Cinnamon Apples
Treat yourself to a warm, comforting dessert that highlights the natural sweetness of apples, enhanced with the aromatic spice of cinnamon. Perfect as a side dish or a stand-alone dessert, cinnamon apples are simple to prepare and can be enjoyed any time of year. This dish is versatile, allowing you to indulge in its deliciousness while maintaining a healthy balance.
Ingredients
– 4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 2 tablespoons brown sugar
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– Pinch of salt
– Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Servings and Cooking Time
This recipe makes 4 servings. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, and cooking time is approximately 15 minutes.
Nutritional Value
Each serving of cinnamon apples (based on 1 medium apple) contains approximately 150 calories, 6g of fat, 25g of carbohydrates, and 1g of protein. This is a delicious and nutritious option for dessert.
Step-by-Step Cooking Process
1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Wash and core the apples, then slice them into wedges.
3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
4. Add the apple slices to the skillet.
5. Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the apples.
6. Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture.
7. Stir gently to coat the apples evenly.
8. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are slightly tender.
9. Transfer the apples to a baking dish.
10. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until softened and caramelized.
Alternative Ingredients
You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different sweetness. For a vegan option, replace butter with coconut oil or vegan butter. Feel free to add raisins or nuts for extra texture.
Serving and Pairings
Cinnamon apples are delicious on their own, but they also pair well with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles. For a breakfast twist, serve them alongside oatmeal.
Storage and Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. While freezing is possible, the texture may change upon thawing.
Cooking Mistakes
- Overcooking can make apples mushy; aim for tender but still firm.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice; it prevents browning and adds flavor.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Measure spices accurately to avoid overpowering the dish.
- Ensure the butter is melted evenly before adding apples.
Helpful Tips
- Experiment with different spices like ginger or allspice.
- For a crunchy texture, add chopped nuts during cooking.
- Serve warm for the best flavor experience.
- Adjust sweetness based on your apple variety.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes, you can use various apple types, but a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp works best for flavor balance.
How long do cinnamon apples last in the fridge?
Cinnamon apples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
Can I make cinnamon apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare them a day in advance and reheat before serving for the best flavor.
What can I serve with cinnamon apples?
They pair wonderfully with vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
Can I freeze cinnamon apples?
While freezing is possible, the texture may change upon thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Conclusion
Cinnamon apples are a delightful, easy-to-make dish that showcases the sweet and spicy flavors of the season. Perfect for dessert or breakfast, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this timeless favorite!
Cinnamon Apples
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples Granny Smith or Honeycrisp
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Wash and core the apples, then slice them into wedges.
- In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the apple slices to the skillet.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt over the apples.
- Drizzle the lemon juice over the mixture.
- Stir gently to coat the apples evenly.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are slightly tender.
- Transfer the apples to a baking dish.
- Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes until softened and caramelized.
