Stovetop Cinnamon Apples

Name: Stovetop Cinnamon Apples
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon vegan butter; 3 crisp, tart apples (peeled, cored, and diced); 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon salt; 3-4 tablespoons pure maple syrup; 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract

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These quick and easy Stovetop Cinnamon Apples taste like apple pie filling and they’re ready in under 15 minutes! They’re delicious over oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, or just eat them with a spoon!

Small wooden spoon scooping up stovetop cinnamon apples from a bowl.

Saucy, sweet, and oh so tasty! These stovetop cinnamon apples are perfect for breakfast over waffles, pancakes, or oatmeal. And, of course, they’re perfect for a fall dessert over ice cream or sprinkle them with granola for an apple crisp vibe.

They’re vegan and gluten-free and no matter how you serve them, you’re gonna love them!

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Ingredients you need

Recipe ingredients arrayed in individual bowls.

Ingredient notes and substitutions

Apples ~ I like to use tart apples to balance out the sweetness. Granny Smith are my favorite grocery store staple, but if I’m going apple picking, I’ll choose Empire or Cortland. Any tart crisp apple will do.

Be sure to peel and core the apples before adding to the recipe.

Lemon ~ A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors

Sweetener ~ I always reach for pure maple syrup, but brown sugar or coconut sugar would also work. Add extra water, if needed, to create a saucy consistency.

Flavor ~ Cinnamon is a natural pairing for apples and vanilla makes everything better.

Butter ~ A pat of vegan butter brings richness. You could also use coconut oil.

If you truly don’t want to use any butter or oil, you could just use extra water when simmering the apples. However, these cinnamon apples aren’t really meant to be health food…it’s dessert, which is a once in awhile treat…so I say go for it!

How to make the recipe

Diced apples simmering in a skillet. — 1

Melt the butter in a non-stick skillet over medium heat.

Add the diced apples, lemon juice and water. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the apples are tender, but not mushy.

Sprinkle the cinnamon and salt over the apples. Pour in the maple syrup and vanilla.

Stir well to combine and simmer another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring frequently, until thick and bubbly

Serving suggestion

Besides the usual breakfast or dessert option, try these cinnamon spiced diced apples over Breakfast Stuffed Sweet Potatoes!

Stovetop cinnamon apples on top of a stuffed sweet potato.

Storage

Fridge: Store these stovetop cinnamon apples in an air-tight container in the fridge for up to one week. Eat them cold or warm them in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or so.

Freezer: I do not recommend freezing this recipe. The apples will turn mushy upon thawing.

FAQs

What are the best apples to use for cinnamon apples?

Tart, crisp apples work best for flavor and texture. Granny Smith, Cortland, or Empire are all good choices, but use your favorite.

Do I have to peel the apples before cooking?

No, you don’t have to peel them, but I prefer the texture if they’re peeled. Personal choice.

More sweet vegan apple recipes

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