Name: Red Hot Cinnamon Apples
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 pounds apples (any variety, but tart apples like Granny Smith work well); 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup water; ½ cup Red Hot candies (or similar cinnamon candies); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional); ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Red Hot Cinnamon Apples

Craving a fun and flavorful twist on a classic dessert? Look no further than Red Hot Cinnamon Apples! This easy recipe combines tart apples with a vibrant cinnamon syrup made with Red Hot candies (or similar cinnamon candies) for a delightful treat.

These apples are perfect for those who love a burst of cinnamon flavor. The Red Hots add a touch of heat that complements the sweetness of the apples and sugar. They’re also incredibly versatile! Enjoy them warm for a comforting dessert, chilled for a refreshing snack, or even spooned over ice cream for a decadent sundae.

This recipe is beginner-friendly and requires minimal ingredients. In under 30 minutes, you can whip up a batch of Red Hot Cinnamon Apples that are sure to impress. They’re also easily customizable! Prefer a thicker syrup? Simply simmer the apples for a longer time. Don’t have Red Hots? Substitute another type of cinnamon candy, adjusting the amount to your taste preference.

So ditch the store-bought applesauce and try this fun twist on a classic. With their vibrant color, delicious flavor, and endless serving options, Red Hot Cinnamon Apples are a perfect addition to your recipe repertoire.

Questions I often get asked about this recipe:

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work well because their flavor holds up to the sweetness of the syrup. However, you can use any variety of apple you prefer.

What if I can’t find Red Hots candies?
You can substitute another type of cinnamon candy, like Hot Tamales or cinnamon imperials. Just be aware that the sweetness level can vary, so you may need to adjust the amount you use.

Are Red Hots vegan? No, traditional Red Hots candies are not vegan because they contain gelatin. There are vegan alternatives available, but be sure to check the label before using them in this recipe.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, these apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. They may actually become more flavorful as they sit in the syrup.

How can I make this recipe thicker?
If you prefer a thicker syrup, simmer the apples for a longer time, allowing more of the liquid to evaporate.

Can I serve these apples warm or cold?
Absolutely! They are delicious served warm as a dessert or chilled as a refreshing snack.

What other ways can I serve these apples? You can serve them over ice cream, yogurt, pancakes, or even waffles for a delicious and flavorful topping.

What you need to make Red Hot Cinnamon Apples:

3 pounds apples (any variety, but tart apples like Granny Smith work well)

1 cup granulated sugar

1 cup water

½ cup Red Hot candies (or similar cinnamon candies)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

How to make it:

Wash the apples and cut them into your preferred shape. Slices, wedges, or even bite-sized pieces will all work well. You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it’s not necessary.

In a large saucepan, combine the sugar, water, and Red Hot candies. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the candies melt.

Add the apples to the pot and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

(Optional) If you want a more tart flavor, stir in the lemon juice. You can also add a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for extra warmth.

Remove the pot from heat and let the apples cool slightly in the syrup. You can serve them warm or chilled.

Tips:

For a thicker syrup, simmer the apples for a longer time, allowing some of the liquid to evaporate.

If you don’t have Red Hot candies, you can substitute another type of cinnamon candy. Just be sure to adjust the amount to taste, as some candies may be sweeter than others.

These apples can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Latest Reviews:

This recipe is a winner! – I made it with some leftover Granny Smith apples and it was such a hit with my family. The Red Hots add the perfect amount of heat and the apples are cooked to perfection – tender but not mushy. We loved them warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, but I think they’d be delicious chilled too. Definitely will be making this again for all our fall gatherings! Sarah K

Easy and Delicious! – This is such a simple recipe, but the flavor payoff is huge! I was a little worried the Red Hots might be too spicy, but they were just right. My kids gobbled them up and even my husband, who isn’t a huge apple fan, went back for seconds. Next time I might try adding a pinch of nutmeg for a little extra something. Thanks for sharing! John M

Great Recipe with a Twist! – I love classic cinnamon applesauce, but this recipe adds a fun twist! The Red Hots definitely give it a kick, but in a good way. I used some leftover cinnamon imperials I had on hand and they worked perfectly. I ended up simmering the apples a bit longer for a thicker syrup, which was amazing over some toasted pound cake. This is a great recipe to keep in your back pocket for a quick and delicious dessert. Emily B

Printable Recipe:

Yield: 8 servings