3-ingredient cinnamon apples
Published: September 2023 | Last updated: May 2024
Made with just apples, water, and cinnamon for a delicious and healthy side or snack!
You’ll see the words “simple” and “nutritious” quite a bit on my site but I’m really not sure it gets more simple and nutritious than this recipe. With only water, cinnamon, and apples, this is a healthy snack and side dish that's so loved by our family (and especially my toddler). Steamed cinnamon apples are a quick and easy recipe that I’ll meal prep ahead for the week and use for quick sides or for the lunchbox! A true meal prep favorite that takes me little time to make.
Before reading the recipe, check out this article from Solid Starts on apples for babies and little ones! How apples are prepared, cut, and served will vary based on age for littles so it’s important to understand how to modify this recipe for your family where needed.
Now I’m off to finish this post and run to the kitchen to prepare this exact recipe for the week!
INGREDIENTS
2 apples
2-3 tbsp water
1/2 tsp cinnamon (can add more or less depending on your preference)
OPTIONAL: superseed boosters like milled chia or milled flax! We use the ones from Tiny Sprouts.
DIRECTIONS
Peel & dice apple (you'll cut differently based on your little one's age here - you can also try longer strips so they're easier to grip)
Boil water in pot/pan, toss apples with cinnamon in a separate bowl, then add to steamer basket in the pot/pan over the boiling water (see notes on how to make these if you don't have a steamer basket).
Cover pot or pan until water is boiling, then reduce heat to low.
Steam the apples on low heat for 15 minutes, or until they are easily pierced with a fork.
Let them cool before storing in the fridge. Serve chilled or warmed!
EXAMPLE WAYS TO SERVE
In a yogurt bowl with assorted fruits and graham crackers (pictured above)
With graham crackers for an easy snack bowl
Mixed into pancake, muffin, or cupcake batter for a delicious, cinnamon-y apple-y flavor boost
On top of pancakes
In a lunchbox compartment
With ice cream
NOTES
If you don't have a steamer basket, you can mix the apples and cinnamon directly with the water in a pan. Just do a little less water (maybe 1.5-2 tbsp). You'll follow the rest of the recipe as-stated.
Store in fridge for up to 3 days in air-tight container.
You can serve cold from the fridge or slightly warmed in the microwave.
I recommend following the apple cutting guidance from Solid Starts!
The superseed boosters from Tiny Sprouts are a perfect add-in for this recipe! Hemp seeds, flax seeds, or chia seeds add some extra nutrition and can easily be sprinkled in. Code MYTODDLERSKITCHEN gets you 10% off your purchase on their site.
This post may contain affiliate links where My Toddler’s Kitchen may earn commissions. Please reference the disclaimer policy.