These quick stove top Cinnamon Apples cook in under 10 minutes, are perfectly tender, and can be served with or without added sugar. They’re a delicious snack or topping for yogurt or oatmeal—and they taste like apple pie filling!
We love apples prepared in all sorts of ways, including Sliced Baked Apples and Sauteed Apples. And this new version is sort of a mix of those favorites, with an easy pan-cooked method that delivers tender, flavorful apple slices that work for any age in just minutes.
Quick Look: Cinnamon Apples
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Serving: 4
- Flavor Profile: Classic apple cinnamon flavor with apple pie texture
- Difficulty: Easy, perfect for everyday snacks, sides and desserts
- Why to Make: It’s a quick way to cook apples for kids
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Table of Contents
You can even pack them cold in a school lunch idea, which makes them a great make-ahead lunch snack option.
Why this Recipe Works
This is a favorite easy snack for toddlers, a quick side to pair with roasted meat like turkey or chicken, and a delicious topping for plain yogurt or oatmeal with fruit. Plus, the texture of the cooked apples is great for kids, and they are so yummy.
It’s also great with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top or paired with Vanilla Yogurt!
(You may also like Sauteed Pears, Sliced Baked Apples, Air Fryer Apples, and Apple Puree.)
Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this cinnamon apple recipe for kids:
- Apples: Medium to large apple varieties including Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Empire, Envy, or Opal. (Softer apples like MacIntosh can be used, but they may break down and turn into applesauce really quickly.) You can use fresh or frozen apples for this.
- Unsalted butter: This ensures the apples don’t stick to the pan and adds a little richness.
- Water: Paired with the cornstarch, this thickens the sauce a little so it’s similar to the consistency of pie filling.
- Cornstarch: A little cornstarch works with the water to thicken the sauce.
- Cinnamon: Adds flavor and that classic apple cinnamon coziness.
- Brown sugar (optional): You can add a little brown sugar for additional sweetness, if you prefer. It works with or without.
Featured Review ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
“If I could give this 10 stars I would. These are a staple in our house. We eat them at breakfast or a side for dinner. Perfect for the half eaten apples you find around the house, just cut them up and throw them in the pan! Thank you for sharing this recipe!!” —Momster
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
Below is a look at how to make this cinnamon apples recipe. Scroll to the end of the post for the specifics on amounts and times.
Step 1. Slice the apples evenly to help them cook at the same rate.
Step 2. Add the butter to a skillet over medium heat. When melted, add the apples. Stir to coat and cook.
Step 3. Meanwhile, add the water and cornstarch to a bowl and stir. Add to the pan, along with the cinnamon and brown sugar, if using.
Step 4. Simmer the apple mixture for an additional minute or so. Serve warm or store.
TIP: We love these warm out of the pan, but we also love them cold, so see if your kids have a preference.
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Cinnamon Apples FAQs
Use tart or sweet medium or firm apples such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Empire, Envy, or Opal. (Softer apples like MacIntosh can be used, but they make break down and turn into applesauce really quickly.)
They last in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
We like them both ways, so you can try both options and see if your kids have a preference.
How to Store
Store Cinnamon Apples in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or, freeze in a freezer bag or small container for up to 6 months.
Best Tips for Success
- Use tart or sweet medium or firm apples such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Empire, Envy, or Opal. (Softer apples like MacIntosh can be used, but they may break down and turn into applesauce really quickly.)
- Omit the brown sugar if preferred. Maple syrup or honey (for kids over age 1) work, too.
- Peel the apples if you prefer.
- Serve apples for baby as a baby-led weaning food or as a finger food.
- Try my air fryer apples as another easy option. Or, you want to turn those apple-pie flavors into an easy dessert, try my Mini Apple Tarts.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Quick Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients
- 4 apples (medium to large)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ¼ cup water (cold)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Slice the apples into ¼-inch-thick slices. (I leave the peel on.) Discard the cores.
- Add the butter to a wide skillet over medium heat. When melted, add the apples. Stir to coat and cook for 4-6 minutes, or until starting to softened. Stir occasionally and gently during cooking.
- Meanwhile, add the water and cornstarch to a small bowl and stir together to dissolve the cornstarch. Add to the pan with the apples. Add the cinnamon and brown sugar, if using.
- Simmer the apple mixture for an additional 2-4 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the liquid is thickened. (Try not to overcook.)
Video
Notes
- Store Cinnamon Apples in an airtight storage container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Or, freeze in a freezer bag or small container for up to 6 months.
- Use tart or sweet medium or firm apples such as Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Honeycrisp, Empire, Envy, or Opal. (Softer apples like MacIntosh can be used, but they may break down and turn into applesauce really quickly.)
- Omit the brown sugar if preferred. Maple syrup 0r honey (for kids over age 1) work, too.
- Peel the apples if you prefer.
- Serve slices as a baby-led weaning food or as a finger food.
- If the apples are still firm at the end of the cooking time, continue cooking a little longer.
Nutrition
This post was first published October 2022.
Something both my kids consistently devour every time! This is so easy and we make a half recipe at least every week.
I’m so glad to hear that!
Omg these are amazing! Your tip for freezing apples and using them in this worked out great too. My toddler loves taking bites from a whole apple but usually just takes a few before she decides she’s done. I slice them up and freeze them and then make this when we have a bunch! GENIUS.
Had to use up 2 apples so I halved this recipe and now my kitchen smells like a delicious fall apple crisp!
If I could give this 10 stars I would. These are a staple in our house. We eat them at breakfast or a side for dinner. We put them into oatmeal or muffins. Perfect for the half eaten apples you find around the house, just cut them up and throw them in the pan! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Just made these – so easy and so yummy! My 3.5 year old and 10 month old both gobbled them up! They were great with yogurt as you mentioned too. Thanks for all of your great ideas and recipes 🙂
Surprisingly delicious! I didn’t have super high hopes for these but they’re delightful. My youngest loves them and I may or may not have had two servings myself.