Canned Cinnamon Apples Recipe Easy and Delicious Ideas

Updated On: October 13, 2025

There’s something undeniably comforting about the warm aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples wafting through your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a cozy autumn treat or a simple, delightful dessert, canned cinnamon apples are a versatile and easy recipe to have up your sleeve.

This recipe captures the essence of tender apples simmered in a fragrant cinnamon-infused syrup, perfectly preserved to enjoy anytime. Best of all, making your own canned cinnamon apples means you control the sweetness and spice levels, ensuring a fresh, homemade flavor without any preservatives.

Plus, these apples work wonderfully as a topping, side dish, or snack, making them a must-try for both beginners and seasoned home cooks alike.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn how to prepare, cook, and can these delicious cinnamon apples safely, along with handy tips to customize the recipe to your liking. Ready to infuse your pantry with the cozy scent of cinnamon and apples?

Let’s dive in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This canned cinnamon apples recipe is perfect for those who appreciate the simplicity of classic flavors combined with the convenience of homemade preservation. The apples are gently cooked until tender but still hold their shape, soaked in a warm cinnamon-spiced syrup that’s just sweet enough.

Canning them allows you to enjoy that comforting taste year-round without worrying about spoilage.

Whether you’re looking for an easy dessert, a topping for pancakes or oatmeal, or a flavorful addition to your holiday meals, canned cinnamon apples fit the bill. It’s a recipe that saves time, reduces waste by preserving extra apples, and provides a healthier alternative to store-bought canned fruit, which often contains unnecessary additives or too much sugar.

Plus, once you master this recipe, you can experiment with different spices and add-ins, making it your own signature treat. It’s a delightful way to bring warmth and sweetness to any meal or snack!

Ingredients

  • 6 lbs fresh apples (firm varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  • 4 cups water
  • 3 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)

Equipment

  • Large pot for cooking apples
  • Canning jars (quart or pint size), sterilized
  • Lid and band sets for jars
  • Water bath canner or large stockpot with a rack
  • Jar lifter for safe handling
  • Funnel for filling jars
  • Large spoon or ladle
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Clean towels for wiping jar rims

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, core, and slice your apples into 1/2-inch thick pieces. To prevent browning, place the sliced apples in a large bowl of cold water mixed with the lemon juice.
  2. Make the cinnamon syrup: In a large pot, combine the water, sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves (if using). Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely.
  3. Cook the apples: Drain the apples from the lemon water and add them to the simmering syrup. Reduce heat and cook gently for 5-7 minutes until the apples are just tender but not mushy.
  4. Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract if using, then remove the pot from heat.
  5. Fill jars: Using a funnel, pack the hot apples into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top. Pour the hot cinnamon syrup over the apples, maintaining the headspace.
  6. Remove air bubbles: Run a non-metallic spatula or chopstick around the inside of the jar to release trapped air bubbles. Wipe the rims with a clean, damp towel to ensure a good seal.
  7. Seal jars: Place lids and bands on the jars and tighten until fingertip tight.
  8. Process jars in water bath: Place the jars into a boiling water bath canner, making sure they’re covered by at least 1-2 inches of water. Process pint jars for 15 minutes and quart jars for 20 minutes. Adjust for altitude if necessary.
  9. Cool and store: Remove jars carefully using a jar lifter and place them on a towel to cool undisturbed for 12-24 hours. Check seals before storing in a cool, dark place.
  10. Enjoy! Wait at least two weeks to allow flavors to meld before opening. Refrigerate after opening and consume within a week for best flavor.

Tips & Variations

“Choosing the right apple is key to great canned cinnamon apples. Firmer varieties hold their shape better during cooking and canning.”

  • Apple varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for balanced flavor and texture.
  • Adjust sweetness: Feel free to reduce the sugar to 2 cups for a less sweet version or increase it if you prefer dessert-level sweetness.
  • Spice it up: Add a cinnamon stick to the syrup while cooking for a more intense cinnamon flavor.
  • Chunk size: Cut apples larger if you want more texture, smaller for a softer, more dessert-like apple.
  • Alternative sweeteners: Try honey or maple syrup instead of sugar for a different flavor profile.
  • Serving ideas: Mix canned cinnamon apples with oats for a quick breakfast or spoon over vegan ice cream for a warm dessert.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Per 1/2 cup serving
Calories 110
Carbohydrates 28g
Sugar 24g
Fiber 2g
Protein 0.3g
Fat 0g
Vitamin C 5% DV
Calcium 1% DV

Serving Suggestions

Canned cinnamon apples are incredibly versatile and can elevate various dishes. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:

  • Breakfast topping: Spoon over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles for an instant flavor boost.
  • Dessert: Warm and serve with vegan vanilla ice cream or dairy-free yogurt.
  • Snack: Enjoy them straight from the jar for a quick, satisfying treat.
  • Side dish: Serve alongside roasted vegetables or vegan sausage for a sweet and savory balance.
  • Baking ingredient: Use canned apples as a filling for vegan pies, tarts, or turnovers.

Conclusion

Making canned cinnamon apples at home is a rewarding and practical way to preserve the delightful flavors of fresh apples with a cozy cinnamon twist. This recipe is straightforward enough for beginners yet flexible enough for experienced cooks to customize according to their taste preferences.

The end result is a jar full of tender, flavorful apples that can brighten breakfasts, enhance desserts, or simply be enjoyed as a wholesome snack. Plus, knowing exactly what’s in your canned goods provides peace of mind and satisfaction that store-bought options simply can’t match.

Give this recipe a try, and you’ll soon find yourself reaching for your homemade cinnamon apples time and again. Don’t forget to explore other delicious recipes like Veg Grilled Sandwich Recipes That Are Quick and Delicious, or try your hand at warming soups with the Apple Barn Pigeon Forge TN Vegetable Soup Recipe Guide.

For a unique vegan twist on savory dishes, check out the Chinese Vegetarian Nasi Lemak Recipe Made Easy and Delicious. Happy canning and cooking!

📖 Recipe Card: Canned Cinnamon Apples

Description: A simple and delicious recipe for canned apples infused with warm cinnamon. Perfect for enjoying year-round as a sweet treat or dessert topping.

Prep Time: PT15M
Cook Time: PT25M
Total Time: PT40M

Servings: 6 jars (8 oz each)

Ingredients

  • 6 cups peeled and sliced apples (about 6 medium apples)
  • 3 cups water
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 6 half-pint sterilized canning jars
  • 6 canning jar lids and rings

Instructions

  1. Combine water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and salt in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  2. Add the sliced apples and simmer for 10 minutes until tender.
  3. Ladle hot apples and syrup into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace.
  4. Remove air bubbles by gently tapping jars or using a utensil.
  5. Wipe jar rims clean and seal with lids and rings.
  6. Process jars in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes.
  7. Remove jars and let cool completely before storing.

Nutrition: Calories: 150 | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0.1g | Carbs: 39g

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Marta K

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