Description

Spiced Apple Rings are a delightful treat featuring tender apple slices simmered in a warm cinnamon candy syrup, infused with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and an optional guijillo chile for a subtle spicy kick. This easy stovetop recipe preserves the natural sweetness and texture of firm apples while delivering a comforting spiced flavor perfect for snacking or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale

Fruit and Citrus

2 pounds apples (MacIntosh, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or any firm fleshed apple)
1/4 cup lemon juice (keeps apples from darkening)

Liquid

3 cups water (divided use, more if needed)

Spices and Candy

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)

Instructions

Prepare lemon water: Combine the lemon juice with 2 cups of water in a bowl or container to create a lemon water solution that will prevent apples from browning.
Slice apples: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into 1/2 inch thick rings to maintain their shape and texture during cooking.
Soak apple rings: As you finish slicing, drop each apple ring into the lemon water to keep them from oxidizing and turning brown.
Melt cinnamon candy: In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of the remaining water and the cinnamon candies over medium heat, stirring frequently until the candies are fully melted into a syrup.
Adjust syrup consistency: Add additional water as necessary to ensure the syrup remains fluid and does not become too thick while melting the candy.
Add spices and chile: Stir in the guijillo chile (if using), whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to infuse the syrup with warm, aromatic spices and a subtle heat.
Drain and dry apples: Remove the apple rings from the lemon water and gently pat them dry to avoid diluting the syrup.
Combine apples and syrup: Gently stir the dried apple rings into the prepared cinnamon syrup, ensuring they are evenly coated and submerged.
Simmer apples: Cover the saucepan and simmer the apples in the spiced syrup for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
Store in syrup: Transfer the cooked apple rings to a storage container and pour the cooking syrup over them to preserve moisture and flavor.
Refrigerate: Cover the container tightly and refrigerate the apple rings overnight for about 8 hours to develop flavor. Before serving, remove the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and guijillo chile.
Storage: Keep any unused apple rings refrigerated for up to one week, maintaining them in the syrup for best taste and texture.

Notes

Choosing firm apple varieties helps maintain the shape and texture through cooking.
The use of lemon juice is key to preventing browning of apple slices before cooking.
The cinnamon candy provides a unique spiced sweetness that replaces ordinary cinnamon sticks and sugar.
Guijillo chile is optional for adding subtle heat; omit if you prefer a purely sweet and spiced flavor.
Make sure to remove whole spices before serving to avoid biting into cloves or cinnamon sticks.
These spiced apple rings work well as a snack, topping for oatmeal, or alongside roasted meats.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: spiced apple rings, cinnamon apple recipe, cinnamon candy syrup, simmered apples, apple dessert, fall recipe