Cinnamon Apple Jacks are a cozy, stovetop breakfast that tastes like a warm apple pie in a bowl. Chunks of fresh apple are simmered with cinnamon and maple syrup, then spooned over crispy rice cereal or oatmeal for a comforting start to the day. This recipe is quick, uses simple ingredients, and is easily customizable for a crowd.
Ingredients
- 2 large apples (about 300 g / 10 oz), peeled, cored, and diced into ½-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons (28 g) unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (60 ml) water
- 4 cups (120 g) crispy rice cereal (like Rice Krispies) or 4 servings of cooked oatmeal
- Optional toppings: chopped pecans, extra cinnamon, a splash of milk or cream
Instructions
- In a medium skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt. Stir to coat the apples well.
- Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender but still hold their shape. If the liquid evaporates too quickly, add an extra tablespoon of water.
- While the apples cook, prepare your base: if using crispy rice cereal, place it in a large bowl. If using oatmeal, cook it according to package directions and keep warm.
- Once the apples are soft, remove the pan from the heat. If you prefer a thicker sauce, mash a few apple pieces with a fork and stir.
- To serve, spoon the warm cinnamon apples over the cereal or oatmeal. Add any desired toppings, such as pecans or a drizzle of milk, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Apple choice: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith. Softer apples like Red Delicious may turn mushy.
- Make it vegan: Replace the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute. The rest of the recipe is already plant-based.
- Adjust sweetness: Taste the apples before serving; if you prefer a sweeter dish, add an extra teaspoon of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
- Common mistake: Don’t overcook the apples. They should be tender but not falling apart; check them at the 8-minute mark.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the cinnamon apples over crispy rice cereal for a fun, crunchy texture, or over a bowl of warm oatmeal for a heartier breakfast. Add a dollop of Greek yogurt or a splash of cold milk for creaminess. For a brunch spread, pair with scrambled eggs and turkey sausage.
Variations
- Apple Jacks with a crunch: Stir in a handful of granola or crushed graham crackers just before serving.
- Spiced apple jack: Add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon for a more complex spice profile.
- Apple-cranberry jack: Fold in ¼ cup (30 g) dried cranberries during the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Baked version: For a casserole-style dish, layer the cooked apples with crispy rice cereal in a baking dish, top with a crumble of butter, flour, and brown sugar, and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 15 minutes until bubbly.
Storage and Reheating
Store the cooked cinnamon apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The crispy rice cereal should be stored separately in a sealed bag at room temperature to maintain crunch. To reheat the apples, warm them in a saucepan over low heat for 2–3 minutes, adding a splash of water if needed. If you’ve combined the apples with cereal, note that the cereal will soften; it’s best to assemble only the portion you plan to eat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen apples? Yes, frozen diced apples work well. Thaw them first and drain any excess liquid before cooking, and reduce the water in the recipe to 2 tablespoons.
Can I make this ahead of time? The cinnamon apples can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Reheat gently before serving. The cereal should be added fresh to avoid sogginess.
What if I don’t have maple syrup? Substitute with honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar. If using brown sugar, start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
Is this recipe gluten-free? It is naturally gluten-free if you use certified gluten-free crispy rice cereal or oatmeal. Check labels to be sure.
Can I use apple pie filling instead of fresh apples? Yes, you can use 1 cup (about 250 g) of canned apple pie filling. Skip the water and reduce the cooking time to 3–4 minutes, just to heat through.
How do I prevent the apples from browning while I prep? Toss the diced apples in a little lemon juice or place them in a bowl of cold water until ready to cook.
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Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes
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