Old Fashioned Stewed Apples
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Indulge in the timeless comfort of Old Fashioned Stewed Apples! This classic recipe brings a hint of nostalgia with its simple yet delightful blend of tender, cinnamon-spiced apples that melt in your mouth. Perfect as a stand-alone dessert or as a heartwarming addition to your pancakes, breakfast oatmeal, or a bowl of vanilla ice cream!
Old Fashioned Comfort in Every Bite.
Soft, buttery apples simmered with cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla until tender and syrupy. These stewed apples are the kind of cozy, nostalgic recipe that never goes out of style. Perfect warm over ice cream, spooned onto pancakes, or simply enjoyed on their own. Sam x
Nostalgic Flavor – Classic cinnamon-spiced apples with a buttery sauce
Ready in Minutes – Just slice, simmer, and serve in under 25 minutes
Versatile – A dessert, topping, or pie filling all in one
Watch how to make stewed apples
Ingredients you’ll need
- Apples – Gala or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 3 large or 3 cups)
- Salted butter – adds richness and depth of flavor
- Superfine sugar / caster sugar – melts easily into the syrup
- Vanilla extract – for warmth and aroma
- Ground cinnamon – classic spice pairing with apples
- Ground nutmeg – a touch of extra spice
Easy substitutions
- Different Apples: Use Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, or any firm apple that holds its shape.
- Unsalted Butter: Works fine – just add a pinch of salt.
- Sweetness Level: Swap superfine sugar with brown sugar for a deeper caramel flavor.
How to make old fashioned stewed apples
Step 1: Peel, core, and slice the apples into even wedges.
Step 2: Melt butter and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil.
Step 3: Reduce to a simmer and stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla.
Step 4: Add apples, bring back to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer 10–15 mins, stirring, until fork-tender.
Samantha’s recipe tips
- Slice evenly – helps the apples cook at the same rate.
- Don’t overcook – simmer until fork-tender, not mushy.
- Serving idea – spoon over ice cream, pancakes, waffles or enjoy warm on its own.
How to store stewed apples
Store: Keep stewed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Thaw/Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave, until warmed through.
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If you enjoy this recipe, please consider leaving a ⭐️ star rating and a comment review below. I love to hear what you think and it’s much appreciated. Thank you! Your email address will not be published. Sam x
Old Fashioned Stewed Apples
Ingredients
Method
- Prepare Apples: Peel and core the apples, then cut them into even sliced wedges.
- Cook Butter and Sugar: In a medium-sized saucepan, melt the butter with the sugar and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and stir in the vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Simmer Apples: Add the sliced apples to the pot and bring the mixture back to a boil. Reduce the heat to low-medium and simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and fork-tender, not mushy. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Enjoy your stewed apples warm as a dessert topping over ice cream or pancakes. Alternatively, serve them as a side dish with pork or as a filling for crumbles, pies and pastries.
Nutrition
Video
Notes
- Store: Keep stewed apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Thaw/Reheat: Thaw in the refrigerator overnight. Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, or microwave, until warmed through.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!What to do with stewed apples?
Stewed apples are incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of dishes. You can serve them as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, or use them to enhance savory dishes like pork chops.
They also make a delicious filling for apple crumble, pies and turnovers, or can be enjoyed as a simple dessert served over ice cream or simply with a dollop of whipped cream.
Can I make stewed apples ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare stewed apples in advance and store them to serve later that day or the next. Once cooled, keep them in the refrigerator where the sauce may thicken due to the butter content.
For serving, simply reheat them on the stovetop or microwave to return the sauce to a more liquid consistency. This makes the apples just as delightful as when they were freshly cooked!
Can stewed apples be kept at room temperature?
It’s not recommended to store stewed apples at room temperature for extended periods. After cooking, they should ideally be stored in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.
If you plan to serve them later the same day, keeping them at room temperature for a few hours is typically fine, but for longer storage, the refrigerator is the safer choice.
