Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!)  (2024)

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By Traci York19 Comments / Jump to Recipe

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Easy. Simple. Delicious. 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. [ see VIDEO in recipe card ]

Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (6)

Table of Contents

Stewed Apple; A Fall Must Make!

Warm, lightly sweetened and spiced, soft cooked apples are super cozy and delicious on all the things. Stewed apples can accompany 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 fabulous!

These stewed apples with cinnamon come together quick. 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 later.

Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (7) Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (8)Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (9) Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (10)

A Quick Guide: How to Make Stewed Apples

This recipe is versatile in that it can be made with your favorite baking apples and sweetness can be adjusted to taste. The softer the apple, however, the faster they’ll cook. I tend to stick with apples that are better suited for pie such as King, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Cortland or Pink Lady. These apples hold their texture well and tend not to fall apart. Heirloom varieties from the farmers market or local orchard are always a good pick!

In summary, here’s how to make these easy stewed apples (see recipe card below for details):

  • First, peel and dice your apples.
  • Next, bring apples, spices, and sugar to a simmer, and cook for about 5 minutes.
  • Last, add a cornstarch slurry to the apples to thicken. Bring to a simmer, then remove from heat.

The apples will thicken as they cool which creates a rich, creamy consistency. Taste for sweet adjustment, and add a bit more maple if desired.

Do You Have to Peel Apples Before Stewing? This is completely up to you. I like the texture of peeled apples, but if you prefer to leave the skin on, you can!

Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (11) Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (12)Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (13)

Expert Tips

  • What to do with Stewed Apples? Top these recipes and more!
    • 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!)
    • Melty Brie
  • Look for the freshest apples at a farmer’s market or orchard if possible, otherwise, use your favorite baking apples! I like King, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Cortland, or Pink Lady. The fresher, the better.
  • Since apples vary in sweetness, adjust the sweetness to taste in this recipe. I found various apples work with the amount of brown sugar and maple in the recipe. However, if a little more sweet is desired, and because some apples are quite tart, add a few more tablespoons of maple, and/or adjust to taste.
  • Freezer Friendly? Yes Please! These easy stewed apples will last up to three days in the fridge, but easily freeze for longer storage.

More Apple Recipes to Love

  • Cinnamon Apple Crisp Bars
  • Apple Dumplings with Cranberry Butter
  • Sparkling Apple Bourbon Sangria
  • Beet and Apple Salad with Apple Cider Vinaigrette
  • Bourbon Apple Cranberry Cobbler
  • Gluten Free + Vegan Apple Pie

Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (14)

Print Recipe

Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!)

Prep Time:10 minutes minutes

Cook Time:6 minutes minutes

Total Time:16 minutes minutes

Servings:7

Calories:71kcal

Author:Traci York

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
  • 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.

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: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 44mg | Potassium: 101mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 39IU | Vitamin C: 4mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 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!

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Reader Interactions

19 comments

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  1. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (20)Janice McGough

    Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (21)
    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!

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (22)Traci

      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!

  2. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (23)Laura Smith

    Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (24)
    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.

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (25)Traci

      Hi Laura! I’m sorry these didn’t work for you.

      Reply

  3. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (26)Althea

    Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (27)
    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.

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (28)Traci

      Hiii Althea! Hooray for tasty stewed apples and yes to enjoying them with oatmeal. What a delight! Thank you for sharing your subs!

      Reply

  4. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (29)Liz @ Floating Kitchen

    YES! Lots of apples here! Would love these over a dutch baby this weekend! :-)

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (30)Traci

      Over a Dutch baby would be perfection, Liz! :D

      Reply

  5. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (31)Debbie

    Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (32)
    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.

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (33)Traci

      SO happy to hear Debbie! Thank you for coming back and leaving a note. Ooooh yes on the Brie!

      Reply

  6. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (34)Katherine | Love In My Oven

    Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (35)
    These would be sooo good with some oatmeal! I keep buying so many apples – this is a perfect use for some of them!

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (36)Traci

      SO good in oatmeal! LMK if you give em’ a go Katherine!

      Reply

  7. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (37)MaryAnn | The Beach House Kitchen

    Delicious with so many things Traci! I’d love these over some baked brie for sure. Such a tasty fall appetizer! Thanks for sharing Traci!

    Reply

  8. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (38)Tammy Dolce

    Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (39)
    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!

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (40)Traci

      Hi Tammy! SO happy to hear you enjoyed the apples. With whipped cream, oh my! Perfection. You’re going to love em’ on oatmeal!

      Reply

  9. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (41)Jean

    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!

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (42)Traci

      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!

      Reply

  10. Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (43)Liz @ Floating Kitchen

    You had me at “baked brie”. OMG sounds heavenly!

    Reply

    • Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!) (44)Traci

      Right (!!)…. you could spike this with a bit of bourbon too, Liz! How about it?

      Reply

Quick Stewed Apple Recipe (Fork-Tender!)  (2024)

FAQs

How long do you boil an apple for? ›

Boiled apple directions

You can peel the apples, or you can leave the skin on for a little extra texture. Either way, chop your apples into small pieces and place them into a boiling pot of water. Boil the apples in the pot until they start to soften. This should take no longer than 15 minutes.

How long do stewed apples keep? ›

Cooking apples will really fall apart whereas eating apples will retain their shape. Taste the mixture and add more sugar if the apples are too sharp, or a dash of lemon juice if they are too sweet. Serve warm or leave to cool and store, covered in the fridge, for up to 5 days.

Can you drink the juice from stewed apples? ›

You may drink the cooking liquid as tea, add it to your oatmeal, or simply discard it. If you didn't peel the apple, discard the peels while eating it. Peels are hard to digest in the morning. With their warming and digestive qualities, cloves open the circulatory channels in the body without overheating it.

Are stewed apples good for gut health? ›

Did you know that stewed apples, just like bone broth, are great for your gut health? This is because of the fibre, pectin and the flavonoids contained in apples.

Should I peel apple before boiling? ›

Nutrition scientist, Dr Joanna McMillan, says we should be eating and cooking with apples that have the skin on to take advantage of the nutrients in the peel.

Can you boil apples with skin on? ›

To prepare apples for boiling, start by peeling, coring, and slicing them into even pieces. This will ensure that they cook evenly and that any tough parts or seeds are removed. You can also choose to leave the peel intact if desired.

Are stewed apples anti inflammatory? ›

Research has shown the incredible anti-inflammatory effect of stewed apples on the gastrointestinal tract and health of the microbiome.

Why do cooks put lemon juice on apples? ›

The longer the enzyme is exposed, the browner each slice will become. Lemon juice contains citric acid, which is a natural anti-oxidant. Therefore, when you apply lemon juice to apple slices, it helps to prevent the oxidation process.

Do stewed apples help constipation? ›

Stewed apples can help to alleviate constipation because they're full of fibre. The insoluble fibre increases bulk in the stools, while the soluble fibre increases water content. Together, these help stools to move through the digestive system at a healthy pace.

What is the best time of day to eat stewed apples? ›

Stewed apples are not only a delicious way I start my morning, but the most gentle energy igniters that will set your digestive fire to burn evenly through the day. Some days, I have stewed apples as breakfast, and sometimes 30 min after my stewed apples, I follow with another meal.

What organ are apples good for? ›

Apples are touted for their health benefits, containing plant chemicals like flavonoids and fiber, which can aid digestion, control symptoms of acid reflux, and promote heart health. Antioxidants in apples may slow cancer cell growth, protect against type 2 diabetes, and support lung, heart, and immune system health.

Why do apples and cinnamon go together? ›

There is a reason that apples and cinnamon go together. Beyond tasting delicious, they are also a powerful nutritional duo. Cooking apples releases pectin, a special form of fiber, that helps to repair and maintain the intestinal mucosal lining, promote healthy gut bacteria, and reduce inflammation.

Can you boil a whole apple? ›

Boiling an apple will soften its texture and break down its cellular structure. However, it won't turn into applesauce like when you cook it. The skin may peel off, and the apple might absorb some water, affecting its taste and texture.

Is boiling apples good for you? ›

Apples contain pectin which has many health benefits. When cooked, the pectin inside the skin is easily accessible to the microbiome in the colon and helps to repopulate beneficial flora and helps heal leaky gut.

How long should you boil fruit for? ›

Add the fruit to the pot and bring to a boil. Semi-cover the pot with a lid and reduce the heat to medium-low. Let boil for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, remove the fruit with a sieve or kitchen spider and process in a food processor or blender with a touch of sugar or honey for a delicious fruit purée.

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