These Warm Cinnamon Apples with Walnuts are refined sugar-free and a healthy take on warm apple pie! While decadent in flavor, this recipe supports gut health and steady blood sugar.
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Why You’ll Love These Warm Cinnamon Apples
Naturally Sweet: It’s just apples with a drizzle of maple syrup and spice. No refined sugar!
Tender with a Crunch: Tender cinnamon apples and crunchy walnuts bring a satisfying texture, guilt-free.
Versatile: Serve them over oatmeal or pancakes, with coconut yogurt, or with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream for a treat.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Reheats well for 2–3 days.
How This Recipe Supports Hormone Balance
If you need even more of a reason to make this fruit-based recipe today, check out how it supports you in peri- and postmenopause:
Apples: Apples include soluble fiber (pectin), which helps to steady blood sugar and keep you full longer. Their polyphenols offer antioxidant support, which is great for overall inflammation and recovery.
Cinnamon: Studies show that cinnamon may aid in improving certain health markers, like fasting blood glucose and insulin resistance in prediabetic people. Flavor-wise, cinnamon pairs beautifully with fruit and makes simple recipes taste special without loads of added sugar, a definite win!
Ginger: Ginger is just naturally wonderful, both in flavor and for hormone health! It’s commonly used to cure nausea but also helps reduce joint pain. It can also improve digestion and support your metabolism (important for menopause). Who knew something so simple could do so much!
Walnuts: Crunchy little powerhouses. They bring plant-based omega-3s (ALA), magnesium, and vitamin E, which are nutrients that support brain, skin, and heart health. The combo of fiber and protein helps you feel satisfied and keeps energy steadier after meals (so helpful in peri- and post-menopause).
Maple Syrup: A drizzle of maple syrup can add a touch of sweetness and make your desserts feel special. Just make sure to use it sparingly: add just enough for flavor and balance it with fiber- and protein-rich ingredients.
Simple Ways to Boost Protein (optional):
- Spoon the warm cinnamon apples over high-protein vegan yogurt or a Ninja Creami vanilla protein ice cream.
- Stir into warm protein oatmeal (oats cooked with your favorite vanilla protein powder).
- Add 2 tsp hemp seeds per serving
- Not sure how much protein you need? Find out here.
How to Make Warm Cinnamon Apples with Walnuts
See the full recipe card with measurements and instructions below.
Ingredients:
- apples (any variety, peeled if preferred)
- coconut oil (or avocado oil)
- maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- cinnamon
- ground ginger
- chopped walnuts
- sea salt
How to Make this Recipe:
Peel the apples (if desired) and slice them into thin wedges.
Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. To the skillet add the sliced apples, cinnamon, ginger, and salt. Stir to coat.
If desired, drizzle the maple syrup over the apples to sweeten them. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5-7 minutes. They are done when the warm apples are tender and fragrant.
To serve the apples, divide them into 2 bowls and sprinkle them with the chopped walnuts. Optionally, for a real treat, have them with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Storage: Refrigerate warm cinnamon apples in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freeze flat in a bag or container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight and rewarm gently.
Reheat: Skillet over low heat (splash of water) or 20–30 seconds in the microwave.
Tips
- Best apples: Choose sweet apples for this recipe, like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala.
- Bloom the spice: Stir cinnamon and ginger into the warm oil for 20–30 seconds before adding apples to deepen flavor.
- Toast the walnuts: Toss in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant; add at the end for maximum crunch.
- Pinch of salt: Don’t skip it. Salt makes the cinnamon and apple flavor pop.
- Keep slices intact: Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so they sauté instead of steam.
Warm Cinnamon Apples with Walnuts
Ingredients
- 2 medium apples (any variety, peeled if preferred)
- 1 tsp (5 mL) coconut oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 tbsp (15 mL) maple syrup (optional for sweetness)
- 1 tsp (2 g) cinnamon
- ¼ tsp (0.5 g) ground ginger
- 2 tbsp (15 g) chopped walnuts
- 1 pinch sea salt
Method
- Peel the apples (if desired) and slice them into thin wedges.
- Heat the coconut oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the apples, cinnamon, ginger, and salt to the skillet and stir to coat.
- Drizzle the maple syrup (if using) over the apples and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should be tender and fragrant.
- To serve, divide the warm apples into 2 bowls and sprinkle them with the chopped walnuts. For a real treat, top the apples with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream.
