If you’re craving a delightful treat that brings a cozy, nostalgic vibe to your table, the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is exactly what you need. This charming dish captures the sweet warmth of cinnamon-touched apples, enhanced with a beautiful red hue that makes it as inviting to the eyes as it is comforting to the soul. Whether you’re whipping this up for a family gathering or a quiet afternoon snack, these apple rings offer a perfect blend of simplicity and timeless flavor that never goes out of style.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe lies in its simplicity. With just a handful of ingredients, each plays an essential role in creating that rich, aromatic flavor, moist texture, and the classic red tint that makes this dish so memorable.
- Apples: Choose firm, tart red apples that hold their shape well during cooking for the best texture.
- Ground cinnamon: The star spice that gives these apple rings their warm, fragrant essence.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps preserve the vivid red color of the apples.
- Cornstarch or arrowroot powder: Helps thicken the cinnamon syrup coating for that perfect glaze.
- Water: The base for the cinnamon-infused syrup that gently poaches the apple rings.
- Brown sugar or honey: Provides just the right amount of natural sweetness to complement the tartness of the apples.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling and core-removing your apples, then slice them into rings about a quarter-inch thick. This ensures even cooking and that perfect tender crispness. To keep things festive and flavorful, make sure the rings aren’t too thin or too thick—they should hold their shape gently without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Syrup
In a saucepan, combine water, lemon juice, brown sugar, and a generous amount of ground cinnamon. Bring this mixture to a simmer, stirring until the sugar dissolves and the syrup becomes aromatic and warmly spiced. This syrup will be the delicious bath that transforms your apple rings from simple fruit slices to mouthwatering treats.
Step 3: Poach the Apple Rings
Gently place the apple rings into the simmering cinnamon syrup. Let them poach slowly over medium-low heat until they turn tender and absorb that beautiful red tint from the syrup—usually about 10 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook and lose their delightful bite.
Step 4: Thicken the Glaze
Mix cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) with a little cold water to create a smooth slurry, then stir it into your pot of syrup and apples. This will thicken the syrup into a glossy glaze that clings perfectly to each apple ring, making every bite a luscious experience. Cook for a few more minutes until the glaze has set.
Step 5: Cool and Serve
Once thickened and beautifully coated, carefully remove the apple rings from the syrup and let them cool on a rack or plate. As they cool, the glaze will set further, giving you those iconic red cinnamon apple rings that are equally stunning and delicious.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans adds a lovely crunch and nutty depth to your apple rings. Alternatively, a light dusting of powdered sugar can bring an extra touch of sweetness and an elegant look, perfect for serving to guests.
Side Dishes
These apple rings shine on their own but pair beautifully with creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for a classic dessert vibe. They also complement warm oatmeal or yogurt bowls superbly, elevating your breakfast or snack into something truly special.
Creative Ways to Present
Try stacking the apple rings with layers of cinnamon-spiced cream or mascarpone for a quick and charming parfait. Alternatively, thread them on wooden skewers for fun, bite-sized treats that are perfect for parties or cozy afternoons by the fire.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers—which is rare, trust me!—store the apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh for up to three days, retaining much of their flavor and texture, making them a convenient treat whenever a craving strikes.
Freezing
While these apple rings are best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze them to extend their life. Lay the rings flat on parchment-lined trays to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. They will keep for up to two months, ready to be thawed and enjoyed later.
Reheating
To heat, warm the apple rings gently in a saucepan over low heat, spooning extra syrup over them to revive that fresh-glazed feel. Avoid the microwave if you want to maintain the best texture; slow and steady warming is the key to reviving their charm.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart red apples like McIntosh or Empire work beautifully, feel free to experiment with others like Honeycrisp or Gala, just keep in mind the texture and sweetness can vary slightly.
Is the cinnamon flavor very strong in this recipe?
The cinnamon flavor is warm and comforting but balanced, never overpowering. You can always adjust the amount of cinnamon in the syrup to your personal taste for more or less intensity.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes! This Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is naturally vegan, especially if you use plant-based sweeteners like maple syrup or coconut sugar.
What’s the best way to peel and slice the apples?
The easiest method is to use a sharp paring knife or an apple corer with a slicer attachment for evenly sized rings. Peeling with a vegetable peeler also works for a thinner peel.
How long do the apple rings last if refrigerated?
When kept in an airtight container, these apple rings stay delicious for about three days. They can lose some firmness over time but retain their wonderful flavor for snacking or garnishing.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly magical about the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe. It’s a simple yet unforgettable way to celebrate apples in their cozy, comforting glory. I encourage you to try this recipe soon—it’s not just food, it’s a warm hug wrapped in cinnamon and red sugar glaze that your family and friends will adore. Happy cooking and even happier tasting!
Print
Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Indian
- Diet: Vegan
Description
This hearty and flavorful chickpea curry is a delicious blend of aromatic spices, creamy coconut milk, and tender chickpeas. Perfect for a comforting vegetarian meal, it comes together quickly on the stovetop, offering rich, warming flavors ideal for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp curry powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp turmeric
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) coconut milk
- 2 cans (400g each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Heat the Oil: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
- Sauté Onion: Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes, to develop a sweet, mellow base for the curry.
- Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger, cooking for an additional minute to release their fragrant aromas.
- Toast the Spices: Add curry powder, ground cumin, turmeric, and optional cayenne pepper. Cook the mixture for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly to bloom the spices and deepen their flavors.
- Add Liquids: Pour in the diced tomatoes and coconut milk, stirring well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Simmer with Chickpeas: Add the drained and rinsed chickpeas and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Season: Taste and season the curry with salt and pepper as desired.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle fresh cilantro on top just before serving to add a bright, fresh note to the dish.
Notes
- For added heat, increase the cayenne pepper to 1/2 tsp or add fresh chili peppers.
- You can serve this curry with basmati rice, naan, or quinoa for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and taste even better after the flavors meld overnight.
- To make it vegan, ensure your curry powder contains no animal-derived ingredients; this recipe is otherwise naturally vegan.
