Spiced Apples
Sweet and spiced apples coated in a vibrant red syrup, perfect as a chilled dessert or festive treat for apple lovers and those craving a flavorful fruit dish.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Peel apples and cut into chunks or thick slices. To prevent darkening, place sliced apples in a bowl of saltwater if desired.
- Place sugar, water, and several red hots in a heavy saucepan; stir well and simmer.
- Add a generous sprinkle of cinnamon and enough red food coloring to make the syrup bright red.
- Add part of the drained apples and cook until tender.
- Remove cooked apples and continue cooking the syrup until thickened.
- Pour the thickened syrup over the remaining apples in a casserole or dish.
- Chill the dish; the apples keep well in the refrigerator.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. If you prefer a more natural color, skip the red food coloring and let the apples’ natural hues shine. You can also substitute brown sugar for white sugar for a deeper caramel flavor. For an extra kick, add a pinch of nutmeg alongside the cinnamon.
Serving Suggestions
Serve spiced apples as a delightful dessert on their own, or pair them with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for added indulgence. They also complement savory dishes beautifully, making them an excellent side for pork or poultry. For a festive touch, add them to a Summer Fruit Basket for a colorful display.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover spiced apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. To reheat, gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to maintain their texture. They can also be enjoyed cold directly from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spiced Apples contains roughly 147 calories, with 3g protein, 36g carbohydrates, and 1g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (61% of the Daily Value) and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value). It also contributes 7g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other fruits in this recipe?
Yes, you can experiment with other fruits like pears or peaches. Adjust the cooking time based on the fruit's tenderness. However, apples are ideal for the syrup's texture and flavor.
How can I make this recipe vegan?
This recipe is naturally vegan as it contains no animal products. Ensure that the sugar used is vegan-friendly, as some sugars are processed with bone char. Substitute the red hots with vegan-friendly candies if desired.
What can I do with leftover syrup?
Leftover syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for a week and used as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. You can also drizzle it over desserts like Cherry Supreme Pie for added flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).