for 2 – 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are fork tender.
Let cool a few minutes before serving.
Serve with non-dairy ice cream, on top of cinnamon oatmeal, waffles, french toast and pancakes, or enjoy as is.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 – 6 days. You can also freeze for up to 2 months.
Serves 4 – 6
NOTES:
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 using all Granny Smiths, you may consider adding 1 more tablespoon of sugar.
You can also substitute sugar for 3 – 3 tablespoons pure maple syrup.
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 will stiff be delicious!
Amanda says
Made this with butter-flavoured coconut oil and put it on top of oat pancakes. Delicious, thank you so much!
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
Ooh, that butter flavored coconut oil sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing, Amanda!
Sabrina Baudes says
Ridiculously tasty!
★★★★★
Hilde Broeckx says
Perfect fall/winter dessert. I serve it with a scoop of vegan ice cream.
★★★★★
Michelle says
I made this as directed with coconut sugar but found it was not sweet enough. I added a squeeze of truvia honey and a little Truvia brown sugar. It was nice that It cooked up quickly, Even though I only had red delicious apples it was very tasty. I added fresh grated nutmeg with the cinnamon. I served it along with dinner and then with some vanilla ice cream for dessert.
Michelle says
I made this again tonight go with turkey legs and green beans. I used just truvia brown sugar blend, cinnamon and pumpkin pie spice. I forgot to peel the apples, oops! These were still so fast, easy and yummy.
★★★★★
Nicole says
When do you add them sugar?
Julie | The Simple Veganista says
I’ve added it to the recipes instructions, it’s added with the cinnamon and vanilla. Thank you for pointing that out! :)
Justina says
This looks so delicious! I’ve been planning a dinner party and was stuck on dessert, because one friend is dairy free and one can’t do a lot of sugar. This seems like it might satisfy all dietary restrictions without compromising on flavor!