Apples in honey and cinnamon come together in one skillet in about ten minutes, served warm straight from the stove. This is the pairing most closely associated with Rosh Hashanah, here as a real dessert on a plate rather than just a ceremonial slice dipped in honey.

The recipe fits anyone who runs out of time on the morning before the holiday, since it needs no oven and no waiting, just a hot pan and a few minutes.

Which apple stays juicy instead of turning to mush

Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples hold their texture even after a few minutes over high heat, while softer apples like Red Delicious turn to mush too fast. Slices cut to an even quarter-inch thickness cook at the same rate within the recipe's short time window, so even the thickest slice has time to soften and the thinnest one does not burn.

How to get a glossy honey glaze without burning it

Honey burns much faster than oil or butter because of its high sugar concentration, so it goes into the pan only after the apples have already started to soften, not from the very beginning. Lower the heat the moment the honey goes in, and instead of stirring with a spoon, swirl the pan gently to coat the slices in an even glaze. Cinnamon goes in only at the end, after the pan is off the heat, since prolonged heat dulls its aroma.

Apples in Honey and Cinnamon

Apples in honey and cinnamon come together in one skillet in about ten minutes, served warm straight from the stove.

Apples in Honey and Cinnamon
Servings: 4 servingsPrep time: 3 minCook time: 7 minTotal time: 10 min

Ingredients

  • 4 whole apples (Granny Smith or Golden Delicious) (sliced 1/4 inch thick)
  • 2 tbsp butter (or coconut oil for dairy-free)
  • 3 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1 pinch salt

Instructions

  1. Melt the butter in a wide skillet over medium-high heat.

  2. Add the apple slices in a single layer and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, until slightly softened but still holding their shape.

  3. Lower the heat, add the honey, and swirl the pan gently, without stirring with a spoon, to coat the apples in a glossy glaze.

  4. Remove from heat, sprinkle with cinnamon and a pinch of salt, and toss gently once.

  5. Serve immediately, warm from the pan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this without butter, for a dairy-free version?
Yes, substitute coconut oil or margarine, and the result comes out very similar in flavor and texture.

My apples came out too soft, what should I change next time?
The slices were probably cut too thin or spent too long in the pan. Quarter-inch slices over medium-high heat hold texture best.

Can I serve this with ice cream?
Yes, it is one of the best combinations. The warm apples against the cold ice cream make a pleasant contrast.

How long can I keep leftovers?
Up to two days in the fridge in a sealed container, reheated easily in a pan over low heat before serving.