Step into the warm embrace of home with these Sweet & Simple Stewed Apples. This timeless recipe transforms fresh, crisp apples into tender, aromatic slices bathed in a luscious, spiced syrup. It’s a delightful dish that’s incredibly versatile – perfect as a wholesome breakfast topping, a comforting side for savory meals, or a simple, warm dessert. With minimal ingredients and easy steps, it’s a taste of pure, uncomplicated goodness that evokes nostalgic charm.

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore these Stewed Apples for their sheer simplicity and comforting versatility. What I love most is how a few basic ingredients can create such a deeply satisfying and flavorful dish. The apples break down just enough to become tender, while retaining a bit of their bite, and they soak up all that wonderful cinnamon, maple, and brown sugar goodness. It fills the kitchen with an irresistible aroma that instantly feels like home. It’s perfect for using up apples, and its adaptability means it can be enjoyed for breakfast, as a side dish, or as a healthy-ish dessert. It’s a true go-to recipe in my home.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create these wonderfully tender Stewed Apples:

• 3 medium apples (about 1 pound), peeled, cored, and sliced (see notes for apple variety)
• ¼ cup water
• 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
• 3 teaspoons pure maple syrup (Grade A Amber or Dark, for richer flavor)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Swaps and Notes

• Apples: Firm apples that hold their shape well while cooking are ideal. Good choices include Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Granny Smith (for a tart version), or even a mix. Softer apples will break down more quickly into an applesauce-like consistency. Adjust cooking time based on apple firmness and desired tenderness.
• Sweetness: Adjust the amount of brown sugar and maple syrup to your taste and the natural sweetness of your apples. If your apples are very sweet, you might reduce the sugar. If they are tart, you might add a bit more. Honey can be substituted for maple syrup.
• Water: Just enough to get things started and create some steam. Don’t add too much, or your apples will be watery.
• Cinnamon: Ground cinnamon is a must for classic stewed apples.
• Vanilla Extract: Pure vanilla extract adds a lovely warmth and depth of flavor.
• Optional Spices: Feel free to add other warming spices you enjoy. A pinch of ground nutmeg, a tiny dash of ground cloves, or a touch of allspice can enhance the flavor. A tiny pinch of salt can also help balance the sweetness.
• Lemon Juice (Optional): A squeeze of lemon juice (about 1/2 teaspoon) can brighten the flavors and help prevent browning if you’re making them ahead. Add it with the water.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Prepare the Apples:

• Peel, core, and slice the 3 apples. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick for even cooking.

2. Combine Ingredients in Skillet:

• Pour ¼ cup water into a large skillet (a non-stick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet works well).
• Arrange the apple slices evenly in the skillet.
• Add the 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar, 3 teaspoons pure maple syrup, 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, and 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the skillet, distributing them over the apples.
• Stir gently to combine all the ingredients, ensuring the apples are coated with the spices and sweeteners.

3. Simmer to Tenderness:

• Place the skillet over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
• Once simmering, reduce the heat to low.
• Simmer, stirring from time to time (every 5-7 minutes), until the apples have reached your desired tenderness. This will typically take 20 to 30 minutes, depending on the type of apple and how soft you prefer them. Some prefer them still slightly firm, while others like them very soft and almost falling apart.
• The liquid will reduce and thicken slightly, creating a beautiful glaze over the apples.

4. Serve (Optional Customization):

• Once the apples are cooked to your liking, remove the skillet from the heat.
• (Optional: If you wish to add any extra spices like nutmeg or a tiny pinch of cloves, stir them in during the last 5 minutes of simmering or after you remove the apples from the heat.)
• Serve the warm stewed apples immediately.

Tips for Success

• Slice Evenly: Uniform apple slices ensure they cook at the same rate.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Use a large enough skillet so the apples can be in a single layer or a shallow double layer. Overcrowding can steam them instead of gently simmering, affecting texture.
• Stir Gently but Regularly: Stirring prevents sticking and ensures even cooking, but be gentle so you don’t break up the apple slices too much unless you want an applesauce-like consistency.
• Adjust Cook Time: Pay attention to the apples, not just the clock. Different apple varieties will cook at different rates. Cook until they are tender to your liking.
• Control Sweetness: Taste the mixture after 10-15 minutes of simmering. If it needs more sweetness, stir in a little more brown sugar or maple syrup.
• Great for Leftovers: Stewed apples are fantastic leftovers, so don’t be afraid to make a larger batch!

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Stewed apples are incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes:

• Breakfast Topping: Serve warm over oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, waffles, French toast, or crepes.
• Dessert: Enjoy on their own as a simple, warm dessert, perhaps with a dollop of whipped cream, a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of toasted pecans.
• Side Dish: A delicious accompaniment to pork chops, roasted chicken, or even alongside breakfast sausages.
• Toast Topping: Spread on buttered toast or a biscuit.
• With Cheese: Serve warm with a slice of sharp cheddar cheese for a classic sweet and savory combination.

Nutritional Information

(Approximation per serving, based on 3 servings. Values can vary based on apple size, exact sugar/maple syrup content, and whether optional spices are added.)

• Calories: Approximately 150-200 kcal
• Protein: Approximately 0-1 g
• Fat: Approximately 2-4 g
• Carbohydrates: Approximately 35-45 g (mostly from natural sugars and added sweeteners)
• Fiber: Approximately 3-5 g (depending on whether apples are peeled)
• Sodium: Approximately 5-10 mg
• Potassium: Approximately 150-200 mg
• Vitamins: Contains Vitamin C (from apples) and other trace nutrients.

Note: These values are estimates. For precise nutritional information, it’s recommended to use a nutritional calculator with your specific ingredients and exact portion sizes.

Storage and Leftover Tips

• Refrigeration: Store cooled stewed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The flavors will continue to meld.
• Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.
• Freezing: Stewed apples freeze well. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The texture might be slightly softer after freezing and thawing, but the flavor will remain excellent.

Final Thoughts

These Sweet & Simple Stewed Apples are a testament to the beauty of uncomplicated cooking. They offer a comforting warmth and a burst of natural fruit flavor, elevated by a classic blend of spices and sweeteners. Easy to prepare and incredibly versatile, they are sure to become a cherished recipe in your home for years to come. Enjoy the delicious simplicity!

We’d love to hear how your Stewed Apples turned out! Share your favorite apple variety for this recipe or how you like to serve them in the comments below. Don’t forget to follow us for more delicious and comforting recipes!