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Quick, easy, and oh-so delicious old fashioned stewed apples! My recipe for Stewed Apples uses five simple ingredients and takes 15 minutes to make. You will love learning how to make stewed apples for side dishes, desserts, and breakfasts!
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Stewed Apple Recipe
If you have ever had Cracker Barrel stewed apples, then you know you're in for a treat! This recipe is similar, with so much flavor, and freezes well, too. I promise you'll love it!
Apple recipes are my favorite during the Fall, right along with pumpkin recipes. I love cooking them up as a side dish for Oven Pork Chops, Baked Ham with Honey Glaze, and even with my Roast Turkey for Thanksgiving.
The best part about this easy stewed apple recipe is how well it pairs with everything. There is so much you can use them for! And they're delicious all on their own, too.
I had no idea how easy it is to stew apples. My kids love eating them and request them all the time.
Stephie
Old Fashioned Stewed Apples Ingredients
- Apples: The best apples for stewing apples are Braeburn, McIntosh, or Winesap apples. I've also listed out a few more options below, so keep reading on!
- Butter: This recipe should not have salt in it, so I recommend using unsalted butter.
- Apple Juice: Use your favorite apple juice.
- Lemon Juice: You want to use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. The flavor is much better when it's fresh.
- Cinnamon: A bit of cinnamon makes the most delicious stewed apples recipes!
How to Stew Apples
- Peel your apple and cut it into quarters.
- Remove the core, then cut the apple quarters into slices or dice them, according to your preference.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the apples. Cook for a couple of minutes. Then, add in the apple juice, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Simmer for a few more minutes until the apples are tender and the liquid is syrupy. Serve, and enjoy!
Love it! Going to Make it again. Tried it on pancakes with whipped cream!
Mary
Stewed Apple Recipe Expert Tips
- Cut your apples into equally sized apple slices or dice. The apples will cook more evenly if they are relatively close to the same size.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe, but it will take longer for the syrup to reduce if you do.
- Try adding more spices to the mixture and see what you like best! Any spice you enjoy in an apple dessert like my apple crumble will be perfect for stewing apples. Nutmeg and ground ginger are two favorites.
- If your liquid reduces too much before the apples soften enough, add more apple juice or water to the pan.
- You can use either water or apple juice, but apple juice combined with cinnamon is a perfect choice!
- Stewed Apples are perfect for making Apple Muffins.
Best Apples for Stewed Apple
Some apples are better for baking, and some are the best for cooking. Here are the best stewing apples to choose from:
- Braeburn apples: These are red and orange apples that are firm, with a tart and crisp flavor. They keep well and are perfect for baking or stewing.
- McIntosh apples: Tender and tart, these red and green apples are a great choice for making stewed apples. They're so easy to peel, too!
- Winesap apples: These apples are sweet and tangy, perfect for eating as-is, cooking, or making apple cider.
I also love Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, and Fuji apples for stewing. These apples are also perfect for making apples on the stove or even apple sauce in a slow cooker!
Storing and Reheating Stewed Apples
Storing Stewed Apples
- Cool Down: Allow the stewed apples to cool to room temperature before storing them. This helps prevent condensation inside the container, which can lead to sogginess.
- Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the stewed apples into airtight containers or glass jars with a tight-fitting lid. Ensure that there is minimal airspace in the container to reduce oxidation.
- Refrigeration: Store the containers in the refrigerator. Stewed apples can typically be kept in the fridge for 3-5 days.
- Label and Date: Consider labeling the container with the date you made the stewed apples so you can keep track of their freshness.
Reheating Stewed Apples
- Stovetop: Reheating on the stovetop is one of the best methods. Place the desired amount of stewed apples in a saucepan and heat them over low to medium heat. Stir occasionally until they reach your desired temperature. You can add water or apple juice if they have thickened too much.
- Microwave: If you're in a hurry, you can reheat stewed apples in the microwave. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap (leave a small vent for steam), and heat in 20-30 second intervals, stirring in between until heated.
- Oven: You can reheat stewed apples in the oven for larger batches. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the stewed apples in an ovenproof dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes or until they are hot.
- Slow Cooker: To keep stewed apples warm for an extended period, you can use a slow cooker on the "warm" setting. Be sure to stir occasionally.
Remember not to overheat the stewed apples, as they can become mushy and lose their flavor if subjected to high temperatures for too long. Reheat them just until they are warm, and you should have delicious stewed apples ready to enjoy.
Stewed Apples FAQ
Yes, you can!
Stew your apples, then add them to a freezer-safe container or freezer bag.
Lay the bag flat. Spread the apples evenly through the bag while removing as much air as possible. Seal the bag tightly.
Label with the freezing date, then place in the freezer.
Thaw frozen stewed apples by removing them from the freezer and letting them sit in the fridge overnight.
One medium apple amounts to a little over a cup once sliced, which will be enough for two servings. You can easily double or even triple this recipe by simply doubling or tripling the ingredients. However, remember that the liquid will be reduced less quickly by using more apples!
Stewed Apples for Babies
One of my favorite uses for stewed apples is making homemade baby food. Apples are nutritious, and stewing them makes them nice and soft for pureeing into a perfect baby food consistency.
Depending on your baby's age, you can control the consistency of the apples by mashing them with a fork or adding them to the blender.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below and with a rating! I love this dish and am so excited to share it with you.
Stewed Apples Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 apple
- ½ tablespoon butter
- ⅓ cup apple juice
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel your apple and cut it into quarters.1 apple
- Remove the core, then cut the apple quarters into slices or dice them, according to your preference.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium heat, then add the apples. Cook for a couple of minutes. Then, add in the apple juice, cinnamon, and lemon juice.½ tablespoon butter,⅓ cup apple juice,½ teaspoon lemon juice,¼ teaspoon cinnamon
- Simmer for a few more minutes until the apples are tender and the liquid is syrupy. Serve, and enjoy!
Notes
- Cut your apples into equally sized slices or dice.
- You can easily double or triple this recipe.
- Try adding more spices to the mixture and see what you like best!
- If your liquid reduces too much, add a bit more apple juice or water to the pan.
- You can use either water or apple juice.
Charles Peter Sanderson says
Great 😃
Em Beitel says
Thanks so much, Charles!