Few treats evoke the cozy comfort of home quite like a bowl of warm, tender Stewed Apples. This simple recipe transforms fresh apples into a beautifully soft, subtly sweet, and perfectly spiced delight, making it an incredibly versatile dish. Whether you enjoy them as a light dessert, a breakfast topping, or a side dish, these stewed apples are a heartwarming taste of autumn that comes together with minimal effort.
Why I Love This Recipe
Stewed Apples are a testament to the magic of simple ingredients, and this recipe is a particular favorite of mine. What I love most is how effortlessly it creates such a comforting and flavorful dish. The natural sweetness of the apples is enhanced by the subtle richness of brown sugar and maple syrup, while the cinnamon and vanilla extract infuse them with that irresistible, warming aroma. The process of gently simmering allows the apples to soften to a tender, melt-in-your-mouth consistency, making them perfect for so many uses. It’s a versatile, wholesome, and wonderfully satisfying treat that brings a touch of homemade goodness to any table.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create these delicious Stewed Apples:
- 3 apples (medium-sized), peeled, cored, and sliced (about 1/4-inch thick)
- ¼ cup water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 3 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Swaps and Notes
- Apples: Use firm, crisp apples that hold their shape well when cooked, such as Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith (for a tarter result), or Braeburn. Adjust sweetness slightly if using very tart apples.
- Brown Sugar: Packed brown sugar adds a deeper, molasses-like sweetness. You can adjust the amount to your taste.
- Pure Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup adds a lovely warmth and natural sweetness. You can use honey or simply more brown sugar if you prefer.
- Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is essential for that classic apple pie spice flavor. You can increase or decrease the amount to your liking.
- Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract enhances all the sweet flavors.
- Optional Spices: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground ginger for a more complex spice profile. A tiny pinch of cardamom can also be wonderful.
Directions
Let’s get these delicious Stewed Apples simmering!
- Prepare Skillet & Apples: Pour ¼ cup water into a large skillet (one with a lid is helpful). Arrange the peeled, cored, and sliced 3 apples evenly in the skillet.
- Add Sweeteners & Spices: Add the 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 3 teaspoons pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the apple slices are coated.
- Simmer until Tender: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and continue to simmer. Stir from time to time (every 5-7 minutes) to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. Cook until the apples have reached your desired tenderness, usually 20 to 30 minutes. Some prefer them very soft, while others like a slight bite.
- Optional Seasoning Adjustment: If desired, taste the stewed apples and add any additional spices you like (such as a pinch of nutmeg or allspice) or a touch more sugar/maple syrup to achieve your preferred sweetness.
- Serve: Remove from heat and serve warm.
Tips for Success
- Even Slices: Slice the apples into consistent thickness (about 1/4 inch) so they cook evenly.
- Don’t Overcook: Watch the apples carefully, especially towards the end of the cooking time, to ensure they become tender but not mushy.
- Stir Occasionally: Stirring helps prevent sticking and ensures all apples are coated in the delicious syrup.
- Adjust Sweetness: Different apple varieties have different levels of sweetness. Taste and adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup at the end if needed.
- Use a Good Skillet: A non-stick or well-seasoned cast-iron skillet works best to prevent sticking.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Stewed Apples are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways:
- Warm Dessert: Enjoy on its own as a simple, comforting dessert.
- Breakfast Topping: Spoon over oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles (like our The Viral Cottage Cheese Pancake Everyone’s).
- Side Dish: A lovely accompaniment to pork chops or roasted chicken.
- With Ice Cream: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a classic treat.
- Over Baked Goods: A delicious topping for pound cake, muffins (like our These Easy Pumpkin Spice Muffins Are My Favorite Fall Treat To Bake On Repeat), or even This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Storage and Leftover Tips
Stewed apples are fantastic for making ahead and enjoying throughout the week.
- Refrigeration: Store cooled stewed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Reheating: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or gently warm in a small saucepan on the stovetop over low heat.
- Freezing: Stewed apples freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you loved the sweet, comforting, and easy nature of these stewed apples, you’ll definitely want to explore some of our other fantastic, fuss-free dessert and snack recipes:
- For a delightful fall treat in cookie form, try our These Caramel Apple Pie Cookies Are My Favorite Fall Treat In Bite-Sized Form.
- If you’re looking for a quick and fun apple-themed dessert, our These Caramel Apple Nachos Are My Favorite Quick Fall Dessert Trick are perfect for sharing.
- For a delicious no-bake fall dessert, our This Pumpkin Delight Dessert Is My Favorite No-Bake Fall Treat is a winner.
- And for another comforting baked good that uses fruit, check out This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way To Use Up Overripe Bananas.
Final Thoughts
These Stewed Apples are a brilliant example of how simple ingredients can create an incredibly comforting and versatile dish. They’re perfect for adding a touch of warmth and sweetness to any meal, proving that sometimes, the simplest recipes are the most satisfying.
Give this recipe a try and let the delicious aromas fill your kitchen! What’s your favorite fruit to stew or cook down for a simple dessert? Share your ideas and feedback in the comments below! And for more amazing, easy-to-follow recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to visit Chefmaniac.com. Happy cooking!
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