The combination of tart, seasonal apples and warm cinnamon is one of those classic, iconic flavor duos that fall would not be able to exist without! It’s everywhere in desserts, hearty breakfasts, even in savory dishes!
This simple topping is a no-fuss, super easy way to add a a big pop of flavor to some of your favorite foods, and it comes together in less than 20 minutes! It isn’t over-the-top sweet, which I love, and the apples are definitely the star of the show. It has just the right amount of brown sugar to balance out their tartness, while fresh citrus and salt help bring out their best flavor!
Here’s what you need:
Choose a tart, firm apple.
I prefer Granny Smith apples for this recipe because I love their tartness and they have a nice firm flesh that holds its shape while cooking. I don’t want to make applesauce here! Plus, they’re always available and economical. You could use other varieties of apples if you prefer, but make just sure you choose one that is nice and crisp and firm, not soft and mealy.
I found that a 1/2 inch dice works best for this recipe. Again, I don’t want to make applesauce. Too-small of a dice will result in the apples cooking too quickly.
How to make cinnamon apple topping:
Sauté the diced apples and salt in a tablespoon of melted butter on medium heat. Stir regularly to ensure each apple piece makes contact with the surface of the pan for even cooking.
After 3 minutes, each piece of apple should be warmed through and slightly soft on the surface. Add the juice, cinnamon and brown sugar and continue to sauté for an additional 4 minutes. I told you this dish comes together quickly! Stir regularly during the sauté time to ensure the apples are evenly coated in the sauce.
Turn the heat off but keep the apple topping in the pan for a few minutes to cool. The syrup will seem loose at first, but as it cools it will thicken up.
This delicious topping will stay fresh in a lidded container in the refrigerator for a week, (though I promise it won’t last that long!) Spoon it over vanilla ice cream or a slice of cheesecake! This is one of my favorite breakfast additions! I use it to top warm French toast or pancakes!
Or pile it onto a hot bowl of oats with dried fruits and nuts for a hearty and delicious breakfast!
Other recipes to try:
Easy Apple Cinnamon Topping
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 3 large Granny Smith apples about 28 ounces total, peeled and medium diced
- 1/4 tsp kosher salt
- 2 tbsp fresh orange juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
Instructions
- Heat a large saucepan to medium and melt 1 tbsp butter. Add the diced apples and salt. Sauté for 3 minutes. Add the orange juice, brown sugar and cinnamon. Sauté for another 4 minutes, stirring regularly. Remove from the heat and cool for just a few minutes to allow the sauce to thicken up a bit.