If you’re craving a nostalgic treat that bursts with warm, spicy sweetness and crisp apple freshness, you’ve got to try this Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe. It’s a delightful way to enjoy apples transformed by a vibrant, cinnamony syrup that clings to each tender ring. This recipe brings back memories of cozy kitchens and holiday gatherings, making every bite feel like a comforting hug wrapped in bright red hues and a touch of spice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Creating the perfect Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is all about simple, quality ingredients that work beautifully together. Each one adds a splash of flavor, texture, or color, turning humble apples into a dish full of personality and charm.
- 4 medium firm apples: Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work great for a balance of tartness and firmness, perfect for holding their shape.
- 2 cups water: The base for your syrup that gently steeps the flavors together.
- 1 cup granulated sugar: Sweetens the syrup just right to complement the apples without overpowering them.
- 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies: Adds a fun, spicy kick and vibrant red color naturally.
- 1/4 cup white vinegar: Brings a subtle tang to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavors.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Infuses the syrup with that classic warm spice note everyone loves.
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional): For an extra pop of vivid color, making the apple rings absolutely eye-catching.
How to Make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup
Start by combining water, sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, white vinegar, cinnamon stick, and optional red food coloring in a medium saucepan. Bring it to a boil over medium heat, stirring now and then to dissolve those spicy candies completely. Once everything’s melded into a bright, fragrant syrup, reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. This syrup is the heart of the recipe, so take your time letting those flavors come together beautifully.
Step 2: Simmer the Apple Rings
Carefully add your apple rings to the simmering syrup in small batches to avoid overcrowding. You want each ring to cook evenly, becoming tender but still holding its shape — about 5 to 7 minutes per batch. Use a slotted spoon to remove the apples once they’re just right, and transfer them to a heatproof container or jar. This step ensures the apples soak up all that wonderful cinnamon syrup flavor without turning mushy.
Step 3: Soak and Chill
After cooking all the apples, pour the hot cinnamon syrup over them until they’re fully submerged. Now comes the magic: letting the mixture cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating it for at least 4 hours or overnight. This resting time lets every apple ring soak up that spicy sweetness, developing flavors that are rich and satisfying. Whether you serve them chilled or at room temperature, these rings will be bursting with character.
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
Garnishes
Looking to jazz up your presentation? Sprinkle chopped toasted nuts like walnuts or pecans over your apple rings for a lovely crunch. Fresh mint leaves add a touch of cool contrast, and a light dusting of powdered sugar gives a whimsical, festive look that’s perfect for special occasions.
Side Dishes
Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings make a perfect companion to rich, creamy desserts like vanilla ice cream or cheesecake. They also pair beautifully with pork chops or roasted chicken, where the sweet and spicy notes can balance savory flavors on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming vintage touch, serve these apple rings layered in a clear glass jar or bowl so those beautiful reds show through. They also make fantastic cocktail garnishes or toppings for warm oatmeal and yogurt parfaits. Don’t hesitate to get creative — this recipe invites fun and flair!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once made, you can store your Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. The flavors will continue to meld beautifully, making them an easy grab-and-go snack or a last-minute garnish.
Freezing
While freezing apple rings can be tricky because of texture changes, you can freeze the cinnamon syrup separately in ice cube trays for future use. When thawed, gently simmer it again before adding fresh apple rings for a quick remake.
Reheating
If you prefer to enjoy the apple rings warm, gently reheat them in their syrup over low heat on the stovetop. This warms the flavors up without breaking down the delicate rings, preserving that lovely tender crispness.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
While you can try other apple varieties, firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best as they hold their shape through cooking and provide a perfect balance of tart and sweet that complements the cinnamon syrup.
What if I don’t have red hot cinnamon candies?
Red hot candies add both color and spice, but if you don’t have them, you can substitute with cinnamon sticks plus a pinch of ground cinnamon and a bit more sugar. Adding red food coloring will help maintain that classic bright red look.
How long should I let the apple rings soak in the syrup?
For the best flavor, refrigerate the apple rings in the cinnamon syrup for at least 4 hours or overnight. This soaking time allows the apples to absorb the sweet and spicy notes fully, enhancing every bite.
Are these apple rings gluten-free and vegan?
Absolutely! This Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is naturally gluten-free and vegan, making it a wonderful treat for many dietary preferences.
Can I use this recipe as a garnish?
Definitely! These apple rings make stunning garnishes for desserts, cocktails, and even holiday platters, adding both color and flavor with a nostalgic touch.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a recipe that’s bursting with warmth, color, and unforgettable flavor, the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe is a must-try. It’s simple to make, wonderfully versatile, and guaranteed to bring a little joy and nostalgia to any table. So grab your apples, get cooking, and prepare to fall in love with this charming old-fashioned treat!
Print
Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Description
Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are a nostalgic and flavorful treat featuring tender apple slices simmered in a vibrant cinnamon candy syrup. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or holiday garnish, this recipe delivers a delightful balance of sweet and spicy, with a stunning red hue that’s sure to impress.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4 medium 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
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)
Instructions
- Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, vinegar, cinnamon stick, and red food coloring if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until candies are fully dissolved. Then reduce heat to a simmer.
- Simmer Apple Rings: Add apple rings to the syrup in batches to prevent overcrowding. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until the apple rings are just tender but not falling apart. Remove carefully with a slotted spoon and transfer to a heat-safe container or jar. Repeat with remaining apple rings.
- Combine and Chill: Once all apple rings are cooked, pour the hot cinnamon syrup over them ensuring they are fully submerged. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to meld flavors.
- Serve: Serve the red cinnamon apple rings chilled or at room temperature as a snack, side dish, or festive garnish.
Notes
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Use a mandoline slicer for even, consistent apple rings.
- Great for holiday platters or as a nostalgic snack.
