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Simple and sweet, these stovetop Steamed Apples are the perfect simple comfort food. Cinnamon apples are easy to make and freezer-friendly.
I have been making these apples for so long that I could cook them in my sleep; they are that simple. Calling this a “recipe” is almost embarrassing.
When we have a lot of apples, we make cinnamon steamed apples. Double the recipe, and save leftovers to make puff pastry apple turnovers, cinnamon pretzel bites with apple syrup, apple compote, apple pie pancakes, or apple pie egg rolls.
And yes, this recipe can work with other fruits! Check out our peach compote recipe for a stonefruit option.
How Long Does it Take to Steam Apples?
Diced steamed apples are ready in only five minutes. If you prefer to make apple slices instead of diced apples, you will need to add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time for a soft texture.
Variations
I tend to consider cinnamon a condiment and have a bit of a heavy hand with it. I reigned myself in for this recipe but you could (and should!) absolutely add more cinnamon to your version. And while you’re at it, how about a pinch of cloves and a dash of nutmeg?
A splash of homemade vanilla and/or almond extract is also amazing with the base recipe.
Recipe Notes
- Freeze leftovers in small Souper Cubes or 4 oz mason jars. Thaw on the counter for a few hours or in the fridge overnight.
- Use an apple that will retain its shape and won’t turn into mush upon steaming. I prefer Fuji, honeycrisp, or Gala.
- Leave the peel on for less prep.
- Five minutes of steaming works for our preferences for texture, but if you prefer a firmer apple, check at three minutes.
- Cool completely before freezing.
Steamed Apples
Instructions
- Peel apples, and dice in bite-sized pieces or cut into slices.5 apples
- In a pot fitted with a metal steamer basket, add ~1 inch of water.
- Add the apples to the steamer basket and place a lid over the pan.
- Steam the apples on medium until the apples are able to be pierced easily with a knife (about 4-5 minutes).
- Drain, place in a small bowl, and toss with the cinnamon.1 tsp ground cinnamon
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Could you tell me how you would freeze them and reheat them? I want to make these for my little guy. Thank you so much!
I suggest freezing them in small containers (I used 4 oz mason jars most of the time). No liquid or anything needs to be added, just put them in and freeze.
Most of the time I defrosted in the fridge overnight. My kiddo preferred them cold, but if you’d like to heat up, start with 10-15 seconds in the microwave and test.
They’re so good! Now I’m craving them. 🙂
Can explain the steaming process? Do you use a lid? Do you heat up the water in the pan before adding the apples? Thank you!
Hi Grace, the good news is that it a basic steaming process (like if you’ve ever steamed veggies). Nothing fancy! 🙂
I do heat the water first. Sometimes I use a lid and sometimes I don’t. It’s such a fast process that its one that it is best to not overthink, i.e., you won’t break it!
Delicious recipes. Thank you ????
So glad you liked it, Suhasini!
I tried steaming apples in a microwave steamer basket I bought on amazon and my apples came out rubbery =( I diced them up nice and small for BLW and added 2 tbsp of water in the basket, put them in for 3.5 minutes and they all came out really rubbery and not easily mashable. Do you know what I did wrong? Thank you!
With the caveat of never steaming apples in a microwave before, if they’re rubbery I wonder if they’re either over or undercooked? Did the basket come with an instruction manual with time recommendations?
I make these for my grandson, and he thinks he’s getting a treat!
Me too Paula, me too! 🙂 So glad you both enjoy them!
I made these for myself because I’m trying to tame my sweet tooth! One of my favorite desserts is apple dumplings. This dish gives the satisfaction of warm cooked apples and cinnamon without the sugar, butter and dumplings! One change to the recipe I made is that steaming go to is a Ziplock steamer bag. 2 minutes for one apple cut into chunks (not diced) was perfect. Thank you for your recipe!
Cathy, I’m just like you in that I have an evil sugar dragon that I am constantly trying to slay! I’m so glad these helped you fill the need you had today for something sweet.
They do freeze REALLY well, so have a few containers on hand for emergencies.
My daughter loves her Apple Jacks! Been fighting her on eating solids and this is one she will eat!
So glad Kat is liking them! 🙂
These are seriously delicious! I like everything tart so tossed in a little lemon (also prevents browning as they sit in the counter while your kids distract you), they satisfy my sweet and sour cravings!
Awww, so glad you liked them Kori. They’re the best!
Have you tried not peeling them? Would it mess it up?
Unpeeled is fine if you’re eating that day. But if you’re making them ahead of time, I find the peel gets kind tough and grody after 24 hours.
Have you tried making Apple Jacks in your insta pot?
I haven’t, only because it’s only 5 minutes on the stovetop. I can’t see the IP saving me much time if any.
This is just the kick I needed to stop buying ready made applesauce! Absolutely delicious and I love all your spice recommendations too. Thanks for an awesome recipe.
So glad you and little Odette enjoyed them!
I’m not gonna lie, I was that kid with the t.v. dinner and every once in a while I crave that Salisbury steak. I also occasionally crave spaghetti o’s, but I ate my full of those while I was pregnant.
These look amazing! I need to stock up on smaller mason jars… maybe I could freeze them in silicone muffin cups and keep them in baggies so then I can just plop one into our yum box.
Adding apples to the grocery list!
Oh, we were totally a TV dinner family! Healthy Choice was our poison of choice (barf).
I’m not sure how they would work in a muffin tin since there is no liquid. But if you try it out and it and it works please report back!
I used to sautee slices of apple in butter and add cinnamon to create a sweet treat for my MIL because she had lost so many of her teeth. I still do it occasionally just for myself for breakfast, add toast and a bit of cheese… yum. I also sprinkle cinnamon on sliced banana too.
Wait, do you combine the cheese and toast together with the apples, or serve them on the side?
I’m not a raw banana fan but I do love to caramelize them to put them on pancakes and waffles. Never thought to add cinnamon before. Genius!
The apples, cheese and toast are all separate items on the plate. The cinnamon is supposed to be good for your blood pressure so I try to throw it on fruit whenever I can.
I think cinnamon is also really good for regulating blood sugar! My grandpa was a diabetic and his doctor encouraged him to add it to lots of things. And it is delicious so that is an added benefit for all of us.
Making it a goal to try one new recipe from your site a week. These apples sound like a delicious treat.
I think I like how you set goals girl!!
Yum! My Great-grandmother used to make apples with cinnamon and sugar but I’ve never tried it with just cinnamon.
I bet it was soooo good with the sugar too!