• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Hungry Healthy Happy
  • Chinese recipes
  • About
  • Recipes
  • FREE eBook
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Chinese recipes
  • About
  • Recipes
  • FREE eBook
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Let's get social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Chinese recipes
    • About
    • Recipes
    • FREE eBook
    • Contact
    • Subscribe
  • Let's get social!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok
    • Twitter
  • ×

    Hungry Healthy Happy » Recipes » Dessert

    Cinnamon Stewed Apples

    Published: Oct 15, 2021 · Modified: Jan 23, 2023 by Dannii · This post may contain affiliate links · 15 Comments

    81 shares
    • 2
    Jump to Recipe
    Diet: Gluten Free / Low Fat / Vegan
    A pan of Cinnamon Stewed Apples with a text title overlay.

    Soft and sugary chunks of apple coated in a cinnamon sprinkle, this Cinnamon Stewed Apples recipe is so easy to make and it is perfect on top of porridge, pancakes or ice cream. A simple and warming autumnal recipe, this is a great way to use up lots of apple and it's a family favourite too.

    A saucepan containing stewed apples surrounded by apples and cinnamon sticks.

    Apple and cinnamon - I don't think there is a more autumnal combination. These apples are cooked low and slow in a mixture of brown sugar, maple syrup and cinnamon to make them soft and sweet, but with an incredible flavour. You can use them to make a quick and easy pie or crumble, but we love them as a topping on porridge or pancakes.

    I had a lot of stewed apples as a child, as my grandparents had a huge apple tree in their garden and were always making pies and crumble. When I want the comfort of those flavours, but without the effort, I make these cinnamon stewed apples. Ready in under 20 minutes and you can make a big batch to freeze. If you can stop yourself from eating them all!

    If you are looking for some other ways to use apples, why not try our Apple and Plum Crumble, Apple Cinnamon Pancakes, Apple Hand Pies or Apple Pie Smoothie?

    Jump to:
    • Why you will love it
    • Ingredients needed
    • How to stew apples - Step by step
    • Health benefits of apples
    • Variations
    • What to serve with Cinnamon Stewed Apples
    • Frequently Asked Questions
    • Extra tips
    • More apple recipes
    • Recipe
    • Feedback

    Why you will love it

    • Delicious autumn flavours - Apple and cinnamon are such a classic flavour combination and they are both so warming. This stewed apples recipe will definitely warm your belly.
    • Easy - Although they do need to cook low and slow so they get nice and soft without burning, they couldn't be easier. Just mix everything in a pan and let it cook away.
    • Versatile - There are SO many ways you can use this stewed apple recipe and we have included all of our favourite ways below.
    • Kids love it - We don't usually have any trouble getting our kids to eat fruit (vegetables is a different story), but these stewed apples are eaten in seconds. My two love it on Greek yogurt or in the porridge at breakfast with some chocolate chips.
    • Stores well - These freeze really well, so we make a big batch and then keep them in the freezer for easy breakfasts and desserts.

    Ingredients needed

    All the ingredients needed for this recipe with text overlay labels.
    • Apples - The star of this recipe. You really can use any apples for this recipe, however we used golden delicious. It really depends on if you prefer tart or sweet apples. If you are using cooking apples then you might need to add some extra sugar.
    • Lemon - Just a little squeeze of lemon juice helps to stop the apples going brown whilst you are getting all the other ingredients together.
    • Light brown sugar - This not only sweetens the apples, but gives it a lovely golden colour.
    • Maple syrup - Whilst the apples themselves are lovely and sweet, and we have added brown sugar for extra sweetness, we find that maple syrup not only adds sweetness, but a lovely flavour too. You could swap it for honey instead.
    • Water - This creates a bit of a sauce for the apples to help them cook in and the sauce is lovely to pour over the apples after.
    • Cinnamon - Cinnamon and apples is just a perfect match and it adds a lovely warm depth of flavour. You could swap it for ginger or nutmeg, or use a mixture of all three.

    A full ingredients list with measurements is in the recipe card below.

    How to stew apples - Step by step

    One: Chop the apples and put into a saucepan with the lemon juice. Mix well.

    A saucepan with chopped apples in it.

    Two: Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon and water. Mix well and cook on a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring regularly.

    Cinnamon, sugar and maple syrup added to the pan.

    Health benefits of apples

    Whilst this isn't the healthiest recipe with the brown sugar and maple syrup, I wouldn't say it is particularly indulgent. The majority of the sweetness comes from the apples themselves, and some sugar and the maple syrup just adds to that a little.

    Also, apples are super nutritious. They are a good source of fibre, potassium and vitamin C and K. Apples have also been linked to a lower risk of heart disease. One reason for this may be that apples contain soluble fibre, and this can help lower your blood cholesterol levels.

    Apples also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. However, many of these are in the peel, so if you peel the apples they they won't have the same benefits.

    A bowl of porridge topped with cooked apples next to some apples and a cup of coffee.

    Variations

    This is a pretty simple recipe, so there is not too much that can be changed. However, you could use half apples and pears for a nice autumnal mix. You could also do a berry mix of blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries. Or a stone fruit pie with peaches and nectarines.

    Instead of using cinnamon, you could swap it for ground ginger or mixed spice, or even use a mixture of the three.

    What to serve with Cinnamon Stewed Apples

    The great thing about stewed apples is that there are so many different ways to use them. Here are some of our favourite:

    • Serves with vanilla ice cream or custard for a simple and hearty dessert
    • Put on top of porridge or overnight oats.
    • Serve on waffles or pancakes for a warming weekend breakfast.
    • Mix in to yoghurt for a snack.
    • Use them to make our Apple Hand Pies or Oaty Apple Crumble.
    • Add them to sausage rolls - trust us on this, the sweet and salty go so well together and sausage and apple is a delicious combination.
    • Make apple muffins

    If you are looking for a hot drink to have this with as a bit of an afternoon pick-me-up, then why not they our Chai Tea Latte, Cinnamon Coffee or Slow Cooker Hot Chocolate.

    Stewed apples on top of a bowl of porridge with some red apples in the background.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I need to peel the apples first?

    No, you don't have to peel the apple first. Not only does it save time, but there is lots of goodness in the peel too. I know some people don't like the texture of the apple peel, so you can peel them if you prefer.

    How do you know when the stewed apples are cooked?

    You want the apples to be nice and soft, but also not mushy. They should feel a little tender when you check them with a knife. After 15 minutes cooking on low, we found that they were perfect. It does depend on what heat you are cooking them though, so check them as they may need a little longer. If you prefer your apples with a bit of crunch, then you can always cook them for a little less.

    Are stewed apples vegan?

    Yes, this stewed apple recipe is vegan because we haven't cooked ours in any butter.

    Are stewed apples gluten free?

    Yes, these are gluten free. Just be careful of any cross contamination and what you serve them with.

    How to store cinnamon stewed apples.

    We love making a big batch of these to keep to add on breakfast, desserts and snacks. You can keep them in an air tight container in the fridge for up to 5 days for best freshness.

    Can you freeze stewed apple?

    If you want to freeze them, you can put them in a freezer container and they will keep for around 6 weeks.

    How to reheat cinnamon stewed apples.

    Once they are fully defrosted, you can reheat them in the oven or microwave, or heat them through in a pan.

    Can you make sugar free stewed apple?

    You could leave out the brown sugar and maple syrup, and add a little extra water and cook them like that. They would still soften and have some natural sweetness, but you wouldn't get the same flavour or caramelisation. You could also reduce the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup used.

    Can I double this recipe?

    Yes, you can easily double or triple this recipe, and there are no adjustments that need to be made. You just need to make sure you have a pan big enough.

    heart icon

    Extra tips

    • Make sure you chop all the apples in similar sizes. This makes sure that they all cook evenly.
    • You can swap the cinnamon for nutmeg or ground ginger, or use a mixture of all three.
    • Add some extra crunch by sprinkling them with crushed pecans.
    • If the saucepan starts to dry out, you can always add a little more water.
    • Take these stewed apples to the next level with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
    • You can swap half the apples for pears for something a little different.
    • If you don't want a strong cinnamon flavour (which we personally love), then you could add a cinnamon stick to the apples and just take it out before serving.
    • Vanilla is also a delicious addition. Just a little vanilla extract or vanilla paste goes a long way.

    More apple recipes

    • Mulled Cider
    • Vegetarian Charcuterie Board
    • Chocolate Covered Apple Slices
    • Apple and Blackberry Crumble

    If you’ve tried this stewed apples recipe, let us know how you got on in the comments below.
    Tag us in your creations on Instagram @hungryhealthyhappy - Use the hashtag #hungryhealthyhappy too.

    Recipe

    Cinnamon Stewed Apples on top of a bowl of porridge.

    Cinnamon Stewed Apples

    Soft chunks of apple coated in cinnamon sprinkle, this Cinnamon Stewed Apples recipe is so easy to make. Perfect on top of porridge, pancakes or ice cream.
    A circular logo saying GF.
    Gluten Free
    the words low fat in a white circle.
    Low Fat
    An illustration of a v-shaped plant in a pot.
    Vegan
    5 from 17 votes
    Author: Dannii
    Pin Print Save recipe Recipe saved!
    Course: Dessert
    Cuisine: British
    Prep Time: 2 minutes
    Cook Time: 15 minutes
    Total Time: 17 minutes
    Servings: 4 servings
    Calories: 183kcal
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    UK Metric Measures - US Customary Measures
    • 4 Apple - diced
    • 0.5 Lemon - (juice only)
    • 2 tablespoon Maple syrup
    • 80 g Light brown sugar
    • 1 tablespoon Water
    • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Chop the apples and put into a saucepan with the lemon juice. Mix well.
      4 Apple, 0.5 Lemon
    • Add the maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon and water. Mix well and cook on a low heat for 15 minutes, stirring regularly.
      2 tablespoon Maple syrup, 80 g Light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon, 1 tablespoon Water

    Notes

    • Make sure you chop all the apples in similar sizes. This makes sure that they all cook evenly.
    • You can swap the cinnamon for nutmeg or ground ginger, or use a mixture of all three.
    • Add some extra crunch by sprinkling them with crushed pecans.
    • If the saucepan starts to dry out, you can always add a little more water.
    • Take these stewed apples to the next level with a drizzle of caramel sauce before serving.
    • You can swap half the apples for pears for something a little different.
    • If you don't want a strong cinnamon flavour (which we personally love), then you could add a cinnamon stick to the apples and just take it out before serving.
    • Vanilla is also a delicious addition. Just a little vanilla extract or vanilla paste goes a long way.

    Nutritional Information

    Serving: 1portion | Calories: 183kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 9mg | Potassium: 265mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 45g | Vitamin A: 103IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 47mg | Iron: 1mg
    DisclaimerThe nutritional information provided is approximate and is calculated using online tools. Information can vary depending on various factors, but we have endeavoured to be as accurate as possible.

     

    You'll love these too...

    • Chocolate Pots
    • Slow Cooker Chocolate Cake
    • Air Fryer Cookies
    • Christmas Star Biscuits

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Mandy Applegate

      October 25, 2021 at 10:25 am

      5 stars
      Cinnamon stewed apples - what's not to love?

      Reply
    2. Natalie

      October 25, 2021 at 9:59 am

      5 stars
      That sounds amazing. What a great idea. I can add these stewed apples on top of my chia pudding. I will do this tomorrow morning.

      Reply
    3. sonia

      October 25, 2021 at 8:55 am

      Apples are very healthy fruits .
      Excellent this recipe

      Reply
    4. Adolfo

      October 25, 2021 at 8:26 am

      5 stars
      I loved this recipe! It was super tasty and easy to make!

      Reply
    5. Farah Abumaizar

      October 25, 2021 at 8:02 am

      5 stars
      So seasonal, comforting and beautiful! I have a stack of pancakes that this would be the perfect pairing for. Thanks for such a timely recipe!

      Reply
    6. Kristen Wood

      October 24, 2021 at 11:09 pm

      5 stars
      This was positively delicious! Thank you so much!!

      Reply
    7. Tara

      October 24, 2021 at 10:59 pm

      5 stars
      These apples look absolutely fantastic! I love the idea of using them as a topping for porridge. Such comforting flavors.

      Reply
    8. Anjali

      October 24, 2021 at 10:17 pm

      5 stars
      These apples were so simple to make and turned out to be sweet and delicious! We topped our oatmeal with them this morning and my kids said it made the oatmeal taste like apple pie! :)

      Reply
    9. Bintu | Recipes From A Pantry

      October 24, 2021 at 10:01 pm

      5 stars
      These stewed apples are absolutely perfect for this time of year! Such a delicious combination of flavours!

      Reply
    10. Aparna

      October 24, 2021 at 9:34 pm

      Tasted absolutely delicious with everyday oats. Thank you for this easy recipe!

      Reply
    11. veenaazmanov

      October 17, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      Sounds Flavorful and perfect for a dessert topping.

      Reply
    12. Heather Perine

      October 17, 2021 at 5:52 pm

      5 stars
      These were delicious and easy to make...made them for a big old pile of French toast. Perfect Fall breakfast :)

      Reply
    13. Tavo

      October 17, 2021 at 4:58 pm

      5 stars
      I loved this apples on my morning porridge!

      Reply
    14. Cathleen

      October 17, 2021 at 3:47 pm

      5 stars
      This is so perfect for apple season!! I am definitely going to try this next week, thanks so much for the recipe :)

      Reply
    15. Andrea

      October 17, 2021 at 3:17 pm

      5 stars
      What an easy recipe. I love all the flavors and how versatile these stewed apples are.

      Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

    Dannii in hat and glasses stood on a beach.
    heart icon

    Welcome!

    My name is Dannii. Here you will find easy family recipes with a healthy twist.
    Established in 2011, Hungry Healthy Happy has become one of the UK's most popular food blogs, with two successful recipe books published.

    About HHH»

    Chinese Recipes

    • Chilli Garlic Spicy Noodles
    • Asian Cucumber Salad
    • Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken
    • Soy Sauce Noodles
    • 10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef
    • Soy Ginger Salmon Noodles

    Featured in

    Collage of media outlet logos.

    Popular Recipes

    • The Best Air Fryer Chips
    • 10 Minute Chickpea and Spinach Curry
    • Easy Tomato Pasta Sauce
    • 10 Minute Sticky Ginger Beef

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy
    • Accessibility Policy
    • Advertising
    • Blog

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates
    • See our Web Stories page

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with us
    • FAQ
    • Twitter
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • TikTok

    Featured in

    A selection of publications that Hungry Healthy Happy has been featured in

    As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Hungry Healthy Happy • All Rights Reserved • Site Design by D Martin

    • 2
    81 shares