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Γ—
Home Β» Recipes Β» Side Dish Recipes

Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings

Published: Jul 11, 2023 Last Updated: Jul 11, 2023 by Marye 1418 words. | About 8 minutes to read this article.

8 hours hrs 30 minutes mins
Old-fashioned spiced apple rings are full of sweet, cinnamon flavor. They're the perfect side dish for pork and turkey. Let them sit in the syrup at least overnight for the best flavor.
Jump to Recipe
A dish of cinnamon apple rings with text overlay for Pinterest.
Red apple rings in a serving dish with text overlay for Pinterest.

This is such an easy recipe - it's the perfect side dish for French Onion Chicken or Oven Roasted Quail!

Bright red spiced apple rings made with Red Hots candy. Title text overlay.
Jump to:
  • ❀️ Why you'll love this recipe
  • 🧾 Ingredients
  • πŸ”ͺ Instructions
  • πŸ’­ Tips
  • πŸ‘©πŸ»β€πŸ³ FAQs
  • 🍎 Best apples to use
  • πŸ“– Related Recipes
  • πŸ“ž The last word
  • πŸ“– Recipe
  • πŸ’¬ Comments

❀️ Why you'll love this recipe

There are a lot of ways to make cinnamon apples but I think mine is the easiest. It just takes a few minutes and once you've made them you can keep them in a jar in the refrigerator for up to a week, or in a freezer container for several months.

You can even save the syrup and use it again in a new batch!

Next time try grilled pear salad. SO good!

🧾 Ingredients

Labeled ingredients for this recipe.

The guijillo chile is totally optional but give it a try. It adds a little extra spicy flavor.

πŸ”ͺ Instructions

Note: This is an overview of the instructions. The full instructions are in the green recipe card below.

Step by step images for making this recipe.
  1. Peel and core your apples. I use a melon baller spoon to take the cores out- so easy that way!
  2. Slice them and drop into lemon juice and water in a large bowl to keep them from turning brown.
  3. In a heavy saucepan melt the candy in the water.
  4. Add the prepared apples and spices and simmer briefly. Remove from heat and let the apples soak in the syrup for as long as possible.

πŸ’­ Tips

Expert Tip - CAUTION: I wouldn't try to can this particular recipe. There isn't enough acid to do it safely. Freeze for longer storage

  • Use firm fleshed, tart apples like MacIntosh, Honey Crisp, or Granny Smith. You can use pears, too!
  • Watch the candies carefully as you melt them down. You don't want them to stick and burn.
  • The longer the apples (or pears) sit in the red syrup the more flavorful they will be.
  • Keep them in glass storage containers - they will dye plastic and I think it gives it a weird taste.
  • Use toothpicks to stick the apple rings to a ham when you are cooking it and use the syrup in the glaze.
  • If you happen to overcook the fruit don't worry about it - process it in the food processor for apple (or pear) sauce.
  • Save the red cinnamon syrup in the refrigerator. You can reuse it to make more OR you can use it in cocktails and sweet sauces. Better yet - try this candy apple pie!
  • These are so good with a scoop of cinnamon gelato.
  • These are great with slow cooker ranch chicken for an old fashioned dinner.

πŸ‘©πŸ»β€πŸ³ FAQs

Here are the questions I am most frequently asked about this recipe.

How do you cut apple rounds?

After you peel and core the apple turn it on its side. Cut it in half through the middle of the fruit horizontally. Now cut in even sized rings.

How do you keep cut apples from turning brown?

Lemon juice will help cut apples to maintain their original color. In this candied apple rings recipe the lemon juice is mixed with water and you just dip the rings in the lemon water for a few minutes.
The nice thing about this recipe is because the apples are red from the cinnamon candy it doesn't show if they turn a little brown.

How do you use red spiced apple rings?

You can use them as a side dish, which is especially good with pork chops or ham, or you can use them as a salad course by serving them on lettuce leaves with other fruit. My mom used to put a scoop of cottage cheese or cream cheese in the center and I like them that way, too. I also like them in ham sandwiches.

🍎 Best apples to use

The best apples to use for spiced apple rings and similar recipes are apples that hold their shape when cooked or baked. For this reason MacIntosh apples are not a good choice. Choose from the following:

Apple TypeFlavorTextureHold shape?
HoneyCrispsweetcrisp & juicyyes
Braeburnbalanced sweet & tartfirm & crispyes
Winesapsweet; slight spicy flavorcrisp & juicyyes
Jonathonsweet & tangycrispyes
Jazzsweet, tart, tangy, slight spicecrisp & juicyyes
Granny Smithvery tartcrispyes
Don't use Red Delicious, Gala, or Fuji - they turn to mush when cooked.

πŸ“– Related Recipes

Restless Chipotle has plenty of apple recipes - here are a few of my favorites!

  • Dutch Apple PieΒ has tender, buttery apples in a classic, flakey crust and then is topped with sweet, crunchy streusel. It's a classic that everyone needs a good recipe for. PS - this is a GREAT recipe!
  • Baked Brie with Apples and Bacon is probably one of the most popular appetizers in existence - at least in the fall. This recipe is as pretty as it is yummy - get ready to be bombarded with the "how did you make this?" question.
  • Bourbon Apple Pandowdy is baked right in an iron skillet which gives it a nice texture and a comforting, welcome-home kind of presentation. It's absolutely addictive.
  • Cinnamon Apple Sangria is crisp, sweet, and deliciously drinkable for all your fall parties! Adjust the sweetness of the sangria by using a sweeter or drier white wine as the base.
  • Apple Fritter Bread has all of the yum of apple fritters but in a sliceable quick bread.
  • We love this easy apple cake!
  • Grilled Pear Salad isn't apples but it IS delicious!
  • Closeup of the top of the German Apple Pie.
    German Apple Pie
  • A skillet full of fried apple slices.
    Southern Fried Apples
  • A closeup of glazed apple fritter bread for the featured image.
    Amish Apple Fritter Bread
  • Closeup of a slice of pie for feature image.
    Cinnamon Candy Apple Pie
closeup of bright red spiced apple rings in a bowl.

πŸ“ž The last word

Cinnamon apple rings were usually just fished out of the syrup and placed in a relish dish to be passed as an accompaniment to turkey or pork when I was growing up

I'd often sneak into the refrigerator and grab a slice out of the  jar - not realizing that the rosy syrup left a telltale stain on my finger tips.

Try leftovers in this recipe for Ham Sliders. Incredible!

If you click on the number of servings in the recipe card you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need. Don't forget that you can click on "add to collection" to save it to your own, private recipe box!

If you love this recipe please give it a 5 star rating. β­οΈβ­οΈβ­οΈβ­οΈβ­οΈ

πŸ“– Recipe

Makeeasyspicedappleringsrecipetonight!Soquick!They'reasweet spicyoldfashionedtreat!Sogood!FromRestlessChipotle.com
4.75 from 113 votes

Spiced Apple Rings

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Old-fashioned spiced apple rings are full of sweet, cinnamon flavor. They're the perfect side dish for pork and turkey. Let them sit in the syrup at least overnight for the best flavor.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American - Southern
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes
Chilling Time: 8 hours hours
Total Time: 8 hours hours 30 minutes minutes
Servings:8 servings
Calories:217
Author:Marye Audet-White
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Ingredients

  • ΒΌ cup lemon juice, keeps apples from darkening
  • 2 pounds apples, MacIntosh - Granny Smith - Honey Crisp - any firm fleshed apple that holds its shape when cooked
  • 3 cups water, divided use -more if needed
  • 2 cups cinnamon candy, Red Hots or Cinnamon Imperials - any hard cinnamon candy
  • 1 tablespoon whole cloves
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 guijillo chile, optional - adds a little heat

I earn a commission from Instacart from qualifying purchases.

Instructions

  • Add the lemon juice to 2 cups of water.
  • Peel and core apples - slice into Β½ inch thick rings.
  • Drop the apple rings in the lemon juice as you finish each one.
  • Heat Β½ cup of the remaining water and the cinnamon candies in a saucepan.
  • Stir often until the candy is completely melted, adding water as needed to keep the syrup from getting thick.
  • Add the guijillo chile (optional), whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks.
  • Drain the apple rings and pat dry.
  • Gently stir the apple rings into the syrup.
  • Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring gently, for 15 minutes or until apples are tender.
  • Add the rings to a storage container and cover with the cooking syrup.
  • Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or about 8 hours. Remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks before using.
  • Store unused apple rings in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Notes

CAUTION: DO NOT can this particular recipe. There isn't enough acid to do it safely. Freeze for longer storage
You can use pears instead of apples - if you use very tangy apples add ΒΌ cup of sugar to the water with the red hots.
  • Use firm-fleshed, tart apples like MacIntosh, Honey Crisp, or Granny Smith
  • Watch the candies carefully as you melt them down. You don't want them to stick and burn.
  • The longer the apples (or pears) sit in the red syrup the more flavorful they will be.
  • Keep them in glass storage containers - they will dye plastic and I think it gives it a weird taste.
  • If you happen to overcook the fruit don't worry about it - process it in the food processor for apple (or pear) sauce.
  • Save the red cinnamon syrup in the refrigerator. You can reuse it to make more spiced apple rings.
Β 
You'll find more helpful tips and variations in the body of the post.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 217kcal | Carbohydrates: 58g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 48g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 5.2mg | Calcium: 10mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Nutrition information is estimated as a courtesy. If using for medical purposes, please verify information using your own nutritional calculator. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

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    First published October 2017. Last updated July 11, 2023 to add an apple chart and other helpful information.

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    About Marye

    With a 40 year focus on the importance of family and a passion for southern comfort food, Marye Audet-White is an expert in melding the two together effortlessly. Marye's a NY Times Bestselling author with 10 cookbooks under her belt and her recipes have been featured in Good Housekeeping, Country Living, Today, House Beautiful, Texas Living, Food & Wine, and many more.

    Reader Interactions

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      Love it? Give it 5 stars!




    1. Holly

      September 22, 2023 at 12:01 pm

      5 stars
      It just isn't the holidays without spiced apple rings!

      Reply
    2. Cynthia Rusincovitch

      September 22, 2023 at 9:35 am

      My dad loves spiced apple rings. I haven't seen them in years! Sending this to him now!

      Reply
    3. Brittany

      September 21, 2023 at 3:11 pm

      Thoughts of fall weather means it's time for spiced apple rings ... a beautiful and delicious add on!

      Reply
    4. Kristen

      September 20, 2023 at 11:44 pm

      Just tried making these spiced apple rings for the first time and they are AMAZING! I love that you can reuse the leftover sauce in your Candy Apple Pie recipe, too!

      Reply
      • Marye

        September 21, 2023 at 4:40 pm

        Absolutely! So good!

        Reply
    5. One Crazy House

      September 20, 2023 at 11:05 pm

      5 stars
      I'm sort of mourning the fact that I never heard of spiced apple rings before! I will have to make it quite a few times this holiday season to make up for all of those lost years! πŸ˜‰

      Reply
      • Marye

        September 21, 2023 at 4:40 pm

        Haha!! That's true!

        Reply
    6. Brandi

      September 20, 2023 at 11:49 am

      5 stars
      We went apple picking over the weekend and have about 90 bajillion apples to use up. I had never heard of or tried apple rings before, but these are to.die.for! So delicious and such a fun treat!

      Reply
    7. Khalaazar King

      September 09, 2023 at 3:15 pm

      4 stars
      I'd like to address the note regarding canning this recipe. Apples themselves contain enough acid for canning in water, or very light, light, or medium syrup. This recipe creates a medium simple syrup after the candies are melted, so it would certainly qualify as a candidate for canning. If you're still concerned, a TB of lemon juice added takes nothing away from the great warm flavors of this recipe.

      Reply
      • Marye

        September 09, 2023 at 4:49 pm

        Because of legal ramifications I never ever suggest canning a recipe that is not specifically made for canning. Repectfully, if you you choose to do so that's on you. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    8. Erica

      November 21, 2022 at 8:45 pm

      5 stars
      My family has always eaten spiced apple rings for holiday meals. It seemed like they mysteriously disappeared from the grocery store shelves during COVID, and never returned. I decided to give this recipe a try, and I am so glad I did - they are absolutely DELICIOUS!! Try it - you won’t regret it!!

      Reply
    9. Tara C

      November 21, 2022 at 5:21 pm

      5 stars
      These are amazing and bring back memories of my granny, who made them for me. I followed the recipe but used cider instead of water since I had some. They were perfect! I like mine to still have a tiny bit of crisp to them so I used the shorter end of the cook time. Thank you for bringing the memories of a recipe back into my life that I had not remembered on my own!

      Reply
    10. Cristie

      November 21, 2022 at 2:19 pm

      Is there anything else the can be instead of red hots? We are eliminating red dye due to allergies.

      Reply
      • Marye

        November 21, 2022 at 2:44 pm

        Nope. You've got to have the Red Hots. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    11. peggue

      October 20, 2022 at 11:11 am

      Any directions for canning theses? I have oodles of apples. peggie

      Reply
      • Marye

        October 20, 2022 at 8:30 pm

        I don't suggest canning - but you can freeze them.

        Reply
    12. Mary Pabelick

      October 01, 2022 at 7:29 am

      How do you freeze them? I read NOT to use plastic so that eliminates a storage container and I don't freeze glass. The only other option is a disposable aluminum pie tin but I would think that would not work as the apples would only float to the top. Not staying submerged will cause freezer burn I would imagine. Please let me. This looks goo for Thanksgiving and I could make/freeze them now when apples are in and the holiday rush is still a few weeks away. Thanks!

      Reply
      • Marye

        October 10, 2022 at 1:17 pm

        I freeze in glass but you can use plastic - just be aware that the plastic will be pink. I don't care for plastic storage.

        Reply
    13. Hether Johnston

      May 19, 2022 at 8:56 am

      I just have a quick question, is it necessary to peel the apples? Thank you so much!

      Reply
      • Marye

        May 20, 2022 at 8:42 am

        I prefer them that way but not essential. πŸ™‚

        Reply
    14. Jeff Wilde

      December 31, 2021 at 11:15 am

      5 stars
      My wife and I made these for a Christmas dinner for our community, ( 54 residence). They where so good. It brought back memories for many folks. We served roast pork loin and put the apple slice on top. It made for a beautiful presentation. Thank you for a great recipe.

      Reply
    15. Karen

      November 24, 2021 at 7:15 pm

      We were so focused on finding Red Hots, I totally forgot to get cloves and cinnamon sticks 😞 We wanted to make this because I use some of the liquid from the store bought kind to mix in cream cheese to use as celery spread. SOOOOO good.
      But.... now there will be no stuffed celery for Thanksgiving unless someone has an alternative for those 2 ingredients that will still work. Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated. πŸ˜€

      Reply
    16. Kimberly Softich

      December 25, 2020 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      Cinnamon spiced deliciousness! I nearly overcooked them, as I didn't slice them thick enough. Check at 8 minutes of simmering, and then every couple minutes thereafter to make sure they don't get soft. Fantastic recipe. I'll never go back to the commercial made stuff, ever.

      Reply
    17. Diane

      November 18, 2020 at 12:31 pm

      I make Pears Rose using almost the same recipe (plus Rose Wine) at Christmas time.

      Reply
      • Marye

        November 18, 2020 at 12:47 pm

        Sounds delish!

        Reply
    18. David Thomas

      October 18, 2020 at 12:35 pm

      How long do you let them simmer? You don't say in your blog or in the recipe?

      Reply
      • Marye

        October 19, 2020 at 12:05 pm

        #9 in the green recipe card at the bottom "Cover and simmer, occasionally stirring gently, for 15 minutes or until apples are tender."

        Reply
    19. D megan

      October 18, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Did you ever think about using apple juice, instead of water, to melt the red hot down? This is the sort of culinary trick that I use to bump up the flavor even another notch!

      Reply
      • Marye

        October 18, 2020 at 12:33 pm

        What a great idea! I'll give that a try next time!

        Reply
      • Ellen Hanson

        November 18, 2020 at 10:02 am

        5 stars
        I did. DELICIOUS!!!

        Reply

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