🍏 Easy Spiced Apple Rings in a Jar
If you love the cozy flavors of fall, these Spiced Apple Rings in a Jar are a must-make! They’re tender apple slices simmered in a sweet-tart, warmly spiced syrup and preserved in a jar for snacking, gifting, or elevating everything from toast to pork chops. This simple recipe brings old-fashioned comfort with just a handful of ingredients—and you don’t need to be a canning expert to make it happen!
🌟 Benefits of Easy Spiced Apple Rings in a Jar
🍎 1. Wholesome & Simple Ingredients
Made with real apples, warm spices, and pantry staples—no preservatives or artificial stuff.
⏳ 2. Long Shelf Life (If Canned)
Canned apple rings can last up to a year when properly sealed, giving you cozy fall flavor all year round.
🕒 3. Quick & Easy to Make
No complicated steps or equipment—just a stovetop and some jars. Perfect for beginners!
🎁 4. Great for Gifting
They look beautiful in a jar and make heartfelt, homemade gifts for holidays, host gifts, or care packages.
💪 5. Light & Naturally Gluten-Free
A low-fat, gluten-free snack or topping with fiber, antioxidants, and gentle sweetness.
🍎 Ingredients:
4-5 medium apples (firm variety like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji)
2 cups water
1 cup apple cider vinegar
1 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp ground allspice
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/8 tsp salt
1 tsp vanilla extract (optional but adds warmth)
1-2 sterilized mason jars (16 oz or similar)
🥣 Instructions:
Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and slice apples into 1/4″–1/2″ rings.
Use an apple corer or knife to remove the core from each slice to create the ring shape.
Make the Spiced Syrup
In a large saucepan, combine water, apple cider vinegar, sugar, spices, and salt.
Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.
Add vanilla extract, if using.
Cook the Apple Rings
Carefully add apple rings to the simmering liquid.
Simmer for 5–7 minutes or until apples are tender but still holding their shape.
Jar It Up
Use tongs to transfer apple rings into sterilized jars.
Pour hot spiced syrup over the apples to cover.
Tap jars gently to remove air bubbles. Seal tightly.
Cool & Store
Let jars cool to room temperature.
Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks OR
Water-bath can for 10 minutes if you want them shelf-stable.
🍂 Serving Ideas:
- On toast or biscuits
- Chopped into oatmeal or yogurt
- Served alongside roasted meats
- Straight from the jar!:
✅ Tips for Success:
- Choose firm apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp—they hold up better during cooking and don’t turn mushy.
- Cut rings evenly to ensure even cooking. A mandoline slicer or steady hand helps!
- Use a corer to easily make perfect rings—or cut out the core by hand if needed.
- Sterilize your jars by boiling them for 10 minutes or running through a hot dishwasher cycle.
- Let the flavors mellow. These taste even better after sitting for 1–2 days in the fridge!
🔄 Variations to Try:
🍯 Honey-Sweetened:
Swap out the sugar for 3/4 cup of honey for a more natural sweetness and deeper flavor.
🍊 Citrus Twist:
Add a few strips of orange or lemon zest to the syrup for a bright, zesty edge.
🌶️ Spicy Kick:
Toss in a few slices of fresh ginger or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat.
🍁 Maple Delight:
Use half maple syrup and half sugar to create a richer, more caramel-like flavor.
🍷 Mulled Wine Style:
Replace half the water with red wine for a more decadent, mulled treat (especially fun for the holidays).
🍐 Pear Swap:
Substitute or mix in pear rings for a softer, floral alternative.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What are the best apples to use?
A: Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Pink Lady work best. They hold their shape and absorb the syrup beautifully.
Q: Can I use whole spices instead of ground?
A: Definitely! Use a cinnamon stick, whole cloves, and allspice berries. Just strain them out before jarring if you’d prefer a smooth syrup.
Q: How long do they last?
A: Stored in the fridge, they’re good for up to 2 weeks. If water-bath canned properly, they can last up to 1 year in a cool, dark pantry.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes—reduce sugar to your taste or substitute with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Keep in mind this may slightly affect texture and shelf life.
Q: Can I make them without vinegar?
A: Vinegar adds tang and helps with preservation. If you prefer, use lemon juice instead (1:1 swap), though flavor will be milder.
Q: Do I need to peel the apples?
A: Peeling is recommended for a soft, uniform texture, but it’s not required! Keep the peels for extra fiber and color if you like.
🧾 Nutrition Info (Per 1/2 cup serving, approx.)
Note: This will vary slightly based on the size of apples and sugar content.
Calories: 90–110 kcal
Carbohydrates: 24g
Sugars: 21g
Fiber: 2g
Fat: 0g
Protein: 0g
Sodium: 5–10mg
Vitamin C: 6–8% DV
🍽️ How to Use Spiced Apple Rings
These are so versatile—you’ll find a reason to grab a jar every day!
🥞 Breakfast Ideas:
- Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast
- Chop and stir into oatmeal or overnight oats
- Layer into yogurt parfaits with granola
🧀 Snacks & Sides:
- Serve with a cheese board (pairs great with cheddar or brie!)
- Enjoy straight from the jar as a sweet snack
- Top on toasted English muffins or biscuits
🍖 Savory Pairings:
- Serve alongside roast pork, turkey, or ham
- Dice and mix into grain bowls with quinoa or wild rice
- Toss into fall salads with goat cheese and nuts
🍨 Desserts:
- Warm and serve over vanilla ice cream
- Use in apple pie parfaits or mini tarts
- Blend into smoothies for a spiced twist