Easy Cinnamon Apples Recipe Tastes Like Apple Pie Without All the Work (6 Ingredients, 15 Minutes) by Elisa Schmitz

Autumn is here and that means apples. Lots of apples! I always love to kick off the fall season with an apple recipe (or two). The most obvious apple recipe that comes to mind is apple pie. But when that apple pie craving hits and you need a bite right now, there has to be an easier way.

Enter this easy cinnamon apples recipe. These tender cinnamon apples taste like apple pie, but without all the work. In fact, you need only six ingredients, some water and just about 15 minutes. Seriously! Here's your gluten-free shopping list: apples, water, butter, maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt and vanilla extract. Pretty simple! Plus check out the health benefits of apples and the health benefits of cinnamon.

Photo credit (all photos): Elisa Schmitz

Serve these succulent cinnamon apples for dessert on their own or over ice cream, or as a side dish for breakfast or even for dinner (they go great with pork chops or pork tenderloin). I served them on top of our pancakes for Sunday brunch. So easy and delicious (don't forget the whipped cream)!

Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Serving: 6

Ingredients

• 4 apples, chopped (about 4 cups)
• 3 tablespoons water
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

Here's how to make it:

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, add the water and the apples and stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 3 minutes until water starts to absorb and apples start to soften. (I left the skin on the apples, but you can peel them if you prefer. I used Honeycrisp apples, but you can use your favorite apples in this recipe.)
   
2. Add butter to the skillet. Stir to combine. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples become softer. (When not stirring, make sure that the pan is covered.)
   
3. Add maple syrup, cinnamon, sea salt and vanilla. Stir to combine. Cook for about 2 minutes, or until apples reach your desired level of softness. (You can substitute honey for the maple syrup, if preferred.)
   
4. Remove from heat. Serve immediately or store in refrigerator until ready to serve.
   
5. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in the microwave.
   

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