Apple Syrup Recipe

Apple Syrup ready in 15 minutes!

This Apple Syrup is quick, easy and makes everything better! Toss fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and water into a pot and let it simmer for a gourmet tasting syrup in minutes. This Cinnamon Apple Syrup is absolutely delightful on pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal and even ice cream. 

top view of a sauce pan of best apple syrup with a ladle


 

Apple Syrup Recipe

In anticipation of my Sweet Potato Pancakes which I will be posting later this week, I wanted to first bring you my favorite syrup to smother them with: Chunky Cinnamon Apple Syrup!

The Cinnamon Apple Syrup tastes exactly how it sounds: tender, sweet apples, swimming in cinnamon syrup AKA drool worthy.

This Apple Syrup is the star of the Sweet Potato Pancakes, and will be the star of anything you smother them with. You see, I have a thing for drenching breakfast foods in fruit syrup.  It’s a secret I discovered long ago – fruit syrup makes everything better!    

up close view of chunky cinnamon apple syrup on top of a stack of sweet potato pancakes

My thinking is because syrup is mostly sugar, you might as well make your own (because it is SO EASY) and while you’re at it, you might as well throw in some fruit because this seemingly simple addition instantly elevates your ordinary syrup into an extraordinary sweet, syrupy, fruit infused bath that makes absolutely everything it glides across, pools on or smothers better:

up close of a ladle full of chunky apple syrup
ingredient icon

What you’ll need for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup

Let’s take a closer look at what you need to make this recipe (measurements in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post):

    • Apples: Use peeled Granny Smith apples for their tartness. You can chop the apples smaller or larger than ½-inch, keeping in mind the apples will shrink significantly when simmered.
    • Brown sugar: Use light brown for its caramel undertones that pair beautifully with the apples – think caramel apples!
    • Butter: Use salted butter or unsalted butter with a pinch of salt.
    • Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the syrup because the apples release water when simmered.
    • Cinnamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds the cozy, warm fall flavoring.
    • Vanilla: Use quality extract for the best flavor.
    up close of Granny Smith Apples on a cutting board to show which apples are best for Apple Syrup

    How to Make Cinnamon Syrup

    To make this seemingly indulgent delight, simply simmer apples, cinnamon, a little butter, sugar, and water (mixed with cornstarch).  In ten short minutes (or ten long minutes depending just how hungry you are), you have fresh, Cinnamon Apple Syrup and a home that smells delightfully cozy.

    Here is a breakdown step by step: 

    • STEP 1: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, cornstarch whisked with water and cinnamon. 
    showing how to make apple syrup by adding water, cornstarch, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon to a saucepan
    • STEP 2: Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar and melt butter.
    showing how to make apple syrup by melting brown sugar with butter and water
    • STEP 3: Boil for 1 minute then reduce heat to medium and add apples.
    showing how to make apple syrup by adding apples to a saucepan
    showing how to make apple syrup by stirring apples into syrup
    • STEP 4: Simmer for 10 minutes, or until apples reach desired tenderness.
    showing how to make apple syrup by simmering apples with the syrup
    showing how to make apple syrup by chopping apples into cubes
    side view of ladle scooping up easy apple syrup
    chunky apple syrup in a white bowl with a ladle

    What should I serve with this Cinnamon Syrup Recipe?

    You will want to smother everything with this Cinnamon Apple Syrup.  Some of my favorites to serve with Apple Syrup are:

    • Pancakes
    • Waffles
    • French toast
    • Crepes
    •  Oatmeal
    • Ice cream
    • Yogurt
    • Cottage cheese

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      cinnamon apple syrup on a bite of sweet potato pancakes
      up close view of chunky cinnamon apple syrup on top of a stack of sweet potato pancakes

      Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

      This Cinnamon Apple Syrup is quick, easy and makes everything better! Toss everything into a pot and let it simmer for a gourmet tasting syrup in less than 15 minutes! This Apple Syrup is absolutely delightful on pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal and even ice cream.
      Servings: 2 cups
      Total Time: 15 minutes
      Prep Time: 5 minutes
      Cook Time: 10 minutes

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      Ingredients

      • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
      • 2 tablespoons butter
      • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in ⅓ cup water
      • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

      Add later

      • 3 tart apples peeled and chopped into 1/2″ chunks
      • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

      Instructions

      • In a saucepan, add the brown sugar, butter, cornstarch and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
      • Increase heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium and add apples. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, until apples reach desired tenderness. Depending on how much moisture your apples release, you may need to stir in an additional tablespoon or so of water to reach desired consistency.
      • Serve over pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal or ice cream.
      • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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      44 Comments

      1. Crystal @ Simply Playful Fare says

        Oh my gosh! This looks sooooo good, and really easy! I can’t wait for your Sweet Potato Coconut Oatmeal Pancakes. Apples and cinnamon are perfect together.

        • Jen says

          Easy and Delicious are the best! I am posting the pancakes tomorrow to put an end to your suspense 🙂 Thanks Crystal!

        • Jen says

          That would be absolutely delicious! Sounds so great for this super hot day! (at least hot over here 🙂 )

        • Jen says

          What a great idea for a gift! LOVE that idea!

      2. Asa says

        That wooden spoon is amazing! I have to get one!

        • Jen says

          Thank you Asa! It was a gift years ago that I absolutely love!

        • Jen says

          I might have to use your idea to gift these – GREAT IDEA!

      3. Laura Hinckley says

        Yum! I am definitely going to do this and put over a buttered biscuit. I can’t wait to check out the other recipes you linked to this and bookmarked it so I can come back. Kuddos!

        • Jen says

          Mmmmmm, over buttered biscuits sounds divine!!! Excited for you to check out the other recipes too! Thanks Laura!

      4. Jill Fisher says

        So, at what point are the apples added? Am I missing something?

        • Jen says

          No, apparently I was! Amazing how you can read something so many times, and not catching something major like that! Thanks for letting me know! I have updated the recipe.

        • Jen says

          LOL! Being a caveman, I would think you would be an expert at the sharp implements 🙂 Thanks Tony, I think you will love it and feel like an accomplished chef!

      5. Meg says

        Looks AMAZING! Do you have any idea how long this might keep for in the refrigerator? As delicious as it looks, I don’t think I’ll be able to manage ALL of it on my oatmeal tomorrow morning. (Don’t worry though – I will give it my best shot.)

        • Jen says

          LOL! The only perishable ingredient is the apples and once they are cooked, they should last a solid week. You can also freeze this syrup as well in a plastic container (so the glass doesn’t crack). Enjoy!

      6. Sarah says

        Woke up this morning to snowy and slick roads but really wanted pancakes. I was out of pancake syrup and this was an EASY and delicious substitute : ) Will definitely make again, thank you!

        • Jen says

          What a wonderful winter syrup – sounds so cozy! So glad you enjoyed it Sarah! Thank you!

      7. Nabeah says

        I love this syrup. People get syrup so they can eat pancakes, I make pancakes so I can have some more of this. It’s heavenly. It has just the perfect amount of sweetness and cinnamon. The only thing I did differently was that I added more water and a little more cornstarch. Thank you so much for this recipe!

        • Jen says

          You are so welcome, so happy you love it!!

      8. judy says

        I think this would be good over pork chops or pork loin………….??

        • Jen says

          Hi Judy, it might be a little on the sweet side for that, but could be perfect if you reduce the amount of sugar. If you try it, please let me know!

      9. Sally says

        Hi Jen, This sounds like a wonderful recipe and I know my extended family would love this as much as I will!
        I live on Social Security and need to make gifts and remembrances throughout the year. Putting your Apple Syrup in a gift basket along with other homemade goodies would be delightful. With that in mind, I was wondering if your recipe could be canned/bottled?
        Thanks!

        • Jen says

          Hi Sally, your gifts sound absolutely beautiful, I’m sure they are very much appreciated! I think this Apply Syrup would be a great addition!

      10. Cindy says

        Sounds like a yummy recipe and cant wait to make it for pancakes…

        In The section How do I thicken Apple Syrup? The To Thicken instructions are missing , what I think is suppose to be a TBSP of cornstarch…

        • Jen says

          Thanks for catching that Cindy, just updated. Enjoy!

      11. Phil says

        I usually hate cooked apples, but this was sublime. Thanks for a terrific recipe!

        • Jen says

          I’m so pleased this recipe could help change your mind! Thanks for taking the time to comment Phil!

      12. Phil says

        …and if that wasn’t enough, this morning I made apple dumplings with the leftover apple syrup (it had dried up a bit in the fridge and the apples soaked up what liquid was left) and some crescent rolls in a can with a smidge of butter and cinnamon on top of each, and they were even better than yesterday’s waffles! Thanks again for the recipe that keeps on giving!

        • Jen says

          Mmmmm, what a fabulous idea – I’m drooling over here! Thanks for sharing!

      13. Ahriel says

        My Family LOVED this. I made it tonight for dinner!
        thank you for the recipes

        • Jen says

          You’re so welcome, I’m so happy to hear it was a hit!

      14. Cathy McAfee says

        I was wondering, how would this go over apple pie? Also could this recipe be gd to use as a syrup for dumplings

      15. Shalena Lambert says

        Would it be possible to can this? I have lots of fresh apples and have already made apple butter and canned some in simple syrup. This would be wonderful preserved.

        • Jen says

          Hi Shalena, I imagine so but I am not an expert in canning and don’t know the specifics – sorry!

      16. Alicia Burgan says

        Can the Cinnamon Apple Syrup be canned?

      17. Jen says

        Hi Alicia! I have never canned this but I don’t see why not with the proper canning technique. Enjoy!