Introduction

Spiced Apple Rings are a delightful treat that combines tender apple slices with a warm cinnamon and clove syrup. This easy recipe brings a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a lovely snack or addition to desserts.

The image shows a white bowl with a colorful fruit pattern on the inside edge, filled with several thick, bright red slices of cooked apple with a soft and slightly chunky texture, stacked and overlapping each other. The bowl rests on a white cloth with red cherry patterns and a white marbled surface underneath. Next to the bowl is a vintage knife with a worn turquoise wooden handle and a silver blade. Some small red round candy or decoration pieces are scattered on the cloth near the bowl. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/4 cup lemon juice (keeps apples from darkening)
2 pounds apples (MacIntosh, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or any firm-fleshed apple that holds its shape when cooked)
3 cups water (divided use, more if needed)
2 cups cinnamon candy (Red Hots, Cinnamon Imperials, or any hard cinnamon candy)
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 guajillo chile (optional, adds a little heat)

Instructions

Step 1: Add the lemon juice to 2 cups of water in a large bowl or container.
Step 2: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into 1/2 inch thick rings.
Step 3: Immediately drop each apple ring into the lemon water as you finish slicing to prevent browning.
Step 4: Heat 1/2 cup of the remaining water in a saucepan over medium heat, then add the cinnamon candies.
Step 5: Stir often until the candies are completely melted, adding a little more water if needed to keep the syrup from becoming too thick.
Step 6: Add the guajillo chile (if using), whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the syrup.
Step 7: Drain the apple rings from the lemon water and pat them dry gently with a clean towel.
Step 8: Carefully stir the apple rings into the warm spiced syrup.
Step 9: Cover the saucepan and simmer gently for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
Step 10: Transfer the apple rings and syrup into a storage container, ensuring the apples are fully covered with the syrup.
Step 11: Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight (about 8 hours). Remove the cloves, cinnamon sticks, and guajillo chile before serving.
Step 12: Keep any unused apple rings in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Tips & Variations

Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor and texture.
If you prefer less heat, omit the guajillo chile altogether or substitute with a small piece of dried orange peel for citrus aroma.
For a smoother syrup, strain out the spices before serving, or leave them in for a stronger spice punch.
Serve the spiced apple rings chilled or at room temperature as a snack, topping for oatmeal, or a garnish for desserts.

Storage

Store the spiced apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to one week. Reheat gently in a saucepan if you prefer them warm, or enjoy them straight from the fridge for a refreshing treat.

How to Serve

The image shows two glass jars filled with a smooth, bright red frozen dessert, with a shiny, slightly textured surface on top. Each jar has a small, dark red liquid circle pool in the center of the frozen layer, adding a contrasting detail. The jars are clear and show the vivid red filling inside. They are placed on a white marbled surface, and the photo is closely framed to highlight the texture and color of the dessert. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples?

Yes, choose any firm-fleshed apples that hold their shape when cooked, such as Fuji, Braeburn, or Pink Lady. Avoid overly soft apples as they can become mushy.

Is the guajillo chile necessary?

No, the guajillo chile is optional and adds a mild heat and depth of flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer a purely sweet and spiced taste.

Spiced Apple Rings Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 130 reviews

Spiced Apple Rings are a delightful treat featuring tender apple slices simmered in a warm cinnamon candy syrup infused with cloves, cinnamon sticks, and optional guijillo chile for a subtle heat. This easy stovetop recipe ensures the apples stay perfectly shaped while absorbing a rich, spiced flavor, making it a perfect dessert or snack to enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Author: Cleo
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 8 hours 40 minutes (including refrigeration time)
Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Category: Dessert
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

For the Apples

1/4 cup lemon juice (to prevent apples from browning)
2 pounds apples (MacIntosh, Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, or any firm-fleshed apple)
3 cups water (divided use; more if needed)

For the Spiced Syrup

2 cups cinnamon candy (Red Hots or Cinnamon Imperials – any hard cinnamon candy)
1 tablespoon whole cloves
2 cinnamon sticks
1 guijillo chile (optional – adds a little heat)

Instructions

Prepare Lemon Water: Add the lemon juice to 2 cups of water in a large bowl. This mixture will keep the apple slices from darkening once peeled and cut.
Slice Apples: Peel and core the apples, then slice them into 1/2 inch thick rings. As you slice each apple ring, immediately drop it into the lemon water to prevent browning.
Prepare Spiced Syrup: In a saucepan, heat 1/2 cup of the remaining water along with the cinnamon candies. Stir frequently to melt the candies completely, adding more water as needed to maintain a syrupy consistency without it becoming too thick.
Add Spices: Add the guijillo chile (if using), whole cloves, and cinnamon sticks to the syrup. Allow the mixture to infuse with these spices while stirring gently.
Drain and Dry Apples: Drain the apple rings from the lemon water and gently pat them dry using a clean towel to remove excess moisture.
Simmer Apples in Syrup: Add the dried apple rings gently into the prepared spiced syrup. Cover the saucepan and let it simmer on low heat for about 15 minutes, stirring occasionally and gently, until the apples are tender yet holding their shape.
Store: Transfer the apple rings along with the spiced syrup to a storage container. Cover tightly and refrigerate overnight, or for approximately 8 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Serve and Store: Before serving, remove the cloves and cinnamon sticks. Store unused apple rings in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Notes

The optional guijillo chile adds a subtle heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
Use firm apples that maintain shape when cooked, such as Granny Smith or Honey Crisp.
The cinnamon candy provides a unique spicy sweetness; adjust the quantity for desired sweetness and spice.
Ensure to pat apples dry before simmering to avoid diluting the syrup.
This recipe improves in flavor after refrigerating overnight.
Store the apples covered with syrup to maintain moisture and flavor.

Keywords: spiced apple rings, cinnamon apple rings, apple dessert, cinnamon candy syrup, simmered apples