Black Southern Cinnamon Apples Recipe
This post may contain affiliate partner links. View our privacy statement HERE.
If you’ve ever tasted the magic of sweet cinnamon apples bubbling on the stove in a Southern kitchen, then you already know! This dish is more than comfort food. It’s nostalgia simmered in butter and brown sugar.
My Black Southern cinnamon apples recipe rivals Cracker Barrel’s and brings those Sunday-dinner flavors to your table in minutes! You may know this classic by its other Southern-style names, baked apples or fried apples. But no matter what you call it, each bite is tender, caramelized, and kissed with cinnamon and spice, just like Grandma used to make!
What makes this recipe the Black Southern way of making cinnamon apples?
Warm cinnamon apples aren’t just something you eat. They’re something you feel! So, this easy recipe goes beyond Southern comfort, layering soulful spices for that unmistakable flavor of home.
So, my recipe is more than just the obvious cinnamon and sugar. Here, ingredients nutmeg, vanilla, and love come together with cinnamon, butter, and brown sugar to create the Black folks’ way of turning simple apples into something unforgettable!
Which apples are best for baked apples?
When you’re buying apples for cooking or baking, look for firm, crisp textures that can stand up to the heat without turning mushy. The right apple keeps its shape while soaking up all that cinnamon-spiced sweetness.
Some of the best apples for cooking include McIntosh, Granny Smith, Golden Delicious, Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp.
🥄 Shaunda says: Mix two apple varieties for extra flavor and texture! One tart (like Granny Smith) and one sweet (like Fuji or Honeycrisp). The combo gives your baked cinnamon apples that perfect balance of tangy and caramelized goodness every time!
How to make Black Southern-style cinnamon apples
This quick stovetop recipe comes together in minutes with simple steps for soul-sweet flavor!
Here are the instructions at a glance.
- Prep the apples: Peel, core, and slice into thick pieces so they stay tender, not mushy. Use an apple slicer and corer for quick, even cuts every time!
- Simmer the goodness: In a pot, combine water, apples, butter, brown sugar, and the spices.
- Thicken and flavor: Stir in the cornstarch-water mixture, add the vanilla, and let it simmer until tender in the irresistible homemade cinnamon-apple glaze.
For a quick and easy drop-it-in-and-go recipe, try my Instant Pot cinnamon apples!
Should you peel the apples?
Peeling is totally up to you! My cinnamon apples recipe works beautifully with either peeled or unpeeled apples. I’ve made it both ways (especially with leftovers from my homemade apple cider brine), and each turns out perfectly tender and full of flavor.
What’s the best way to core an apple without an apple corer?
Keep the slices thick so your apples stay tender, not mushy! Then, simply slice the apples in half vertically, then cut each half at a slight angle to expose the core. Lay the pieces flat on your cutting board and use your knife to easily remove the seeds and center—no special tools needed!
What to serve with cinnamon apples
This Black Southern classic is sweet, spiced, and full of soul—perfect as a side dish, dessert, or spooned over warm biscuits or vanilla ice cream.
Pair these tender baked apple slices with your favorite savory soul food recipes like a Southern turkey recipe, Southern fried chicken, or chicken and dressing for a comforting meal that tastes like down-home!
Storing leftovers
Store leftover cinnamon apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm and syrupy again!
Equipment
- Apple corer and slicer optional
- Medium-sized pot
Ingredients
- 2 cups water cold water, divided
- 5-6 large apples
- 4 tablespoons butter unsalted or vegan butter
- 1 cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon ground
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg ground
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel the apples and remove the seeds and core.
- Slice the apples into thick slices, about one-quarter to half an inch thick. Thick slices are preferred to prevent the apples from becoming mushy. (For ease of use and to achieve perfectly sized cuts, consider using an apple slicer and corer!)
- In a medium-sized pot over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water, the sliced apples, butter, brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- In a small bowl, mix the remaining cold water with the cornstarch until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
- Pour the cornstarch mixture into the pot.
- Add the vanilla extract and stir gently with a heat-safe rubber spatula to combine all the ingredients without breaking the apple slices.
- Cook uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples are done when they are tender enough to pierce with a fork but still hold their shape without falling apart. Then, serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
Like this post? Pin the below image to your Pinterest “Soul Food Recipes” board!
This recipe is easy. Can Fuji Apple good for this?
Yes, absolutely! Choose whichever apple variety is your favorite.