Easy Grilled Apples with Cinnamon and Honey

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy to prepare with minimal ingredients

• Perfect balance of sweet honey and warm cinnamon

• Light, wholesome dessert option

• Great for outdoor BBQs or indoor grill pans

• Customizable with nuts, spices, or toppings

• Kid-friendly and crowd-pleasing

• Naturally gluten-free

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 apples (4 apple slices per person)
3 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 tablespoon cinnamon
3 tablespoons rhum (optional)
pecans for decoration

Directions

1. Preparing apples for grilling.

2. Wash the apples thoroughly and pat them dry with a paper towel. Cut apples into thick slices or wedges, about ½ to ¾ inch thick. Remove the core, seeds, and stems. To prevent sticking, lightly brush both sides of the apple slices with oil.

3. Prepare the glaze.

4. In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, cinnamon, rhum (if using), and honey until well combined.

5. Grilling the apple slices.

6. Clean and oil the grill rack thoroughly. Preheat a gas or charcoal grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 200°C). Place the apple slices directly on the grill and brush the top side with the glaze. Grill for about 4 minutes on each side, or until lightly charred and caramelized. Flip the slices, brush the other side with glaze, and continue grilling until tender with visible grill marks. A grill pan on the stovetop works just as well.

7. Serve.

8. Remove the apples from the grill. Sprinkle with additional cinnamon and drizzle with honey. Garnish with pecans or your favorite nuts before serving.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4

Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves for extra warmth

• Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper flavor

• Use brown sugar instead of honey for a richer caramel taste

• Add a splash of vanilla extract to the glaze

• Top with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream for dessert

• Swap pecans for walnuts or almonds

• Use firm pears instead of apples for a twist

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover grilled apples in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm them gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through. You can also reheat them in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 5–8 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work best because they hold their shape while grilling.

Do I have to use rhum?

No, the rhum is optional. The recipe tastes delicious without it.

Can I make this recipe indoors?

Yes, a grill pan on the stovetop works perfectly if you don’t have an outdoor grill.

How do I keep the apples from sticking?

Brush both the grill grates and the apple slices lightly with oil before grilling.

Can I prepare the apples ahead of time?

You can slice them a few hours in advance. Toss lightly in lemon juice to prevent browning and refrigerate until ready to grill.

Are grilled apples healthy?

They are a lighter dessert option made primarily from fresh fruit, with natural sweetness from honey.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative or coconut oil.

What can I serve with grilled apples?

They pair well with pork dishes, pancakes, waffles, yogurt, or ice cream.

Can I cook them in the oven instead?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I know when the apples are done?

They should be tender when pierced with a fork and have visible caramelization and grill marks.

Conclusion

Easy grilled apples with cinnamon and honey are a simple yet flavorful way to elevate fresh fruit. With warm spices, a sweet glaze, and beautiful grill marks, this recipe delivers comforting flavors in just minutes. Whether served as a side dish or dessert, it’s a versatile option that’s sure to become a favorite.