Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings – A Sweet & Spicy Retro Treat

June 12, 2025 3 Min Read

Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings

These Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are a vibrant, retro side dish that instantly brings back warm memories of holiday spreads, family dinners, and Grandma’s kitchen. With their signature crimson hue and sweet-spicy cinnamon kick, they’re both beautiful and irresistible.

Whether you serve them as a Thanksgiving side, over vanilla ice cream, or as a cheerful topping for pancakes or pork chops, these candied apple rings never fail to impress.

Why I Love This Recipe

This recipe is pure comfort. The moment those red hots melt into a shimmering syrup and the apples turn translucent and tender, you’re instantly transported. It’s the kind of nostalgic dish that turns up in old cookbooks and passed-down recipe cards—and still manages to be a crowd favorite today.

They’re easy to make with just a few ingredients and even easier to eat. And let’s not forget that festive, deep red color—they look like edible jewels on the plate!

📝 Ingredients You’ll Need

4 apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch thick rings
1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar, depending on your sweetness preference
2 cups water
1/2 cup red cinnamon candies (such as Red Hots)

🍏 Ingredient Notes & Tips

Apples: Firm varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. They hold their shape while becoming beautifully tender.
Cinnamon candies: Red Hots are the traditional pick, giving both color and spice.
Sugar level: Adjust based on how sweet your apples are. Tart apples may need closer to 1/2 cup.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Red Cinnamon Apple Rings

Make the syrup: In a saucepan, combine sugar, water, and cinnamon candies. Stir over medium heat until completely dissolved.
Add apples: Gently place the apple rings into the hot cinnamon syrup.
Simmer: Cook over low to medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, turning occasionally, until apples are tender and slightly translucent.
Cool: Remove from heat and let apples cool in the syrup for best flavor and color absorption.
Serve or store: Enjoy warm or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

🌟 Tips for Best Results

Don’t overcook: You want the apples tender but not mushy—just enough to soak in the syrup.
Core carefully: Use an apple corer or a small cookie cutter to get perfect rings.
Make ahead: These get better after a night in the fridge as the flavor intensifies.

🍽️ Serving Ideas & Pairings

Red cinnamon apple rings are incredibly versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve them:

With roast pork or baked ham – a classic combo of sweet and savory.
On a dessert tray with Caramel Apple Pie Cookies.
Over pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal for a breakfast upgrade.
As a side for holiday dinners—pair with Pumpkin Spice Muffins for a cozy autumn vibe.
Chilled with whipped cream or ice cream for a retro-style dessert.

🧊 Storage & Leftovers

Refrigerator: Store in the syrup in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
Reheat gently on the stove if serving warm, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
Not freezer-friendly: The apples lose texture when thawed.

🍎 More Recipes You’ll Love

If you love retro, comforting treats, check out these:

💬 Final Thoughts

There’s a reason these Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings have stood the test of time—they’re simple, show-stopping, and full of flavor. Whether you’re keeping the tradition alive or introducing it to a new generation, this recipe adds a vibrant, nostalgic touch to any table.

Made them? Share your twist and tag @chefmaniac—we love seeing your retro favorites and modern spins!

Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings – A Sweet & Spicy Retro Treat