Apples are poached in a cinnamon spiced syrup infused with fresh cranberries in this easy but impressive dessert.
These poached apples are just the thing for a simple family supper or a holiday get-together when you’re short on time. Cooked fruit are one of the simplest of sweets but also the most comforting.
Sweet, spicy and just a little bit tart, it’s also the kind of recipe that’s just at home for breakfast as it is for dessert, and the best part is you can make them ahead of time since they only get better as they sit. An overnight rest in the fridge gives the flavors a chance to mingle and infuse the apples even further.
How to make poached apples:
- Poaching apples is easier than you think. You just combine your spices, with fresh cranberries and water in a saucepan and set it on the stove to heat. The tartness of the cranberries helps to balance the sweetness of the apples and creates a pretty pink syrup.
- While you’re waiting for everything to warm up is the perfect time to prepare the apples for their bath. The apples are peeled, halved and cored then placed in the poaching liquid, covered and set aside to gently simmer and infuse.
- Once the apples are tender they are removed from the poaching liquid which is then further simmered until it's syrupy. You can serve the poached apples warm or chill them first in the fridge before serving.
The resulting poached apples are silky and gently spiced, while the cranberry syrup is spicy and lightly sweet. The apples take on a rosy hue and translucent quality as they sit in the fridge with the dried cherries that plump and become soft and juicy.
The aroma that fills the kitchen as they poach is a nice little bonus. There’s nothing quite as comforting as the sweet smell of spices wafting through the air during the winter months and the cozy scent begins to envelop you as soon after you set everything to a simmer.
How to serve:
I like to serve the apples covered in their syrup (add a little cream on the side to dress them up if you’d like) or on top of yogurt if I’m having them for breakfast.
More apple recipes:
Cinnamon Poached Apples
Apples are poached in a cinnamon spiced syrup infused with fresh cranberries in this easy but impressive dessert.
Ingredients
- 2 cups/480g filtered water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped
- 3 whole star anise
- ¼ cup/60ml honey or maple syrup for a vegan version (NOTE: If you use maple syrup your apples will not be as brightly colored)
- 3oz/ 84g fresh cranberries, washed and sorted
- 8 to 10 (about ½ lb) small crimson gold apples, peeled, cored, and halved
- ¼ cup/28g dried unsweetened cherries
Instructions
- Bring water, cinnamon, vanilla bean and seeds, star anise, sweetener of choice and cranberries to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes (you want the cranberries to pop) while you prep the apples.
- Add apples, place a piece of parchment on top to submerge the apples; cover and simmer until just tender (about 5 minutes).
- Remove poached apples with a strainer and set aside.
- Bring the cranberry spice liquid back to a low boil and reduce in volume for about 5 minutes (the syrup will continue to thicken as it cools).
- Remove from heat and pour through a fine mesh strainer over the apples pressing on the solids to remove all the liquid. Discard the spices and cooked cranberries. Add the dried cherries to the cranberry, apple mixture and cool, cover and refrigerate overnight.
- To serve, spoon the apples and fruit into bowls and drizzle the syrup around them.
Notes
Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Vegan, Paleo
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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ORGANIC Dried Tart Cherries - Sunny Fruit - 16oz Bulk Bag | Purely Cherries - NO Added Sugars, Sulfurs or Preservatives | NON-GMO, VEGAN, HALAL & KOSHER
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Spicely Organic Cinnamon True Sticks (Ceylon) 6 Count Jar Certified Gluten Free
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Spicely Organic Anise Star Whole 0.10 Ounce ecoBox Certified Gluten Free
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 160Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 19mgCarbohydrates: 42gFiber: 2gSugar: 33gProtein: 0g
Nutritional information for recipes contained on this website, such as calories, fat, carbs, etc. are only estimates and are not guaranteed to be accurate.
Sylvie Shirazi is the recipe developer and food photographer behind Gourmande in the Kitchen. For the last 10 years she's been making eating more healthfully easy and accessible with gluten-free, grain-free, paleo and vegan recipes that are free from processed ingredients.
Kelly @ The Nourishing Home says
Sylvie, this is truly a work of art! I can't even imagine how delicious it tastes as well. I am thrilled to pin this to my festive goods board as I plan to make this show-stopper for my holiday party! Thank you so much for sharing! xo
Laura says
I like this idea! A great alternative to all the heavy styled desserts you see during the holiday season.
Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy says
This sounds so warm and cozy and light! I LOVE the second photo...beautiful 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
What an exquisite color, a beautiful dessert!
Sharana @ Living The Sweet Life Blog says
What a lovely looking dish - I adore the idea of serving it over yogurt -- and that gold spoon is stunning!!
Maria | Pink Patisserie says
So beautiful. That color is just stunning and I love those darling little apples!
Melissa says
Apples and cranberries go so well together. Looks delish!
taylor @ greens & chocolate says
What a gorgeous dessert!
Lee - Fit Foodie Finds says
I love how healthy this recipe is! I've been putting maple syrup on errrrythang!
Rosa says
A wonderful idea and refined dessert!
Cheers,
Rosa