Apple Pie Filling - Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe
Make easy cinnamon apples with fresh apples, sugar, cinnamon, and a simple cornstarch slurry. This cozy, versatile apple pie filling makes delicious topping for breakfast or dessert.
Servings: 4 cups
Calories: 152kcal
Cost: $5
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 apples peeled (optional), cored, and sliced
- ½ cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ cup water for cooking
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water, for the cornstarch slurry
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash, core, and slice the apples into evenly sized wedges or bite-sized pieces. Peel them if you prefer a softer texture.
Stovetop Method
- Combine ingredients: Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and ¼ cup water to a medium saucepan. Stir well to coat the apples.
- Cook the apples: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 8–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
- Make the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the slurry into the saucepan while stirring. Simmer uncovered for 1–2 minutes, until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
- Serve: Remove from the heat and serve warm over oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or vanilla ice cream.
Instant Pot Method
- Add the sliced apples, sugar, cinnamon, and ¼ cup water to the Instant Pot. Stir gently.
- Close and lock the lid. Set the pressure valve to Sealing and cook on High Pressure for 0 minutes if your model allows it, or 1 minute for softer apples.
- When cooking is complete, carefully perform a quick pressure release, following your Instant Pot's safety instructions.
- In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water until smooth.
- Select Sauté. Stir the slurry into the apples and simmer for 1–2 minutes, stirring gently, until the sauce thickens. Turn off the Instant Pot and serve warm.
Notes
- Peeling: Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds color and texture.
- Serving ideas: Spoon over oatmeal, pancakes, French toast, waffles, yogurt, crepes, or vanilla ice cream.
Storage
Refrigerate leftover cinnamon apples in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a saucepan over low heat. Add a splash of water if the sauce becomes too thick. Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently. The apples may be softer after freezing.Nutrition
Serving: 1cup | Calories: 152kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Potassium: 197mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 31g | Vitamin A: 100IU