Apple Cinnamon is a classic flavor combination that never goes out of style. Whether you’re looking for a cozy breakfast treat or a comforting dessert, this Homemade Apple Cinnamon recipe is sure to delight your taste buds. With soft, tender apples coated in sweet cinnamon sugar and baked to perfection, it’s a simple yet satisfying dish that can be enjoyed year-round.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Cinnamon Recipe

✔ Perfectly Sweet and Spicy – The warmth of cinnamon paired with the natural sweetness of apples creates a comforting flavor that is perfect for fall and beyond.
✔ Quick and Easy – This recipe doesn’t require hours of preparation. It’s quick, simple, and made with ingredients you likely already have on hand.
✔ Versatile – You can enjoy it as a side dish, a topping for pancakes, ice cream, or yogurt, or even as a filling for pastries.
✔ Cozy and Comforting – The aroma of baking apples and cinnamon fills your home, making this the ultimate comfort food experience.

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji, peeled and sliced)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup water
• Pinch of salt
• Optional garnish: chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans), whipped cream, or a scoop of vanilla ice cream

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and slice the apples into thin wedges or small chunks, depending on your preference. You can also core them before slicing, removing any seeds for a cleaner presentation.

Step 2: Sauté the Apples

1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Once the butter is melted, add the apple slices and sauté for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften and caramelize slightly.

Step 3: Add the Cinnamon Sugar Mixture

1. In a small bowl, mix the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt.
2. Sprinkle the sugar mixture evenly over the sautéed apples and stir to coat the apples in the sweet and spicy blend.

Step 4: Simmer the Apples

1. Add water to the skillet, and stir well. Allow the mixture to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
2. Cover and cook the apples for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are tender and the sauce thickens slightly. The apples should be soft but still hold their shape. Stir occasionally to avoid burning.

Step 5: Add the Vanilla

1. Once the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened to your liking, add the vanilla extract and stir to incorporate the flavor.
2. Let the mixture cook for another minute to blend the vanilla flavor into the apples.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

1. Remove from heat and serve the warm apple cinnamon mixture in bowls or spoon it over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream for a decadent treat.
2. If desired, sprinkle with chopped nuts for added texture or top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream for extra indulgence.

Cook Notes

• Apple Variety – The type of apples you use will greatly affect the texture and sweetness of the dish. Granny Smith apples give a tart contrast to the sweet cinnamon mixture, while Honeycrisp or Fuji apples are naturally sweet and soft. Choose according to your preference for sweetness or tartness.
• Thicker Sauce – For a thicker sauce, you can add a small amount of cornstarch dissolved in water during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Spices – If you want to take the flavor to the next level, consider adding ground cloves or allspice for additional depth. A pinch of ginger can also enhance the overall flavor profile.
• Make Ahead – You can make this apple cinnamon dish ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or apple juice to loosen the sauce.

Variations

✔ Apple Cinnamon Roll Casserole – Layer the apple cinnamon mixture between slices of cinnamon rolls for a delicious breakfast casserole. Top with icing for extra sweetness!
✔ Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal – Add the apple cinnamon mixture to your morning oatmeal for a warm, hearty breakfast.
✔ Apple Cinnamon Scones – Incorporate the apple cinnamon mixture into a basic scone dough for a delightful pastry. Bake and serve for a fun, elevated version of this dish.
✔ Caramel Apple Cinnamon – Drizzle caramel sauce over the apples before serving to add a rich, buttery flavor to the mix.

Keto Version

To make a keto-friendly version of this recipe, substitute the brown sugar with a sugar substitute like erythritol or monk fruit sweetener. Additionally, instead of using butter, you can use coconut oil for a dairy-free variation. To replace the apples, you can use sliced zucchini or chayote squash as they both mimic the texture of apples and are lower in carbs.

Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb version, consider using stevia or another natural low-carb sweetener in place of sugar. You can also skip the butter and use olive oil for a lighter version. For a more substantial substitute for apples, consider using radishes, which take on a sweet flavor when cooked and are lower in carbs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?

While fresh apples yield the best texture and flavor, frozen apples can be used in a pinch. Be sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking to prevent the dish from becoming too watery.

2. Can I double this recipe?

Yes, this recipe can easily be doubled for larger servings. Just make sure to use a larger skillet or saucepan and adjust the cooking time accordingly.

3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze the apple cinnamon mixture for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop when you’re ready to serve.

4. Can I add other fruits to this dish?

Yes, you can add other fruits like pears, berries, or even dried cranberries for a different twist. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the fruit you use.

This Homemade Apple Cinnamon recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves the comforting flavors of cinnamon and apples. Whether served as a side dish, a dessert, or as a topping for other treats, it’s sure to please. Easy to make and full of rich, warm flavors, it’s a perfect recipe for any occasion. So, grab some apples and get ready to enjoy the sweet aroma and delicious taste of this classic favorite