If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that bursts with warmth and cozy spice, then this Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is your perfect kitchen companion. These tender apple rings soak up a luscious cinnamon-infused syrup that’s both sweet and tart, capturing the very essence of vintage Americana desserts. Whether you’re looking to add a charming holiday side dish or a delightful snack to your repertoire, this recipe brings together simple ingredients and straightforward steps to create something truly memorable that feels like a warm hug from the past.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may be simple, but each one plays a key role in creating the unforgettable flavor and vibrant color of the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe. From the crispness of the apples to the spicy kick of the cinnamon candies, every element works in harmony to delight your taste buds.
- Firm apples: Choose Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness with a firm texture that holds up well during cooking.
- Water: The base for the cinnamon syrup, it gently simmers the apples while infusing flavor.
- Granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup and helps the cinnamon candies melt evenly.
- Red hot cinnamon candies: Provide a vibrant color and delightful warmth that defines this recipe’s signature flavor.
- Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps to keep the apple rings fresh and vibrant.
- Red food coloring (optional): Enhances the deep red hue for a more dramatic and festive presentation.
- Cinnamon sticks: Infuse the syrup with authentic cinnamon aroma and a hint of spice that’s hard to resist.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples into uniform 1/4-inch rings. Using a melon baller or a small corer works wonders to keep each ring intact and beautiful for serving.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Syrup
In a large saucepan, combine water, sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and if you choose, a bit of red food coloring. Bring this mixture up to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure the sugar and candies dissolve completely, creating that irresistible, spiced syrup.
Step 3: Simmer the Apple Rings
Reduce heat to low and carefully add apple rings in batches to the simmering syrup. Let them cook gently for about 5 to 7 minutes until they become just tender without turning mushy. Using a slotted spoon, transfer each batch to a heat-safe container as they’re done.
Step 4: Soak in Syrup and Chill
Once all your apple rings are perfectly cooked, pour the warm cinnamon syrup over them, making sure each ring gets a lovely coating. Let everything cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or ideally overnight so the flavors can deepen and mingle beautifully.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra ground cinnamon or crushed red hot candies over your chilled apple rings for an added pop of spice and texture. A few fresh mint leaves offer a bright contrast in both flavor and presentation, making your dish look as delightful as it tastes.
Side Dishes
These apple rings complement roasted meats like pork or turkey wonderfully, balancing savory and sweet with an elegant twist. They’re also fantastic alongside creamy mashed potatoes or even incorporated as a festive topping on vanilla ice cream or warm oatmeal.
Creative Ways to Present
For holiday gatherings or special occasions, arrange the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings on a decorative platter layered with fresh cranberries and rosemary sprigs for that classic seasonal feel. Alternatively, stack them in a jar as a charming homemade gift that’s sure to impress friends and family.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover apple rings can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure they are fully submerged in the cinnamon syrup to keep them moist and flavorful.
Freezing
While freezing may slightly alter their texture, you can freeze the apple rings in the cinnamon syrup in a sealed container for up to three months. Thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Reheating
If you prefer warm apple rings, gently reheat them in a saucepan over low heat until just warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep their tender texture intact and not turn mushy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples for the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are ideal for their firmness and balance of tartness and sweetness, you can experiment with Fuji or Pink Lady apples, though keeping an eye on cooking times is key as some varieties soften more quickly.
Is the red food coloring necessary?
The red food coloring is completely optional. It mainly enhances the deep red appearance of the apple rings. If you prefer a more natural look, the cinnamon candies and lemon juice will still give a lovely reddish tint.
How long can I leave the apple rings to soak in the syrup?
For best flavor, refrigerate them for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time lets the apples absorb the cinnamon syrup fully, making each bite rich and flavorful.
Can these apple rings be served warm?
Yes! Although traditionally served chilled or at room temperature, gently reheating the apple rings until just warm makes them a cozy treat during cooler months without sacrificing their texture.
Are these apple rings suitable for special diets?
This Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is naturally gluten-free, fat-free, and vegetarian-friendly, making it a versatile side or dessert for many dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
Nothing brings the cozy comfort of home quite like this Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe. It’s a timeless delight that feels sweet, spicy, and simply heartwarming all at once. I can’t wait for you to try it, whether for a holiday feast or a sweet everyday treat. Once you taste those tender, cinnamon-kissed slices, this vintage recipe will surely become a cherished favorite in your kitchen, just like it is in mine.
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Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are a nostalgic American side dish featuring tender apple slices simmered in a fragrant cinnamon and red hot candy syrup. These vibrant, sweet-tart apple rings are perfect for holiday meals, dessert toppings, or as a unique addition to a charcuterie board. They are easy to prepare on the stovetop and maintain a pleasing texture with a signature red hue.
Ingredients
Apple Rings
- 6 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional for a deeper red color)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Prepare the Syrup: In a large saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and red food coloring if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat while stirring occasionally until the sugar and candies dissolve completely, creating a fragrant cinnamon syrup.
- Simmer Apple Rings: Reduce heat to low and add the apple rings in batches to avoid overcrowding. Simmer each batch for 5 to 7 minutes or until the apples are just tender but still hold their shape without becoming mushy. Remove the cooked apple rings with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a heat-safe container or bowl.
- Combine and Cool: Once all apple rings are cooked, pour the warm cinnamon syrup over the rings to coat them evenly. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature.
- Chill: Cover the container with the apple rings and syrup, then refrigerate for at least 4 hours or preferably overnight. This resting time enhances the flavor and deepens the cinnamon infusion.
- Serve: Serve the red cinnamon apple rings chilled or at room temperature as a delightful side dish, festive dessert topping, or charming addition to a charcuterie board.
Notes
- Use a melon baller to remove apple cores while keeping the rings intact.
- These apple rings make a great holiday side dish, dessert topping, or can be added to a charcuterie board for variety.
- Store leftover apple rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
