Warm cinnamon skillet apples cooked over low heat with just water and cinnamon for a super easy, healthy dessert. Top your bowl of cinnamon apples with a scoop of natural vanilla ice cream to make it a little more decadent!
A year or two ago, I discovered that cooking apple slices in just water and cinnamon makes a really delicious, healthy dessert or even snack, so I’m sharing my super simple method for cinnamon skillet apples with you today.
It’s a healthier alternative to traditional fried apples recipes, which typically call for loads of sugar and butter.
This recipe has just three ingredients- apples, cinnamon, and water, and it’s hard to mess up.
And an added bonus is that since the recipe actually doesn’t use dairy, honey, etc., it’s happens to be vegan-friendly and allergy-friendly!
I like using granny smith apples since they’re tart, firm, and great for baking, and they’re actually the lowest in sugar out of all the apple varieties. 
I first made these cinnamon skillet apples for my family a few years ago since most of them were following a low-sugar eating plan, and they still request these apples all the time!
If you serve these skillet apples a la mode, it’s almost just like eating warm apple cobbler. I’ve also stirred leftover cinnamon skillet apples into plain Greek yogurt or oatmeal, which is amazing.
My two very favorite healthy desserts (this and my favorite healthy apple crisp) use apples, so I have this inexpensive peeler/corer/slicer that’s a total game changer when it comes to apple desserts.
It cuts the prep time way down, all of the pieces are a uniform size, and you don’t have to worry about nicking yourself while peeling with a vegetable peeler. LOVE this thing.
If you try these healthy cinnamon skillet apples, feel free to let me know in a comment or post a picture and tag me @livbane on Instagram– I’d love to see! Hope you enjoy!
Things I use: this high-quality organic cinnamon I love (it’s a REALLY good deal!), this apple peeler & slicer
Healthy Cinnamon Skillet Apples
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 6 granny smith apples
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans, optional for topping
Instructions
- Peel and chop apples into small, fairly uniform pieces, about 1/4 inch thick.
- Place a medium skillet onto medium-low heat and add water. Add apples and cinnamon to taste, stirring and cooking until apples are softened, about 6-10 minutes. If all of the water evaporates, add a little more water as the apples cook.
- Add cooked apples to serving bowls and top with nuts and a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream.
- Store leftover apples in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and reheat in the microwave for 20 seconds, or stir them into oatmeal or vanilla/plain yogurt– no need to reheat!
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I crave these all the time! One of my favorite “desserts”!!!!
So do I! I’ll have to make them again soon!
Liv,
Have you ever tried to make a single portion of this recipe with just one apple? Looks delicious!
Hi, Lizzy! I’ve done a single-serving version in a skillet with a couple of tablespoons of water and about 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon. I’ve also done the same thing in the microwave by putting it all in a mug and microwaving for about 1 1/2 minutes. So good!
Just made these, looking all over for simple, low cal recipe for baked apples.
Had with Greek yogurt and pecans. Delicious. Thank you!
So glad to hear you enjoyed these, Bethany! The apples with Greek yogurt and pecans sounds delicious.
Just made a single serving with Gala, walnuts and greek yogurt..delicious!! Added a little vanilla. No guilt.
Mmmm sounds delicious, Flo! Thanks for sharing!
I came into three Granny Smith Apples that I didn’t want. Not an apple I like. I couldn’t find anyone else who wanted my three Granny Smith Apples either; so, I googled, and ended up here. I’m looking so forward to trying this recipe and sharing with my good friend Joyce. Fun! Gratitude! What a nice print out, to boot!
Could I make this in the crockpot? I try not to use the stove in the summer 🙂
Hi Grayce! I haven’t tried it but I’m sure you could! I’m not sure how long it would take but you could just keep an eye on the apples and check them periodically so they don’t turn to mush!
I personally enjoy McIntosh apples the most for baking and eating, pink lady are a close second. For this recipe while delish on its own I added some vanilla, nutmeg, dash of salt, and god forgive me, some butter flavored cook spray while cooling and tossed. I just can’t have apples without some creamy butter flavoring!
Sounds like yummy additions! I’m sure vanilla and nutmeg would be amazing in these apples!
Just made this last night. I used Honey Crips Apples my favorite. I’m on Weight Watchers so I used 1/2 cup of Salted Carmel Halo Ice Cream on top. It was so good!! Thanks!
Mmm, love honey crisps! I’m so glad you enjoyed these skillet apples!
Was looking for a healthy way to get rid of a bunch of apples that were going bad – googled and came across your recipe. So delicious!!! Thanks 🙂
Hooray!! I’m so glad to hear you loved this easy apple recipe!!
The kids love Granny Smith Apples. I will make them some of these!
Hope your kids love these cinnamon apples! 🙂
Yum! Thanks for sharing. I’m going be making this tomorrow. I love how cinnamon completely complements apples.
Can this recipe be frozen?
Thanks,
Debby
I just made this dish. I added 1/2 cup of chopped Omega-3 Deluxe Nut mix to the apples as they cooked. It is absolutely delicious. Didn’t top with ice cream but topped with Ready Whip. Really, really good.
About how many calories without the nuts
Hi Judy! Without the nuts, it’ll just be the calories from the apples you use, which will vary a bit based on how large they are 🙂
Why peel the apples first? Aren’t you taking away a lot of nutrients?
Hey BJ! It’s just a personal preference since the cooked skin can be a bit chewy; you’re welcome to leave the skin on!