There’s something wonderfully nostalgic and eye-catching about Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings. With their brilliant ruby color and sweet-spicy aroma, these classic treats instantly transport you to family gatherings and holiday tables of yesteryear. The apples soak up a vibrant cinnamon syrup, becoming tender, tangy, and irresistibly flavorful. Whether you’re new to vintage recipes or grew up sneaking these from your grandma’s fridge, this recipe is sure to bring warmth, color, and a dash of whimsy to your kitchen.

Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Apple Rings
- 4 medium firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
Syrup
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)

How to Make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Cinnamon Syrup

Start by combining water, granulated sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, white vinegar, the cinnamon stick, and, if you’re feeling bold, a touch of red food coloring in a medium saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat. Stir occasionally as the candies melt and the sugar dissolves. This fragrant, jewel-toned syrup is the heart of Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings, and it should smell like pure holiday magic as it bubbles away!

Step 2: Slice and Simmer the Apples

While your syrup is coming together, peel, core, and slice your apples into uniform 1/4-inch rings. For perfectly even slices, a mandoline slicer is your best friend. Gently add the apple rings in batches to the simmering syrup—don’t overcrowd! Let them simmer for 5 to 7 minutes, just until they’re tender but not mushy. Use a slotted spoon to transfer each batch to a heat-safe jar or container. This step ensures every ring is infused with cinnamon flavor and vibrant color while keeping its shape.

Step 3: Soak and Chill

After all your apple rings have had a turn in the syrup, pour the remaining hot cinnamon syrup over them in their container, making sure they’re fully submerged. Allow everything to cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating. For the best flavor, let the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings chill for at least 4 hours (overnight is even better), so they soak up every last drop of that spicy-sweet goodness.

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings

Garnishes

For a finishing touch, sprinkle your apple rings with a little extra ground cinnamon or tuck a few whole cinnamon sticks alongside them for a beautiful presentation. A sprig of fresh mint or a dusting of powdered sugar adds a festive flair—perfect for parties or special occasions.

Side Dishes

Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are incredibly versatile! Serve them alongside a classic roast turkey or baked ham for a colorful, tangy-sweet contrast. They also shine next to a scoop of vanilla ice cream, on a cheese platter, or as a fun topping for pancakes or oatmeal.

Creative Ways to Present

Stack the apple rings in a glass jar or trifle dish for a stunning centerpiece, or skewer them on cocktail sticks for a playful party snack. You can even use them to garnish holiday drinks or transform a simple cake into a vintage showpiece. Let your imagination run wild—these rings love the spotlight!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once made, Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Simply store them in an airtight container—glass jars work especially well and make for an attractive display every time you open the fridge.

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch ahead, you can freeze the apple rings in their syrup. Place them in a freezer-safe container, making sure they’re fully covered by the syrup to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the fridge before serving; note that the texture may be a little softer after freezing, but the flavor will still be delightful.

Reheating

These apple rings are typically served chilled or at room temperature, but if you prefer them warm, gently heat them in a saucepan with a bit of their syrup over low heat. Don’t boil—just warm through to preserve their tender texture.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Snack, Side Dish

Absolutely! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp are favorites for their firmness and flavor, you can use any firm apple you love. Just avoid softer varieties like Red Delicious, which can become mushy during simmering.

Do I have to use red food coloring?

No, the red hot cinnamon candies will give your apple rings a lovely rosy hue on their own. The food coloring is just for extra vibrancy—feel free to leave it out if you prefer a more natural look.

How do I prevent the apples from browning before cooking?

If you’re prepping apples ahead of time, you can soak the slices in a bowl of water with a splash of lemon juice or vinegar. This keeps them looking bright until you’re ready to simmer them in the syrup.

Can I use ground cinnamon instead of a cinnamon stick?

If you don’t have a cinnamon stick, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the syrup. The flavor will be slightly different—more intense and less aromatic—but still delicious!

Are Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings gluten-free and vegan?

Yes! This classic recipe contains no gluten, dairy, or animal products, making it perfect for gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan diets. Just double-check your cinnamon candies for any unusual ingredients if you have dietary restrictions.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a recipe that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are pure joy in every bite. Their sweet heat, gorgeous color, and irresistible nostalgia make them a standout for holidays or any day you want something a little special. Give them a try and let these charming rings become a new tradition in your own kitchen!

Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

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4.9 from 9 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling time)
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Experience the nostalgic charm of Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings, a delightful snack featuring crisp apple slices simmered in a vibrant cinnamon candy syrup. This easy stovetop recipe blends tart apple rings with a sweet and spicy cinnamon-infused syrup, perfect for holiday platters, garnishes, or a flavorful, healthy treat.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Rings

4 medium firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings

Syrup

2 cups water
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies
1/4 cup white vinegar
1 cinnamon stick
1/2 teaspoon red food coloring (optional, for vibrant color)

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Instructions

Prepare the cinnamon syrup: In a medium saucepan, combine water, granulated sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, white vinegar, cinnamon stick, and red food coloring if using. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the candies dissolve completely. Reduce heat to a simmer to maintain a gentle bubbling.
Simmer the apple rings: Add the prepared apple rings in batches to the simmering syrup, avoiding overcrowding to ensure even cooking. Simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until apples are just tender but still hold their shape. Use a slotted spoon to carefully remove each batch and place them in a heat-safe container or jar.
Combine and chill: After cooking all apple rings, pour the hot cinnamon syrup over the apples, making sure they are fully submerged. Allow the mixture to cool to room temperature before covering and refrigerating for at least 4 hours or overnight. This chilling period lets the flavors fully develop.
Serve: Serve the red cinnamon apple rings chilled or at room temperature as a festive snack or side dish.

Notes

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for best freshness.
Using a mandoline slicer ensures even, consistent apple rings for uniform cooking.
Perfect for holiday platters, garnishes, or as a nostalgic and flavorful snack.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Snack, Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American