Delicious Cinnamon Apples with Yogurt – A Warm, Healthy Treat
1. Introduction
There’s something truly comforting about the combination of warm cinnamon apples and creamy yogurt. Whether you’re looking for a quick breakfast, a light snack, or a healthy dessert, Cinnamon Apples with Yogurt offers the perfect balance of sweetness, warmth, and protein. The soft, caramelized apples, lightly spiced with cinnamon, pair beautifully with the smoothness of yogurt, making this dish a delightful treat that’s both nourishing and satisfying.
In this post, we’ll show you how to make this simple yet delicious dish from scratch. You’ll learn how to customize it to suit your taste preferences, making it suitable for any occasion. Ready to add a warm, cozy dish to your repertoire? Let’s dive in!
2. Ingredients Breakdown
Here’s what you’ll need for the perfect cinnamon apples with yogurt:
- Apples: Choose firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Fuji for the best results. They hold up well when cooked and provide a nice contrast to the sweetness of the cinnamon and yogurt. Feel free to use your favorite variety!
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice of this recipe! Cinnamon adds a warm, aromatic flavor that pairs perfectly with apples. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra depth of flavor.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: A natural sweetener that adds just the right touch of sweetness to balance the tartness of the apples. You can adjust the sweetness based on your preference.
- Greek Yogurt: Thick, creamy Greek yogurt provides the perfect contrast to the warm, spiced apples. It’s rich in protein and adds a nice tang to the dish. You can substitute with regular yogurt or a plant-based version if you prefer.
- Lemon Juice: A little lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning and adds a fresh, bright note to the dish.
- Butter or Coconut Oil: A small amount of butter or coconut oil helps to sauté the apples, giving them a rich, silky texture. Coconut oil adds a subtle tropical flavor.
- Vanilla Extract: A splash of vanilla enhances the flavor of the apples and yogurt, adding a sweet, fragrant note.
Substitutions and Dietary Options:
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt or almond milk yogurt instead of Greek yogurt to make this dish dairy-free.
- Low-Sugar: Reduce or omit the sweetener and use stevia or monk fruit for a lower-sugar option.
- Vegan: Use coconut oil instead of butter, and choose plant-based yogurt for a vegan-friendly version.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these easy steps to create a warm, comforting bowl of cinnamon apples with yogurt:
- Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into thin, bite-sized pieces. This allows them to cook evenly and soften quickly.
- Sauté the Apples: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of butter (or coconut oil) over medium heat. Once melted, add the apple slices to the pan. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples start to soften.
- Add Cinnamon and Sweetener: Sprinkle the apples with 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and drizzle with honey or maple syrup. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and stir to combine. Continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes, until the apples are tender and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare the Yogurt: While the apples are cooking, scoop the Greek yogurt into bowls. You can serve the yogurt as-is or stir in a little vanilla extract for added flavor.
- Serve: Once the apples are tender and cooked through, spoon the cinnamon apples on top of the yogurt. Drizzle with any remaining syrup from the pan and serve immediately. Garnish with extra cinnamon and a sprig of fresh mint, if desired.
4. Tips and Variations
- Add Crunch: For a bit of texture, sprinkle some granola, chopped nuts (like almonds or walnuts), or seeds (like chia or pumpkin seeds) on top before serving.
- Make it a Meal: If you’re looking for a more filling option, add some cooked oats or quinoa to the yogurt before topping it with the cinnamon apples.
- Spice it Up: Try adding a pinch of nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger to the cinnamon apples for a more complex, spiced flavor profile.
- Crispy Topping: To make this dish even more indulgent, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
5. Serving Suggestions
This dish is versatile and can be served as:
- Breakfast: Pair with a slice of whole grain toast or a smoothie for a wholesome start to the day.
- Snack: Enjoy as a mid-afternoon snack or dessert. It’s light yet satisfying and can be made ahead for convenience.
- Brunch: Serve at a weekend brunch with fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, or a green salad to balance out the sweetness.
For drinks, cinnamon apples pair wonderfully with a hot cup of tea (like chai or green tea) or a warm latte. It also complements a glass of fresh juice or iced coffee if you prefer something cold.
6. Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Storing: If you have leftovers, store the cinnamon apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The yogurt should be stored separately from the apples to maintain its texture.
- Freezing: While the yogurt won’t freeze well, you can freeze the cinnamon apples on their own. Place the apples in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply reheat in a skillet over low heat or microwave.
- Reheating: Reheat the apples in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. If reheating from frozen, allow the apples to thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
7. Recipe Notes
- Make Ahead: The cinnamon apples can be cooked ahead of time and stored in the fridge. Simply reheat them when you’re ready to serve.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey/maple syrup based on your preference.
- Use Fresh Apples: This recipe works best with fresh, firm apples that hold up well to cooking.
8. Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
| Calories | 180 kcal |
| Fat | 7g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Sugar | 18g |
| Fiber | 4g |
| Protein | 6g |
| Sodium | 50mg |
| Cholesterol | 20mg |
| Calcium | 120mg |
| Iron | 1mg |
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.
9. Recipe Card Summary
Course: Breakfast, Snack, Dessert
Cuisine: American
Servings: 2
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 apples (Granny Smith or Fuji)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp butter or coconut oil
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
Instructions:
- Peel, core, and slice the apples. Sauté in butter or coconut oil for 5-7 minutes.
- Add cinnamon, honey, and lemon juice. Cook until apples are tender.
- Scoop yogurt into bowls and top with warm cinnamon apples.
- Drizzle with syrup and serve.
Notes:
Can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.
Nutrition:
Calories: 180, Fat: 7g, Carbs: 28g, Protein: 6g
🏷️ Diet Tags: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (with substitutions), Vegan (with substitutions)
🌿 Health Benefits: High in fiber, source of healthy fats, good for digestion
10. Final Thoughts or CONCLUSION
This simple yet indulgent Cinnamon Apples with Yogurt recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a comforting treat that’s both nutritious and delicious. Whether you enjoy it for breakfast, as a snack, or as a light dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Let me know how it turns out for you in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to share any fun variations you try. Enjoy!