Stewed Apples with a Thick and Creamy Cinnamon Sauce

Stewed Apples: A Simple Fall Treat

There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm bowl of stewed apples. Whether the cozy aroma of cinnamon and spice filling your kitchen or the sweet, tender bites that remind you of fall nights at grandma’s house, this simple recipe brings a sense of nostalgia with every spoonful. As the air turns crisp and apples are at their peak, it’s the perfect time to savor this classic fall treat.

Enjoy them in various desserts, over your favorite breakfast, or even as a dinner side dish. Stewed apples are like autumn in a bowl—bursting with warm, cinnamon-spiced flavors that can be enjoyed any time of day, whether spooned over pancakes at breakfast, served alongside roasted meats, or as a cozy topping for ice cream to end the evening. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, this recipe will become a go-to comfort in your home.

Ingredients and Supplies for Stewed Apples

No fancy ingredients here for this tasty apple treat; only common kitchen equipment and ingredients. This recipe is a great way to use some excess apples from your backyard tree or if you’re craving a new, fun way to enjoy that delicious fall fruit.

Ingredients

• Apples
• Butter
• Brown sugar
• White sugar
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Cinnamon

Although any apple will do, the best apples to use are those that have a good balance between sweet and tart, and that hold their shape during cooking. Our favorites are:

• Granny Smith
• Gala
• Fuji
• Honeycrisp
• Braeburn

Supplies

• Apple corer/peeler
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• 5-quart pot
• Measuring spoons and cups

How to Stew Sweet Cinnamon Apples

Step 1: Prepare the apples

Wash and peel the apples. You can peel apples by hand using a vegetable peeler. However, I prefer an apple corer to peel, core, and slice the apples more quickly. Using a corer slices the apples the same size, making them uniform for cooking.

When slicing the apples, always cut them as thin as possible. Small apple slices cook nice and tender without drying out the sauce. You can also dice them into chunks for a more bite-size texture.

Step 2: Make the sauce

In a large 5-quart pot, mix the sugars and cornstarch. Gradually stir in water and heat over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens. Add the butter and cinnamon, mixing the sauce constantly until it reaches a light boil.

Step 3: Cook the apples

Add the apples to the sauce and stir, coating them with the sugar mixture. The sauce will be thick but will thin out as the apples simmer. Cover, simmer, and stir occasionally on low for about 20-30 minutes or until the apples reach desired tenderness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are stewed apples?

Stewed apples are slow-cooked apple slices that melt in your mouth! Think of them as apples gently simmered in their own juices, creating a sweet and smooth sauce. A sprinkle of cinnamon spice and a touch of sweetness make them extra comforting. They’re soft, tender, and bursting with fall flavors.

Do you have to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional but adds a smoother, softer texture. It is the traditional way to prepare stewed apples if the appearance matters.

Leaving the skin on adds fiber and a slightly chewier texture. Using apples with red skin can also add color and a rustic look.

Both methods work; it is really about your preference!

Can I use sugar substitutes, instead of regular sugar?

Sure! Try monk fruit sweetener or Stevia. Check the package for accurate substitution, as these sweeteners are often sweeter than refined sugars.

Another idea would be to add ½ cup of maple syrup instead of the sugars. Only use a ½ cup of water. If the sauce gets too thin before the apples are soft, add a tablespoon of water at a time. The texture will be less thick and sweet but will still taste delicious.  Or omit the water and cornstarch for only a light, thin sauce.

How can I store stewed apples, and how long do they last?

Stewed apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

They also freeze great for a later easy freezer side dish or meal prep for a Thanksgiving apple pie. Be sure the mixture is cooled completely before adding it to a ziplock bag. When ready to reheat, thaw completely before returning them to a saucepan to reheat.

How can I use stewed apples in other dishes?

My family’s favorite way to enjoy stewed apples is over vanilla ice cream and topped with whipped cream.  Try serving stewed apples with these other breakfast and desserts:

• Over plain yogurt and granola.
• On top of waffles or pancakes.
• Mixed into overnight oats or added to this air fryer oatmeal.
• Bake them into an apple pie, apple pie bombs, or these 3-ingredient Apple Fritters.
• Stir them into your favorite muffin batter.
• On top of toast with a smear of butter.

They can also make a great side dish. Try them with a fall dinner or your family’s Thanksgiving meal:

• Alongside this, Honey Ginger Chicken and Roasted Vegetables
• As a side with Tender Pork Chops
• Part of your Thanksgiving side dishes with turkey.

Are cooked apples easier to digest?

Apples are high in fiber and vitamins, and when stewed, they retain their nutritional value while being easier to digest because of their soft texture. Add them to various dishes for some nutritional value and delicious fall flavor!

Final Thoughts

I love this stewed apple recipe because I can serve it for breakfast, dinner, or dessert. I often double the recipe, so I have plenty of leftovers to freeze or use in other dishes that week. After sitting in the refrigerator overnight, the flavor is even better the next day!

More Apple Recipes to Try This Fall:

• Air Fryer Apple Cinnamon Buns
• Mini Caramel Apples
• Chicken, Cabbage, and Apples Sheet Pan Dinner in the Air Fryer
• Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Apple Pecan Salad

Quick & Easy Stewed Apples

If you are looking for a recipe for stewed apples then look no further! This recipe is perfect as a delicious side item or an extra sweet topping with some ice cream and it's so easy.

4.65 / 5 ( 56 Reviews )

Print Rate

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Serves: 6

Adjust Servings: 6

US CustomaryMetric

Equipment

• 5 quart pot

Ingredients

• 5-6 medium size apples Granny Smith, Fuji, or Gala are great choices
• ⅓ cup butter
• ¼ cup packed brown sugar
• ¼ cup granulated white sugar
• 2 tablespoon corn starch
• 1 cup water
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

• Peel and core apples. Then slice or chop in a uniform size. The thinner they are, the more tender they'll be (and cook faster too). You should have about 7 cups of apples sliced up.
• In a large 5 quart pot, mix together sugars and cornstarch. Gradually stir in water and heat over medium-high heat until the mixture starts to turn opaque.
• Add butter and cinnamon, mixing well until it reaches a light boil.
• Add apples and stir, coating apples with sugar mixture. You may be worried that the sauce is too thick, but it will thin out as apples simmer. Cover, simmer, and stir occasionally on low for about 20-30 minutes, or until apples reach desired tenderness.
• Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Serve warm.
• Leftovers should be stored covered securely in the fridge.

Recipe Notes

Enjoy as a side dish, or serve as an ice cream topping, or as the main dessert with whipped cream on top!

Nutrition

Calories: 247kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Sodium: 96mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 33g