Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

If there’s ever been a kitchen creation that radiates nostalgia and pure holiday cheer, it’s Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings. With their jewel-bright color, tender bite, and sweetly spiced flavor, these apple rings bring back memories of family feasts and festive gatherings. Whether you’re crowning a roast, sprucing up a salad, or just sneaking them straight from the fridge, Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are a delight that brighten every occasion with their bold color and burst of cinnamon warmth.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Ingredients:

  • 6 firm apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies
  • 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • 4 whole cloves

How to Make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Start by peeling your apples, then core them carefully using an apple corer or a paring knife. Slice each apple into 1/4-inch thick rings. Take your time with this step for those picture-perfect, uniform circles—the right thickness will help the Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings stay tender without falling apart.

Step 2: Simmer the Syrup

Grab a medium saucepan and combine water, granulated sugar, red hot candies, apple cider vinegar, red food coloring if using, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves. Place the pan over medium heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly so the sugar and candies dissolve completely. Let the mixture simmer for about 5 minutes—this is where all those flavors start melding into something special.

Step 3: Cook the Apple Rings

Once your syrup is beautifully fragrant and deep red, carefully add the apple rings. Make sure they’re submerged so they soak up all that color and flavor. Simmer them gently for 10 to 12 minutes—keep a close eye so they become tender but don’t break apart. A gentle hand here makes for the prettiest presentation.

Step 4: Soak for Intense Flavor

Remove the pan from heat and let the apple rings cool in the hot syrup for at least 30 minutes. This waiting time is where the magic happens—the rings take on even more vibrant color and richer cinnamon flavor, making each bite both beautiful and delicious.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once they’ve cooled down, Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are ready to grace your table. Serve them warm for comfort or chilled for a refreshing contrast—it’s impossible to go wrong!

How to Serve Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings

Garnishes

For a festive finishing touch, sprinkle your apple rings with a dusting of cinnamon sugar or fresh grated nutmeg. A few curls of orange zest also add a pop of color and a little citrus zing, balancing the sweetness beautifully.

Side Dishes

These apple rings are a beloved companion to roasted meats—especially ham, turkey, or pork. Their sweet-spicy tang livens up heavy dishes, but they’re also perfect alongside pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal at brunch. Think of Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings as a secret weapon that adds pizzazz to any meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Use the apple rings as eye-catching toppers for cakes or cheesecakes, slice them into salads for an unexpected twist, or stack them on a platter with toothpicks for a retro holiday appetizer. They even make a stunning cocktail garnish! When served in glass jars or vintage-style bowls, they become a table centerpiece all on their own.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Simply spoon any uneaten Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings and their syrup into an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate, and they’ll keep their flavor and color for up to two weeks—making them perfect for planning ahead or sneaking a little treat midweek.

Freezing

While freezing changes their texture, you can freeze the finished rings in a heavy-duty freezer bag with some syrup. Defrost overnight in the fridge; expect them to be more delicate, but the flavor will still shine through in baked goods or as a quick dessert topping.

Reheating

If you like your Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings warm, gently heat them (with a bit of syrup) in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in short bursts. Just avoid overcooking so they don’t lose their shape.

FAQs

Can I make Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings without red hot candies?

Absolutely! You can substitute 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon and a bit more red food coloring for that classic red hue. You’ll miss a bit of nostalgic spice, but the rings will still be tasty and colorful.

What kind of apples work best for this recipe?

Choose firm varieties such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp. These apples keep their shape after simmering, giving you the classic bite and look of Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings.

Do I really need to use food coloring?

Food coloring is totally optional. If your cinnamon candies are vibrant, they’ll often give enough color on their own. If you want extra-bright rings for a special occasion, a few drops of food coloring will do the trick.

Can I use this recipe for canning?

While these are fantastic refrigerated for up to two weeks, if you’re experienced with home canning, properly sterilize jars and process them according to safe canning guidelines. This way, you can enjoy Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings all year long!

Are Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings vegan?

Yes! This recipe is naturally vegan, using only plant-based ingredients so everyone at your table can enjoy their vibrant color and comforting warmth.

Final Thoughts

Few dishes are as instantly joyful and versatile as Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings. Whether you’re looking to add a splash of color to your holiday table or a cozy twist to a weeknight meal, give this recipe a try—you’ll create more than just a side dish, you’ll make a tradition that friends and family will remember for years to come.

Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 24 reviews

• Author: Kimberly
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegan

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Description

These Old-Fashioned Red Cinnamon Apple Rings are a nostalgic treat that brings a burst of sweet and spicy flavor to any meal. Perfect as a side dish, garnish, or dessert topping, these vibrant apple rings are a must-try for any apple lover.

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Ingredients

Ingredients:

• 6 firm apples, peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/4-inch rings
• 2 cups water
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup red hot cinnamon candies
• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon red food coloring (optional)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves

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Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, sugar, red hot candies, apple cider vinegar, food coloring if using, cinnamon sticks, and cloves. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring until the sugar and candies are completely dissolved.
2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
3. Carefully add the apple rings to the hot liquid, making sure they are submerged. Simmer gently for 10 to 12 minutes, or until the apples are tender but not falling apart.
4. Remove from the heat and allow the apple rings to cool in the syrup for at least 30 minutes to absorb more flavor and color.
5. Serve warm or chilled as a side dish, garnish, or dessert topping.

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Notes

• These apple rings make a beautiful holiday side dish or topping for ham, turkey, or pork roasts.
• For longer storage, transfer the apples and syrup into sterilized jars and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.