Caramelized Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Quick Stovetop Caramelized Cinnamon Apples Recipe / Sweet Autumn Treat

Crisp autumn days call for a simple yet irresistible caramelized cinnamon apples dessert that warms the soul.

Sweet, tender apples dance with rich caramel and warm spices in this delightful treat.

The kitchen fills with a tempting aroma of cinnamon and butter as the apples slowly soften and turn golden brown.

Every bite promises a perfect balance of sweetness and spice that melts in your mouth.

You’ll adore how quickly these apples transform from ordinary fruit to a spectacular dessert.

The recipe requires just a few basic ingredients and minimal effort.

This comforting dish brings a touch of magic to any meal, making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

Prepare to indulge in a classic dessert that celebrates the simple pleasures of seasonal cooking.

How to Make Sweet and Tender Easy Cinnamon Apples

  • Slice and Prep Apples

Grab your favorite crisp apples and transform them into delectable half-moon shapes, removing the core and revealing their sweet inner goodness.

  • Warm Up the Magic Pan

Drop a dollop of creamy butter into a skillet and let it dance and shimmer over a gentle flame, creating a golden canvas for your fruity adventure.

  • Create Caramelized Goodness

Tumble the apple slices into the buttery paradise, then sprinkle a generous shower of brown sugar, cinnamon, and a whisper of salt. Gently swirl everything together, ensuring each apple piece gets coated in deliciousness.

  • Transform and Tender

Allow the apples to simmer and soften, stirring occasionally, watching as they turn golden and develop a luscious caramel-like coating. In about 5-7 minutes, your apples will become a mouthwatering treat that’s both tender and bursting with sweet-spicy flavor.

Flavor Additions to Jazz Up Easy Cinnamon Apples

  • Choose firm, sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Fuji for the best flavor and texture in this recipe.
  • Cook apples less for a firmer bite or longer for a softer, more caramelized result – adjust cooking time based on your preference.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil for a dairy-free version, or use a sugar alternative like stevia for a lower-sugar option.
  • Transform these cinnamon apples into a versatile topping for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, ice cream, or as a delicious side dish for roasted meats.
  • Experiment with additional warming spices like nutmeg, ginger, or cardamom to create unique flavor profiles while keeping the classic cinnamon base.

Presenting Easy Cinnamon Apples With Style

  • Dessert Companion: Serve these warm cinnamon apples atop vanilla ice cream for a classic sweet-and-creamy treat that melts in your mouth.
  • Breakfast Boost: Spoon the caramelized apples over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal to elevate your morning meal with delicious autumn flavors.
  • Pastry Perfect: Use these cinnamon apples as a filling for turnovers, pies, or as a topping for cheesecake to add rich, spiced complexity to your favorite desserts.
  • Cheese Plate Accent: Pair the warm spiced apples with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an elegant appetizer or sophisticated cheese course that balances sweet and savory notes.

Keeping Easy Cinnamon Apples Ready for the Week

  • Store leftover cinnamon apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sealed environment keeps the apples fresh and maintains their delicious caramelized flavor.
  • Warm the apples gently in a microwave or skillet, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally to distribute heat evenly and restore the original soft, gooey texture.
  • Freeze cooled cinnamon apples in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving, and gently reheat for best results.
  • Enjoy cold as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes, or warm as a side dish with roasted meats or as a dessert companion to vanilla ice cream.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 7 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 250 kcal

Servings: 4

All the Essentials for Easy Cinnamon Apples

For Fruit Base:
  • Apples: Crisp, sweet-tart foundation of the dish that provides natural sugars and tender texture when cooked; choose firm, ripe varieties like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for best results.
For Sweetening and Seasoning:
  • Brown Sugar, Cinnamon: Rich caramel-like sweetener that creates deep flavor complexity; select dark brown sugar for more intense taste; use freshly ground cinnamon for robust, warm aromatics.
  • Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile by balancing sweetness and bringing out natural apple essence.
For Cooking Medium:
  • Butter: Provides rich, smooth base for cooking; opt for unsalted butter to control recipe's salt content and ensure clean, pure flavor development.

Kitchen Tools for Sautéing Easy Cinnamon Apples

  • Large skillet: Essential for cooking and caramelizing the apples.
  • Sharp knife: Perfect for peeling and slicing apples precisely.
  • Cutting board: Provides a stable surface for preparing apples.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and coating apples with spices.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps add the right amount of cinnamon and salt.
Print
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Caramelized Cinnamon Apples Recipe

Caramelized Cinnamon Apples


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4.9 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 12 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Warm comfort meets sweet nostalgia in this simple cinnamon apples dessert that whispers memories of grandma’s kitchen. Sweet apple slices dance with fragrant spices, offering pure culinary bliss you can savor in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 2 tbsps unsalted butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 2 tbsps brown sugar (or maple syrup/honey)
  • 1 tsp ground cinnamon
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract
  • ¼ tsp nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
  • 1 pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Fruit Preparation: Carefully peel, core, and slice apples into uniform, elegant wedges that will absorb flavors beautifully.
  2. Culinary Foundation: Warm a spacious skillet over medium heat, gently melting butter until it reaches a golden, shimmering consistency.
  3. Flavor Infusion: Introduce apple slices into the buttery landscape, showering them with brown sugar, aromatic cinnamon, and a whisper of salt; tenderly fold ingredients to ensure each slice becomes gloriously coated.
  4. Transformation Stage: Allow apples to simmer and caramelize, stirring periodically, transforming from raw fruit to a luscious, tender delicacy with rich, glossy edges – typically requiring 5-7 minutes of patient cooking until they reach peak softness and develop a luxurious amber-hued glaze.

Notes

  • Choose firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for best caramelization and texture retention during cooking.
  • Maintain medium heat to prevent burning and ensure even caramelization, allowing apples to soften without becoming mushy.
  • Experiment by adding vanilla extract, nutmeg, or a splash of bourbon for deeper, more complex flavor profiles.
  • Swap butter with coconut oil for vegan version, or use sugar substitute like stevia for low-carb and diabetic-friendly alternative.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 7 minutes
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 150
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 50 mg
  • Fat: 5 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 25 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 15 mg
William Hawkins

William Hawkins

Founder & Culinary Director

Expertise

  • Modern American and Southern Cuisine
  • Farm-to-Table Practices
  • Restaurant Concept Development
  • Culinary Education and Mentorship​

Education

Sullivan University, Louisville, KY

  • Degree: Associate of Science in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Focused on mastering culinary methods and food science, immersive externships, hands‑on training in industry‑standard kitchen labs, and equipping graduates for roles in restaurant operations.

William Hawkins isn’t just a chef, he’s a storyteller through food. From his hometown of Louisville, KY, he’s spent years refining his craft, turning local ingredients into something extraordinary. 

With classical training from Sullivan University and a career marked by innovation, mentorship, and Southern soul, William approaches every recipe with purpose. His kitchen is where old techniques meet fresh ideas, and where comfort food gets a thoughtful, modern twist. 

When he’s not building dishes from the ground up, he’s out gathering inspiration from nature, markets, and the stories people share around the table.

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