Sauteed Cinnamon Apples taste just like the filling inside a fresh Apple Pie. This sauteed apples recipe is versatile and takes about 10 minutes on the stove to make the perfect topping for breakfast or dessert or to eat by itself as a delicious snack. This recipe is one of the best ways to use up a weekend apple haul.
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As soon as Fall is here, we love using apples in all kinds of recipes, from Apple Crisp to Apple Fritters and, of course, Applesauce. If you are a fan of apple recipes then these Sauteed Apples are a must-try!
Sauteed Apples Recipe
Every year when the apple orchards open, one of my favorite ways to use our harvest is by making a pot of these sauteed cinnamon apples. Fresh apples are peeled, sliced, and cooked with a bit of butter and spices, and then as they simmer on your stove they’ll make your kitchen smell like Apple Cider.
Once cooked these apples keep well in the fridge and can be used in so many ways. You can spoon them on top of a bowl of Overnight Oats, or enjoy them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. We love to serve Sauteed Cinnamon Apples over Apple Pancakes or Buttermilk Pancakes in the morning. I have also been known to simply eat a small bowl of these on their own – they’re so good and satisfy any sweet tooth cravings while still being a relatively healthy snack.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apples Recipe:
- Quick – 10 minutes is all you need to sauté fresh apples on the stovetop. If you use an apple peeler, the prep is even faster.
- Versatile – You’ll never run out of ways to use these warm cinnamon apples. See the section below for serving suggestions.
- Sweetened with Honey – We use honey to sweeten the apples, although you can substitute brown sugar and add it to taste.
- Make-ahead – this recipe does re-heat well if you have leftovers or want to make a double batch to enjoy throughout the week.
Ingredients for Sauteed Apples
Here’s what you’ll need to make the best sautéd cinnamon apples. Be sure to scroll to the recipe card for the full details.
- Butter – I use unsalted as I like to have better control over the saltiness of the recipe.
- Granny Smith Apples – Peel and core your apples (see our speedy tip below for prepping apples), then cut them into slices about ¼-inch thick before you start.
- Cornstarch – You’ll dissolve cornstarch in a bit of water for a slurry, in order to thicken the juices released from the apples.
- Honey – Add it to taste to sweeten the apples. You can also use brown sugar.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon is the perfect complement to these buttery sauteed apples.
What are the Best Apples for Cinnamon Apples?
Granny Smith apples are the best apples for sauteeing apples, but any crisp-tart apples, like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady, are best for frying and sautéing because they have a great taste and don’t become mush when cooked. You can use any apples you have on hand, but just adjust the honey to taste for sweeter varieties.
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
Here’s how to saute these spiced apples to have them warm and ready in just a few quick steps:
- Melt Butter in a Dutch oven or deep sauté pan on the stovetop (or use a skillet with a lid).
- Add the Apples and stir to coat. Cook with the lid on for 6-8 minutes to soften them up, stirring occasionally.
- Make a Slurry – Whisk together cornstarch and water, then add the slurry to the apples. Stir in honey and cinnamon.
- Cook – Simmer to thicken for 2-3 minutes more, until the apples are fork-tender.
Pro Tip:
If you have more than 2 lbs of apples, feel free to scale up the recipe if you’d like to have extra cinnamon apples to freeze and store.
What is the Best Way to Peel Apples?
My favorite way to peel apples is to use this handy apple peeling tool that cores, peels, and slices each apple at the same time. It makes this Sauteed Cinnamon Apples recipe even faster!
How To Use an Apple Peeler: Basically, you pop the apple onto one end of the tool, then spin the handle on the other end of the tool. As you turn the handle the tool will peel the apple, core it, and slice it into a ribbon.
It’s pretty neat and definitely makes processing even a large number of apples a breeze, but if you don’t have a tool like this, the next best option is a vegetable peeler or paring knife.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apples
We love any excuse to serve these sauteed apples, from breakfast to dessert and even dinner. Try these easy serving suggestions:
Make-Ahead
Here’s how to easily store and reheat your cinnamon apples to eat throughout the week
- To Refrigerate: Portion the apples into mason jars or another airtight container, and store them in the fridge for up to 5 days. Enjoy sauteed apples cold or reheated.
- To Reheat: Warm sauteed apples in the microwave or on the stovetop. You can add in a splash of water or apple juice to loosen up the sauce if needed.
Can I Freeze Sauteed Apples?
While they won’t have the exact same freshly-made texture, sauteed cinnamon apples can be stored frozen for up to 3 months (or longer in a deep freezer). Be sure to freeze them airtight, in a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Thaw the apples in the fridge before serving and/or reheating.
Warm, spiced sauteed apples are the best fall comfort food and can be made in just 15 minutes! Pair this cinnamon apples recipe with your favorite breakfast and dinner dishes–the options are endless! I’d love to hear your serving suggestions in the comments.
More Easy Apple Recipes
If you love these sauteed cinnamon apples, then you won’t want to miss these other cozy apple recipes.
Sauteed Cinnamon Apples Recipe
This quick sauteed cinnamon apples recipe tastes just like fresh apple pie filling. It’s so simple to make with just a pot bubbling away on the stove, and it’s such a versatile recipe since it’s perfect as a topping for breakfast or dessert, a side with dinner, or even topped with whipped cream as a quick snack.
Servings: 8 servings as a topping (makes 3-4 cups)
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Place butter in a deep sauté pan or dutch oven and melt over medium heat.
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Stir in sliced apples, cover, and cook, stirring occasionally until softened (6-8 minutes).
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In a separate bowl, stir together 1/3 cup cold water and cornstarch until dissolved into a slurry.
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Add the cornstarch slurry to the apples along with honey and cinnamon.
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Stir to combine then return to a light boil and continue to simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is thickened and apples are tender.
*Store apples in an airtight container or mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days. Free in an airtight container for up to 3 months.
118kcal Calories25g Carbs0.4g Protein3g Fat
Nutrition Facts
Sauteed Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Amount per Serving
% Daily Value*
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
