Apple Syrup Recipe

Apple Syrup ready in 15 minutes!

This Apple Syrup is quick, easy and makes everything better! Toss fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and water into a pot and let it simmer for a gourmet tasting syrup in minutes. This Cinnamon Apple Syrup is absolutely delightful on pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal and even ice cream. 

top view of a sauce pan of best apple syrup with a ladle


 

Apple Syrup Recipe

In anticipation of my Sweet Potato Pancakes which I will be posting later this week, I wanted to first bring you my favorite syrup to smother them with: Chunky Cinnamon Apple Syrup!

The Cinnamon Apple Syrup tastes exactly how it sounds: tender, sweet apples, swimming in cinnamon syrup AKA drool worthy.

This Apple Syrup is the star of the Sweet Potato Pancakes, and will be the star of anything you smother them with. You see, I have a thing for drenching breakfast foods in fruit syrup.  It’s a secret I discovered long ago – fruit syrup makes everything better!    

up close view of chunky cinnamon apple syrup on top of a stack of sweet potato pancakes

My thinking is because syrup is mostly sugar, you might as well make your own (because it is SO EASY) and while you’re at it, you might as well throw in some fruit because this seemingly simple addition instantly elevates your ordinary syrup into an extraordinary sweet, syrupy, fruit infused bath that makes absolutely everything it glides across, pools on or smothers better:

up close of a ladle full of chunky apple syrup

What you’ll need for Brown Sugar Cinnamon Syrup

  • Apples: Use peeled Granny Smith apples for their tartness. You can chop the apples smaller or larger than ½-inch, keeping in mind the apples will shrink significantly when simmered.
  • Brown sugar: Use light brown for its caramel undertones that pair beautifully with the apples – think caramel apples!
  • Butter: Use salted butter or unsalted butter with a pinch of salt.
  • Cornstarch: This helps to thicken the syrup because the apples release water when simmered.
  • Cinamon: 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon adds the cozy, warm fall flavoring.
  • Vanilla: Use quality extract for the best flavor.

What Apples Should I Use?

Granny Smith apples are the best apples for Apple Syrup because their tartness balances out the sweetness of the sugar.  I do not suggest using any sweet apples for this recipe otherwise it will not taste balanced and instead taste sickly sweet.

up close of Granny Smith Apples on a cutting board to show which apples are best for Apple Syrup

How to Make Cinnamon Syrup

To make this seemingly indulgent delight, simply simmer apples, cinnamon, a little butter, sugar, and water (mixed with cornstarch).  In ten short minutes (or ten long minutes depending just how hungry you are), you have fresh, Cinnamon Apple Syrup and a home that smells delightfully cozy.

Here is a breakdown step by step:

STEP 1: In a saucepan, combine brown sugar, butter, cornstarch whisked with water and cinnamon. 

showing how to make apple syrup by adding water, cornstarch, brown sugar, butter and cinnamon to a saucepan

STEP 2: Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar and melt butter.

showing how to make apple syrup by melting brown sugar with butter and water


STEP 3: Boil for 1 minute then reduce heat to medium and add apples.

showing how to make apple syrup by adding apples to a saucepan
showing how to make apple syrup by stirring apples into syrup

STEP 4: Simmer for 10 minutes, or until apples reach desired tenderness.

showing how to make apple syrup by simmering apples with the syrup

How Big Should I Chop My Apples?

The size of your apples is personal preference.  I like to  chop mine into 1/2” cubes.  Keep in mind that the apples will shrink considerably when cooked.  For chunkier Apple Syrup, chop bigger apple pieces, for less chunky, chop smaller pieces. 

The size of your apples will also affect the ratio of apples to syrup.   Large apple chunks means more syrup, smaller apple chunks means more apples.

showing how to make apple syrup by chopping apples into cubes

How to thicken syrup

Depending on how much moisture your apples release, you may need to thicken or thin your Apple Syrup.

  • To thin:  stir in an additional tablespoon or so of water to reach desired consistency. 
  • To thicken: whisk 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water until dissolved.  Stir into Apple Syrup then bring to a simmer until thickened.
side view of ladle scooping up easy apple syrup

Apple Brown Sugar Syrup storage

Cinnamon Apple Syrup should be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

How long does Apple Syrup last in the fridge?

Apple Syrup can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

chunky apple syrup in a white bowl with a ladle

What should I serve with this Cinnamon Syrup Recipe?

You will want to smother everything with this Cinnamon Apple Syrup.  Some of my favorites to serve with Apple Syrup are:

  • Pancakes
  • Waffles
  • French toast
  • Crepes
  • Oatmeal
  • Ice cream
  • Yogurt
  • Cottage cheese

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cinnamon apple syrup on a bite of sweet potato pancakes
up close view of chunky cinnamon apple syrup on top of a stack of sweet potato pancakes

Cinnamon Syrup Recipe

This Cinnamon Apple Syrup is quick, easy and makes everything better! Toss everything into a pot and let it simmer for a gourmet tasting syrup in less than 15 minutes! This Apple Syrup is absolutely delightful on pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal and even ice cream.
Servings: 2 cups
Total Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes

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Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch dissolved in ⅓ cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Add later

  • 3 tart apples peeled and chopped into 1/2″ chunks
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • In a saucepan, add the brown sugar, butter, cornstarch and cinnamon. Cook over medium heat, stirring until the butter melts.
  • Increase heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 1 minute, then reduce heat to medium and add apples. Simmer for 5-8 minutes, until apples reach desired tenderness. Depending on how much moisture your apples release, you may need to stir in an additional tablespoon or so of water to reach desired consistency.
  • Serve over pancakes, waffles, French toast, oatmeal or ice cream.
  • Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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44 Comments

  1. Shalena Lambert says

    Would it be possible to can this? I have lots of fresh apples and have already made apple butter and canned some in simple syrup. This would be wonderful preserved.

    • Jen says

      Hi Shalena, I imagine so but I am not an expert in canning and don’t know the specifics – sorry!

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