Stewed Apples Recipe

This stewed apples recipe is a comforting, simple dessert or side dish that brings the sweet, aromatic flavors of cooked apples to life. Perfect for fall, this dish combines the natural sweetness of apples with warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a cozy treat for chilly evenings. Whether you’re serving it alongside pork chops, over oatmeal, or as a dessert with ice cream, stewed apples are a versatile, easy to make recipe everyone will enjoy.

Description

Stewed apples recipe are a classic fall dish that combines the natural sweetness of apples with a touch of cinnamon, nutmeg, and sugar to create a warm, spiced treat. This recipe is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in several ways, whether you’re pairing it with breakfast, a main course, or as a simple dessert. Stewing apples makes them soft and tender, and the process infuses them with the warm, comforting flavors of fall.

In this stewed apples recipe recipe, you’ll use fresh, firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala that hold up well when cooked. The apples are peeled, cored, and cut into chunks, then simmered with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice for balance. A small amount of butter enhances the texture, creating a luscious syrup that envelops the apples.

Stewed apples are great served over oatmeal for a warm breakfast, paired with roasted pork for a sweet and savory contrast, or simply enjoyed as a dessert. You can even serve it with whipped cream, ice cream, or a sprinkle of granola for added texture.

This recipe is easy to prepare, and once you’ve mastered the basic version, you can experiment with different flavorings, such as adding a splash of vanilla extract, a dash of ginger, or even a few dried cranberries or raisins. The beauty of stewed apples recipe lies in their simplicity and adaptability, making them a timeless recipe to enjoy year after year.

Ingredients:

4 medium sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or adjust to taste)
1/4 cup water
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the apples:
Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks or slices. If you prefer a chunkier stew, leave the apples in larger pieces; for a smoother texture, cut them into smaller pieces.
Cook the apples:
In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and water. Stir to coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar.
Simmer the apples:
Place the saucepan over medium heat. Allow the apples to come to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Stir occasionally to prevent the apples from sticking. Let them cook for about 15–20 minutes or until the apples are soft and tender. If you prefer a thicker syrup, you can cook the mixture for an additional 5 minutes.
Finish with butter:
Once the apples are tender, stir in the butter to create a smooth, glossy sauce. If desired, add a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness and enhance the flavors.
Serve:
Serve the stewed apples warm, either as a side dish, dessert, or over oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt. You can also top with whipped cream, vanilla ice cream, or a sprinkle of granola for added texture.

Notes:

Apple variety: The type of apples you use will influence the sweetness and texture of the dish. For a tart stewed apple, opt for Granny Smith apples. For a sweeter flavor, choose Gala or Honeycrisp.
Sweetener options: Feel free to swap the granulated sugar for brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.
Spices: Customize the spices to your liking. Add a dash of ground ginger or allspice for a deeper flavor, or even a splash of vanilla extract for added complexity.
Storage: Stewed apples can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. You can also freeze stewed apples for up to 3 months; however, the texture may change slightly upon thawing.