Savory LifeRECIPES

Cinnamon Apple Jacks Recipe

Updated November 5, 2026

Total time
25 min
prep 10 min · cook 15 min
Serves
4
portions as written

Jump to recipe

Cinnamon Apple Jacks Recipe

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Related

More recipes to cook

Safety notes: safe minimum internal temperatures from USDA FSIS; raw and undercooked fish guidance from the U.S. FDA. Food safety notes

Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it (corrections policy).