By Karyl Laeving. Updated January 9, 2026. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ from 121 votes.
Warm, softly spiced, and irresistibly cozy, Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups turn everyday apples into a spoonable dessert that tastes like a hug. This no bake style apple dessert delivers tender fruit, glossy cinnamon syrup, and customizable layers that feel special yet effortless. Perfect for fall, holidays, and busy weeknights when you want comfort without turning on the oven.
Table of Contents
About This Recipe
What it is:
Individual dessert cups filled with gently simmered cinnamon apples. The apples cook down until tender and jammy, then get spooned into cups on their own or layered with yogurt, oats, or a light crumble.
Why it works:
Low and slow simmering draws out apple sweetness while a small slurry thickens the juices into a silky sauce that coats every bite. Lemon brightens. Vanilla rounds it out. Cinnamon brings the cozy.
When to make it:
Any time apples are calling your name. These cups shine for fall dinners, holiday spreads, meal prep desserts, and last minute company because they can be served warm or chilled.
Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 cups 1x
Description
Warm, cozy Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups made on the stovetop with tender apples and a glossy cinnamon sauce. No baking needed, ready in about 25 minutes, and perfect served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
3 medium apples, peeled and diced into 1/2-inch cubes (about 450 g)
1 tsp ground cinnamon (2.5 g)
2 tbsp maple syrup (30 ml) (use honey if not vegan)
1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
1 tsp vanilla extract (5 ml)
1/2 cup water or apple juice (120 ml)
1 tbsp cornstarch or arrowroot starch (8 g)
1 tbsp cold water (15 ml)
Pinch of fine salt (optional, to balance sweetness)
Instructions
1. Peel (optional), core, and dice the apples into even 1/2-inch (1.5 cm) cubes.
2. Add apples, cinnamon, maple syrup, lemon juice, vanilla, and water (or apple juice) to a medium saucepan. Stir to coat.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to medium-low. Cook 10 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but still hold their shape.
4. In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch (or arrowroot) with cold water to make a slurry. Pour into the pan while stirring.
5. Cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce looks glossy and lightly thickened. Remove from heat.
6. Spoon into 4 dessert cups or jars. Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Add optional toppings if desired.
Notes
Apple choice: Firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady hold their shape best.
Adjust sweetness: Apples vary, so taste after simmering and add 1 to 2 tsp more maple syrup if needed.
Sauce control: If the filling gets too thick, stir in 1 to 2 tbsp (15 to 30 ml) water to loosen.
Make ahead: Store covered in the fridge up to 4 days. Rewarm gently or enjoy chilled.
Diet note: Use maple syrup to keep this vegan; honey makes it vegetarian but not vegan.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 145
- Sugar: 24 g
- Sodium: 10 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Why You’ll Love It
- Simple stovetop method with pantry ingredients
- Naturally sweet with easy sugar control
- No baking required and minimal cleanup
- Perfectly portioned and make ahead friendly
- Easy to customize for kids and adults alike
Key Ingredients & Notes
Apples
Choose firm, crisp apples that hold their shape. Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Pink Lady are excellent. Softer apples will still work but cook faster and break down more.
Cinnamon
Ground cinnamon is the star. For deeper warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves, but keep cinnamon front and center.
Sweetener
Maple syrup or honey adds gentle sweetness and shine. You can also use coconut sugar or brown sugar. Start light and adjust after simmering since apples vary.
Lemon Juice
A splash prevents browning and balances sweetness. Fresh lemon is best.
Vanilla Extract
Adds dessert level aroma and warmth. Pure vanilla gives the cleanest flavor.
Thickener
Cornstarch or arrowroot creates that glossy, spoon coating sauce. Arrowroot stays clear and works well if serving chilled.
Liquid
Water or apple juice helps start the simmer. Apple juice boosts flavor if you have it.
Ingredient science note: Thickening near the end keeps apples tender. Adding starch too early can tighten the fruit.
How to Make Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups
- Prep the apples
Peel if you like, then core and dice into 1.5 cm cubes. Aim for even size so they cook uniformly. - Start the simmer
Add apples, cinnamon, sweetener, lemon juice, vanilla, and liquid to a medium saucepan. Stir to coat. - Cook gently
Bring to a light simmer over medium heat. Reduce to medium low and cook 10 to 14 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender but not mushy. Look for edges that soften while the centers still hold. - Thicken the sauce
Stir cornstarch or arrowroot with cold water to make a slurry. Pour into the pan and cook 1 to 2 minutes, stirring, until the sauce turns glossy and lightly thick. - Taste and adjust
Add more sweetener or a pinch of salt if needed. - Assemble the cups
Spoon warm apples into dessert cups or jars. Serve as is or layer with yogurt, oats, or crumble. - Serve or chill
Enjoy warm, room temperature, or chilled. The texture sets beautifully as it cools.
Pro Tips for Success
- Dice apples evenly to avoid uneven cooking
- Keep the simmer gentle to preserve apple shape
- Add the slurry at the end for the best texture
- If the sauce thickens too much, loosen with a splash of water
- Let the cups rest 5 minutes before serving warm so flavors bloom
- For glossy shine, finish with a few drops of lemon juice
Variations & Substitutions
Creamy Layered Cups
Alternate apples with Greek yogurt or coconut yogurt for a parfait feel. For a protein boost, try a spoon of Greek Yogurt Protein Cups (20g High Protein Snack) from Flavor & Recipes.
Crumble Top
Sprinkle crushed graham crackers or oats toasted with a little butter and cinnamon. For a baked oat vibe without baking, check Chocolate Chip Baked Oats (Cake-Like Breakfast!) for topping inspiration.
No Added Sugar
Use extra sweet apples and skip added sweetener. Cinnamon and vanilla still deliver dessert flavor.
Pear Swap
Replace half the apples with pears for a softer, floral note.
Apple Crisp Cups
Top with a quick oat crumble and serve warm. If you love cozy apple desserts, you may also enjoy Healthy Apple Crisp Cups (Simple & Cozy).
Serving & Storage
Serving ideas
- Warm with a dollop of yogurt
- Chilled straight from the fridge
- Topped with toasted nuts or granola
- Spooned over pancakes or oatmeal
Refrigeration
Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
Freezing
Freeze plain apple filling up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring between.
Shelf life note: The sauce thickens slightly over time. Add a splash of water when reheating if needed.
Trusted Tips from the Pros
For apple handling and texture guidance, see apple cooking basics from Healthline and technique notes from The Spruce Eats. If you want to explore apple varieties and baking behavior, King Arthur Baking offers clear comparisons.
Conclusion
These Easy Cinnamon Apple Dessert Cups prove that simple ingredients can create standout comfort. Cozy spices, tender apples, and a glossy sauce come together fast, serve beautifully, and adapt to any table. Make a batch tonight and let the kitchen fill with cinnamon warmth.
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FAQs
Can I make these dessert cups ahead of time?
Yes. Make the apple filling up to 4 days in advance and assemble just before serving, or assemble fully and chill.
What apples are best for cinnamon apple cups?
Firm, sweet tart apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji hold texture and flavor best.
Can I serve these cold?
Absolutely. They are delicious chilled and set up beautifully for grab and go desserts.
How do I make them dairy free?
Serve plain or layer with coconut or almond milk yogurt.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes. Use a larger saucepan and extend simmer time by a few minutes.
