Easy. Simple. Delicious. Ready in about 15 minutes. This Fork-tender Quick Stewed Apple recipe is ready to top SO many things! From pancakes, Creamy Oatmeal, waffles, and ice cream to baked brie, they can go sweet or savory. This stewed apples recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free. [ recipe VIDEO below ]
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Recipe Review: “Love this recipe and so does my family. Just as described–delicious and easy to make.” ~ Sharon
Stewed Apples; A Fall Must Make!
Warm, lightly sweetened and spiced, soft cooked apples are super cozy and delicious with sweet or savory eats. Use it as a condiment to top pancakes, waffles, ice cream and oatmeal or share it with cheese and crackers. Topping melty baked brie with a sprinkle of pecans is simply delicious!
During fall, I whip em’ up between flipping pancakes, baking waffles or making a pot of oatmeal, but they can be made ahead too and stored in the fridge or freezer for daaays.
If you make homemade condiment recipes, you’ll enjoy this tasty recipe for spiced Stewed Apples.
I found a variety of apples to work with the amount of brown sugar and maple in this recipe. However, if a little more sweet is desired, and because some apples are quite tart, you can adjust the sweetness to taste.
Recipes to Enjoy Your Stewed Apples With
- Top these recipes and more!
- Chilled Cheesecake Bars with No Bake Filling
- Sourdough Oatmeal Pancakes
- Banana Pecan Oat Waffles
- Gluten Free Sourdough Pancakes
- Pumpkin Porridge
- Creamy Oatmeal
- Overnight Peanut Butter Oats
- Ice Cream (caramel sauce on top is sublime!)
Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!)
Servings:7
Calories:71kcal
Easy. Simple. Delicious. Make these Stewed Apples to top SO many things! From pancakes, oatmeal, and ice cream to baked brie, they can go sweet or savory. Lightly sweetened with maple and a touch of brown sugar, the cinnamon, and nutmeg add just the right amount of spice. They're freezer friendly too! This stewed apples recipe is vegetarian, vegan and gluten free.This recipe makes about 3 1/2 C.
Ingredients
- 4 C (475g) Diced Apples peeled*, diced to about 1/4"- 1/2" (.6cm – 1.2cm). You'll need about 2 large apples or 4 small. *See note
- 2 tsp Lemon Juice from about 1/2 a lemon
- 1/3 C + 2 Tbs (105g) Apple Cider or Apple Juice, divided (substitute water if needed)
- 1 1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract
- 2 Tbs Maple Syrup plus more if desired
- 1 Tbs Brown Sugar
- 3/4 tsp Cinnamon ground
- 1/8 tsp Nutmeg ground
- 1/8 tsp Fine Sea Salt
- 3 tsp Corn Starch
Optional Stir Ins:
- 2 Tbs Butter
- 1/2 C (60g) Chopped Toasted Nuts such as pecan or walnuts
- 1/2 C (55g) Dried Cranberries rough chopped
Instructions
- In a medium sauce pan, add the peeled and diced apples, lemon juice, 1/3 C (80g) apple cider or apple juice, vanilla extract, maple syrup, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir.
- Bring the ingredients to a simmer, stir, lid and turn the heat down to low. Cook for 3-5 minutes, checking at three minutes for texture. They should be fork tender, and soft but not mushy (although if they get mushy, they're still delicious! – this is the versatility of this recipe – cook em' how you like em'!) Cook for a few more minutes, lid on, if needed.
- Meanwhile, while the apples are cooking, whisk the remaining 2 Tbs apple cider or juice and cornstarch in a small bowl. Once the apples are done, remove the lid and pour in the slurry. Stir. Bring to a simmer, and cook for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly, stirring a few times. The apples will thicken further as they cool. If you prefer a little looser set, add a splash or two of apple cider, juice or water and stir. Now is a good time to taste for sweetness and cinnamon adjustment. If the apples are too tart, add a tablespoon or two of maple. If more cinnamon is preferred, sprinkle in another 1/4 tsp.
- Stir in additions, if using, and/or share the apples warm on banana pecan oat waffles, pancakes, like these sourdough pancakes, in creamy oatmeal or spooned over ice cream. They're delicious too topped on baked brie.
- To Store: Store the apples in a lidded container in the fridge for up to three days. Freeze for longer storage. Thaw in the fridge and gently rewarm on stove top adding a splash of water, apple cider or apple juice to thin as needed.
Video
Notes
*I prefer to peel the apples for stewing, but if you prefer, feel free to leave the skin on.
Which Apples to Choose: I tend to stick with apples that are better suited for pie such as King, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Cortland or Pink Lady. Farmers market and/or heirloom apples are always a great pick! The fresher, the better.
Estimated nutrition does not include optional stir-ins.
Nutrition is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate. If this information is important to you, please have it verified independently.
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 71kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 107mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 38IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 15mg | Iron: 0.1mg
Made It? Leave a comment below! The most helpful comment may include recipe rating, feedback, any modifications and/or helping other commenters. On Instagram? Take a snap of your make and share, tagging @VanillaAndBean #VanillaAndBean!
This recipe is divine! I’m so glad I found it and your website. I have a ton of apples to use up and didn’t want to make a buttery/ oily dessert. I followed the recipe exactly and it was perfect! I mixed the apples into Greek yogurt and oatmeal. I’ll try it on pancakes next. Thank you!
Love this recipe and so does my family. Just as described–delicious and easy to make. I always double it….should I adjust any of the ingredients when doubling?
Hi Sharon! Thank you for your note and review! SO happy to receive your note. If you’re enjoying the doubled recipe, then there’s no need to adjust the ingredients. However, taste at the end of cooking and see if they could use a pinch more of nutmeg, cinnamon, or maple syrup and adjust to taste. Sometimes apples need a boost of sweet since some varieties lean tart.
Thanks Traci! I just made 3 batches (doubled once, then a single batch). I hope it lasts 3 days. It seems to freeze well too.
I make this recipe for crumble and pies. I want to freeze some apples but will they become soogy after thawing.
Hi Vicki! Oh my that sounds good. Can you clarify your question for me? Do you mean freeze whole apples or freeze this recipe once made?
I made this recipe but threw all the ingredients pretty carelessly into a pot while stirring at low temp. So while I didn’t follow instructions well, it still came out delicious. It was a hit, and I will make again for sure!
Love hearing this Karen! Thank you for your note and giving the stewed apples a go!
I used Honey Crisp apples and added dried cranberries and chopped pecans!. The best “Welcome, Fall” dessert I’ve had! YUMMY!
Yay! Thank you for your note, Kiecha and sending a smile!
If you haven’t tried these on pancakes you are missing a real treat! I used ambrosia apples and didn’t peel them so they had a great texture. I cooked them about 5-8 minutes longer to soften the peel and added the 2 Tbsp of butter. Definitely a winner at my house!
SO happy to hear you’re enjoying the stewed apples, Janice! No doubt on pancakes is one of my most favorite ways to enjoy them. Thank you for sharing your tips!
I found these apples tasty, but will not make this recipe again. It was way too syrupy for me. I wanted to taste more apple.
Hi Laura! I’m sorry these didn’t work for you.
These stewed apples are DELICIOUS. I made 2 changes. I did not have apple cider so I used apple juice. I do not use sea salt so I used regular table salt. These apples taste just like APPLE PIE filling. I use them to top my oatmeal. YUMMMMM.
Hiii Althea! Hooray for tasty stewed apples and yes to enjoying them with oatmeal. What a delight! Thank you for sharing your subs!
Love these stewed apples! Quick, easy recipe and I always have apples on hand. My favorite is on oatmeal but look forward to topping Brie with them at Thanksgiving.
SO happy to hear Debbie! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note. Ooooh yes on the Brie!
These are SO good! Super simple and they sure don’t last very long in our house! I usually heat some up for dessert after dinner, or while watching TV later in the evening when I’m craving something sweet and comforting (even better with whipped cream!). I have to try them with oatmeal!
Hi Tammy! SO happy to hear you enjoyed the apples. With whipped cream, oh my! Perfection. You’re going to love em’ on oatmeal!
My sister and I were just reminiscing how much our father loved applesauce. These stewed apples would have been right up his alley as well. I’ve been putting fresh apples on my overnight oats lately but these would be next level! Going to the local orchard today so will definitely be trying this recipe out very soon!
What a lovely memory, Jean. I do that too! I love apples and oats, but stewed apples? Like you said, next level! What fun, you’re out picking apples today. I hope you enjoy the stewed apples Jean!