If you’re longing for a retro treat that dazzles the eye as much as it delights the palate, look no further than Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings. This nostalgic recipe transforms crisp apple slices into brilliant ruby rings, infused with sweet and spicy cinnamon flavor. Whether you serve them at holiday gatherings, as a fun dessert, or as a beautiful side alongside savory roasts, these apple rings always evoke warm memories and brighten any table. They’re surprisingly simple to make and guaranteed to become a cherished favorite for anyone who takes a bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Apples:
- 4 firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled and cored, cut into 1/4-inch rings
Syrup:
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1–2 drops red food coloring (optional)
How to Make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings
Step 1: Prepare the Syrup
In a medium saucepan, combine the water, granulated sugar, red hot cinnamon candies, white vinegar, and, if you’d like, a drop or two of red food coloring. Over medium heat, bring everything to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally, watching as the cinnamon candies melt away and transform the liquid into a shimmering red syrup—the aroma alone will transport you right to the holidays and family dinners past.
Step 2: Slice and Add the Apples
While the syrup comes together, peel and core the apples, then cut them into 1/4-inch thick rings. Add the apple rings carefully to the simmering liquid. Once all the slices are nestled in, reduce the heat to low and make sure every ring is submerged for even color and flavor.
Step 3: Simmer Gently
Let the apples simmer gently in the syrup for about 15–20 minutes. The goal is for the rings to turn tender but never mushy—they should still hold together beautifully when lifted. Watch the transformation as the apples take on that gorgeous red tint, perfumed by cinnamon and sugar.
Step 4: Soak for Maximum Flavor
Once the apples are tender, turn off the heat. Allow the rings to cool and soak in the syrup for at least one hour. If you have the time and patience, refrigerate the apples overnight right in the syrup for the deepest flavor and color—the wait is so worth it!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
When you’re ready, lift the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings from their syrup and arrange them on a platter. Serve chilled or at room temperature, and get ready for the compliments to roll in!
How to Serve Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings
Garnishes
Top each platter of apple rings with a scattering of fresh mint leaves or a dusting of extra cinnamon for fresh aroma and visual flair. For a truly nostalgic feel, pair them with a few whole cinnamon sticks or serve them nestled among slices of fresh fruit.
Side Dishes
Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings shine next to classic holiday meats like baked ham or roasted pork loin, where their sweet and spicy notes complement the savory flavors. They also make a bright, refreshing side dish for savory fall or winter mains, or even on a brunch buffet beside pancakes and sausage.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful by stacking the rings in a tall glass trifle dish, threading them onto skewers for kid-friendly snacks, or using them as a festive topping for cheesecakes, oatmeal, or even ice cream. Their beautiful color and enticing aroma are always a showstopper, no matter how you display them.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay fresh and flavorful for up to one full week—meaning you can have a sweet treat on hand any time a craving hits.
Freezing
Technically, you can freeze these apple rings, but the texture may soften a bit after thawing. If you decide to freeze, arrange the rings in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. Thaw them slowly in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To refresh chilled rings, simply let them sit at room temperature for 15–20 minutes. If you’d like to serve them slightly warm, gently heat in a saucepan with a little syrup over very low heat—just be careful not to overcook to keep their shape intact.
FAQs
Can I use a different kind of apple for Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings?
Yes! While Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples offer the best combination of tartness and firmness, you can try other firm varieties such as Fuji, Pink Lady, or Braeburn. Just avoid apples that are very soft or mealy, as they won’t hold up to simmering.
Is it necessary to use red food coloring?
No, the red hot cinnamon candies provide most of the color, especially after soaking overnight. Red food coloring is purely optional and just amps up the festive look for special occasions.
Can I make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings in advance?
Absolutely. In fact, making them a day ahead gives the apples more time to soak up flavor and develop their signature color. Store them (with plenty of syrup) in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve.
How do I core apples for perfect rings?
After peeling, use an apple corer to remove the core, then slice the apples crosswise into uniform 1/4-inch rounds. If you don’t have a corer, you can carefully cut away the center with a small knife.
What should I do with leftover syrup?
The leftover cinnamon syrup is wonderfully fragrant and can be drizzled over pancakes, stirred into oatmeal, or spooned over yogurt for a flavorful treat.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend these Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings enough—every batch feels like a celebration! Whether you’re honoring family traditions, creating new memories, or simply longing for a little vintage charm at your table, this recipe is pure joy from start to finish. Give it a try and let your kitchen be filled with sweet, cinnamon-spiced nostalgia.
