Southern-Style Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings

Enjoy Southern-Style Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings—sweet, tender, fried apple slices with warm spices, brown sugar, and a buttery glaze topping!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These apple rings are bursting with old-fashioned flavor. Sweet, tangy, and spiced to perfection, they’re incredibly versatile: serve them over pancakes or ice cream, add them to a charcuterie board, or enjoy them chilled right from the fridge. They’re easy to make, store beautifully, and look stunning with their classic red hue—especially during the holidays.

Ingredients

• 6 large firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Red food coloring (optional, for classic look)

Directions

1. Slice peeled and cored apples into 1/4-inch thick rings. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Reduce heat to low and add apple rings in batches. Simmer each batch for 3–5 minutes until just tender, not mushy.
5. Transfer cooked rings to sterilized jars or a bowl using a slotted spoon.
6. Once all apple rings are cooked, pour hot spiced syrup over them to cover completely.
7. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Calories per serving: Approximately 160 kcal

Variations

• No Food Coloring: Skip the dye for a more natural appearance.
• Add Citrus: Simmer with lemon or orange peel for a bright, fresh twist.
• Use Pears: Substitute firm pears for apples for a similar but unique version.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or a sliced jalapeño for a sweet-heat variation.
• Thicker Syrup: Reduce the syrup slightly longer for a thicker, more glaze-like finish.

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store the apple rings in the refrigerator in an airtight container, fully submerged in syrup, for up to 2 weeks.

Reheating:
These are best served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently heat in a saucepan with a bit of the syrup until just warmed through.

FAQs

What Kind Of Apples Work Best?

Firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp hold their shape during simmering and balance the sweet-spicy syrup well.

Do I Have To Peel The Apples?

Yes, peeling helps the rings absorb the syrup evenly and creates a smoother texture.

Can I Can These For Long-Term Storage?

Yes, but follow proper water-bath canning guidelines to ensure food safety.

How Long Should I Let Them Sit Before Serving?

Let them rest for at least 24 hours in the fridge so the flavors fully develop.

Is The Red Food Coloring Necessary?

No, it’s optional and purely for aesthetics—it gives that traditional old-fashioned look.

Can I Make Them Sugar-Free?

You can use a sugar substitute, but the flavor and texture may vary slightly.

What Can I Serve These With?

They pair beautifully with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, baked goods, or as a topping for ice cream.

Can I Freeze The Apple Rings?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture becomes mushy upon thawing.

How Do I Prevent The Apples From Browning?

Since they go into the syrup shortly after slicing, they won’t have time to brown.

Do I Need To Strain Out The Spices?

You can strain them before pouring the syrup over the apples if you prefer a smoother finish.

Conclusion

Southern-Style Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings are a timeless treat—sweet, spiced, and beautifully balanced with a tangy syrup. Whether served as a holiday side, a dessert topping, or a nostalgic snack, these flavorful rings are simple to prepare and always a hit. Once you make a batch, you’ll want to keep them stocked in your fridge all season long.

Love Warm Southern-Inspired Sweets?

If these Southern-Style Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings hit the nostalgic sweet spot, we’ve got more treats you’ll adore. Start with the soft and flaky Apple Pie Crescent Muffins, or try a modern twist with Baked Apple Pie Rice Paper Rolls. If you’re into lighter snacks with cinnamon flair, check out our Cinnamon Sugar Air Fryer Banana Chips. For something rich and autumn-spiced, the Spiced Sweet Potato Ginger Flourless Cake is a perfect fit. And don’t miss the crisp, comforting Peach Cobbler Egg Rolls — a Southern classic reimagined.

Southern-Style Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings

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• Author: Chef Clara
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

Enjoy Southern-Style Cinnamon Spiced Apple Rings—sweet, tender, fried apple slices with warm spices, brown sugar, and a buttery glaze topping!

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Ingredients

• 6 large firm apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored
• 2 cups granulated sugar
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
• 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Red food coloring (optional, for classic look)

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Instructions

1. Slice peeled and cored apples into 1/4-inch thick rings. Set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, combine sugar, water, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and nutmeg. Add a few drops of red food coloring if desired.
3. Bring mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar is fully dissolved.
4. Reduce heat to low and add apple rings in batches. Simmer each batch for 3–5 minutes until just tender, not mushy.
5. Transfer cooked rings to sterilized jars or a bowl using a slotted spoon.
6. Once all apple rings are cooked, pour hot spiced syrup over them to cover completely.
7. Let cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for 24 hours before serving to allow flavors to develop.

Notes

• Use firm apples to maintain shape during cooking.
• Red food coloring gives the rings a traditional vibrant hue but is optional.
• Allowing to sit for 24 hours enhances the spice infusion.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Southern