How to Make Cinnamon Red Hot Apples

There’s something magical about the combination of cinnamon and apples. The sweet, tart flavor of apples pairs perfectly with the warmth of cinnamon, and when you add red hot candies into the mix, you get a sweet, spicy, and comforting treat. Cinnamon Red Hot Apples are the perfect treat for fall or any time you’re craving something warm and aromatic.

This recipe for Cinnamon Red Hot Apples is simple to make and can be enjoyed in many ways. You can serve them as a dessert, add them to oatmeal, use them as a topping for ice cream, or even enjoy them as a warm snack. This blog post will walk you through the step-by-step process of making these delicious apples, provide tips on how to store them, and suggest creative ways to enjoy this delightful dish.

What Are Cinnamon Red Hot Apples?

Cinnamon Red Hot Apples are a sweet and spicy dessert made by cooking apples with cinnamon and red hot candies. The red hot candies, which are small, hard cinnamon-flavored candies, melt into the cooking apples, creating a flavorful syrup that coats each slice of apple. The result is a dessert that’s both sweet and fiery, with a nice balance of spice from the cinnamon and red hot candies.

Not only do they taste amazing, but they also fill your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon, making them perfect for cold weather months. This recipe is easy to make and can be adapted in various ways to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Cinnamon Red Hot Apples doesn’t require many ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

For the Cinnamon Red Hot Apples:

6–8 medium apples: Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best texture and flavor.

1 cup red hot candies: These small, spicy cinnamon-flavored candies are key to the bold, fiery taste.

2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: For added depth and warmth.

1/2 cup sugar: Optional, depending on how sweet you like your apples.

1 tablespoon lemon juice: This will help prevent the apples from browning and balance the sweetness.

1/2 cup water: To create the syrupy sauce.

1 tablespoon butter: Adds richness and a silky texture to the final product.

For Optional Garnishes and Variations:

Chopped nuts (walnuts, pecans, or almonds): For added crunch.

Whipped cream: For serving.

Vanilla ice cream: A perfect pairing with warm cinnamon apples.

Oatmeal: Spoon the apples over your morning oatmeal for a delicious breakfast treat.

Caramel sauce: For an extra indulgent touch.

Equipment Needed

Sharp knife and cutting board: To slice the apples evenly.

Large pot or saucepan: For cooking the apples.

Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the apples.

Measuring cups and spoons: For precise measurements.

Storage jars or containers: If you’re planning to preserve the apples for later use.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Cinnamon Red Hot Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

The first step is to wash and peel your apples. Depending on your preference, you can leave the skins on, but peeling them ensures a smoother texture and allows the syrup to coat the apples more evenly. After peeling, slice the apples into uniform wedges, about 1/4-inch thick. This will help the apples cook evenly and absorb the flavors more effectively.

Step 2: Cook the Apples with Cinnamon and Sugar

In a large pot or saucepan, combine the sliced apples, sugar (if using), and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together to evenly coat the apples in the sugar and cinnamon. The sugar will draw out some of the natural juices from the apples, creating a syrup as it cooks.

Place the pot over medium heat and cook the apples, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the apples start to soften. At this point, you should start to smell the cinnamon warming up, and the apples will start releasing their juices.

Step 3: Add the Red Hot Candies and Water

Once the apples are slightly softened, add the red hot candies and water to the pot. Stir everything together to dissolve the candies into the mixture. The candies will slowly melt, turning the syrup a bright red and infusing it with that classic cinnamon-spicy flavor.

Continue cooking the mixture over medium heat for another 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should be tender and cooked through, but still slightly firm, so they hold their shape and don’t become mushy. The syrup will thicken slightly as the red hot candies melt.

Step 4: Add Butter for Richness

Once the apples have cooked and the syrup has thickened, add the tablespoon of butter to the pot. Stir it in until the butter has melted, adding richness and a smooth texture to the syrup. The butter will also help to bring the flavors together and create a glossy finish.

At this point, you can taste the syrup and adjust the sweetness if needed. If it’s too spicy from the red hot candies, you can add a little more sugar to balance it out.

Step 5: Serve or Store the Cinnamon Red Hot Apples

Once your apples are fully cooked and the syrup is rich and flavorful, it’s time to serve them! You can serve them immediately while they’re warm, or you can allow them to cool to room temperature. If you want to make them ahead of time, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

Storage Tips

If you want to preserve the Cinnamon Red Hot Apples for a longer period, you can can them in jars. Here’s how:

Sterilize Jars: Boil your canning jars and lids in water to sterilize them before use.

Fill the Jars: Once the apples are cooked, spoon them into the hot sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.

Seal and Process: Seal the jars with lids and process them in a water bath for 15 minutes. Once they cool, you’ll have preserved apples that can be stored for up to a year.

Creative Ways to Enjoy Cinnamon Red Hot Apples

While Cinnamon Red Hot Apples are a delicious treat on their own, there are plenty of creative ways to incorporate them into other dishes. Here are a few ideas:

1. Over Ice Cream

The warm, spicy apples make an excellent topping for vanilla ice cream. The contrast between the cold, creamy ice cream and the warm apples is an irresistible combination. Add a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent dessert.

2. With Oatmeal

Start your morning off right by spooning the cinnamon red hot apples over a bowl of warm oatmeal. The apples add a sweet, spicy, and slightly tangy flavor that pairs beautifully with the creamy oats. Top it with some chopped nuts or a drizzle of honey for extra texture and sweetness.

3. In Pies and Tarts

These apples can also be used as a filling for pies or tarts. Instead of traditional apple pie filling, use these cinnamon-spiced apples for a unique twist. Their flavor is perfect for pies, galettes, and even turnovers.

4. With Pancakes or Waffles

Serve the cinnamon red hot apples as a topping for pancakes or waffles. The apples provide a sweet and spicy contrast to the fluffy breakfast items, and the syrupy sauce makes a delicious addition to the dish.

5. As a Gift

Cinnamon Red Hot Apples make a wonderful homemade gift. Fill mason jars with the cooked apples, seal them with a cute ribbon, and give them to friends and family. You can even add a tag with instructions on how to serve them over ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal.

Troubleshooting and Tips

Too Sweet or Too Spicy?: If you find that the apples are too sweet or too spicy, adjust the sugar or cinnamon to taste. You can always add more sugar if the red hot candies make the dish too spicy.

Apples Are Too Soft: If your apples turn too soft, it means they were overcooked. Be sure to monitor them while they’re cooking and remove them from the heat as soon as they’re tender but still holding their shape.

No Red Hot Candies?: If you can’t find red hot candies, you can substitute with cinnamon candy chips or cinnamon extract for a similar flavor profile.

Conclusion

Cinnamon Red Hot Apples are a simple yet delicious treat that combines the sweetness of apples with the spicy kick of cinnamon and red hot candies. Whether you serve them as a dessert, use them as a topping, or give them as gifts, these apples will fill your home with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and warmth. This recipe is easy to make, and you can customize it to suit your taste.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and try making this sweet and spicy dish for yourself. Your family and friends will love it, and you’ll be left with a batch of these irresistible apples that are perfect for any occasion.

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