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I have always loved the fried apples from Cracker Barrel—true Southern comfort food. But a small serving clocks in at 170 calories and 6 WW Points, which isn’t exactly light! That’s why I was so excited to find this healthier spin: Cinnamon Apple Stir-Fry from Marlene Koch’s Eat What You Love (affiliate link) cookbook.
These stovetop cinnamon apples are sweet, cozy, and satisfying—but much lighter than the restaurant version. They cook up in minutes and can be enjoyed so many ways: as a warm side dish, a naturally sweet snack, or even as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles. Add a dollop of whipped cream or spoon them over light vanilla ice cream, and you’ve got a dessert that tastes indulgent but keeps you on track.
Why I Love These Cinnamon Apples
- Lightened-up comfort food: All the flavor of fried apples, but with far fewer calories and WW Points.
- Quick and easy: Made on the stovetop in less than 15 minutes.
- Versatile: Works as a side dish, snack, breakfast topping, or healthy dessert.
- Simple ingredients: Just apples, cinnamon, and a few pantry staples.
- Family-friendly: A wholesome treat everyone will enjoy.
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Apples – Any firm, crisp apple works well (Granny Smith for tartness, Honeycrisp for sweet, I like Pink Lady). A mix of apple varieties adds depth of flavor. Just be sure to choose an apple that won’t turn to mush during cooking.
- Butter – Just a little adds richness. Swap for light butter or a butter substitute to reduce calories/points.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon brings that classic warmth; nutmeg or apple pie spice are tasty additions.
- Sugar-free maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness without extra sugar. Honey or light brown sugar can be substituted if preferred (just adjust WW Points).
- Water – Helps soften the apples as they cook.
- Vanilla extract – Rounds out the flavor and adds a hint of sweetness.
WW Points and Nutrition
According to my calculations, each serving has just:
- Calories: 100
- WW Points: 1
To see your WW Points for this recipe, track it in the WW App!
(You must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) - Old WW Points: 3 PointsPlus
How to Make Stir Fried Cinnamon Apples, Step-by-Step
Step 1: Gather and prep your ingredients.
Step 2: Melt the butter.
Step 3: Cook the apples and cinnamon until lightly browned and tender.
Step 4: Add maple flavored syrup, water, and vanilla and cook until bubbly.
Cooking Notes
Be sure to choose an apple that won’t turn to mush during cooking. Granny Smith, Gala, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Fuji and Pink Lady would all be good.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy, hot, warm or cold.
- Delicious over a small scoop of light vanilla ice cream or frozen yogurt.
- Warm with a dollop of vanilla greek yogurt and sprinkling of granola
- Great topping for pancakes or waffles.
- Side dish for breakfast.
- A side dish alongside chicken, turkey or pork.
If you’ve made this WW Stir Fried Apples, please give the recipe a star rating below and leave a comment letting me know how you liked it. And stay in touch on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest updates.
Cinnamon Apple Stir Fry
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 pound apples (3-4 medium sized), peeled and sliced (4 cups) (I used honey crisp)
- 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar-free maple flavored syrup
- 1/4 cup water
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Set a medium-size saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the butter and stir until melted.
- Add the apples and cinnamon and cook, stirring often until the apples are lightly brown and just tender, 6-8 minutes.
- Mix together the syrup, water and vanilla Add to the apples and cook, stirring often until the mixture bubbles, 1-2 minutes.
Notes
(Must be logged into WW on a smartphone or tablet.) 1 SmartPoints (Green plan) 1 SmartPoints (Blue plan) 1 SmartPoints (Purple plan) 3 PointsPlus (Old plan) Sugar-free maple flavored syrup is the key to keeping these cinnamon fried apples low in calories and WW Points. If you opt for real maple syrup instead the Points increases to 5 per serving. Another option might be to use real maple syrup, but only half as much, for a Points value of 3. Be sure to choose an apple that won’t turn to mush during cooking. Granny Smith, Gala, Braeburn, Honey Crisp, Fuji and Pink Lady would all be good.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Recipe source: Eat What You Love (affiliate link) by Marlene Koch
More Easy Healthy Apple Recipes for WW
If you like this WW Cinnamon Apples (Cracker Barrel Copycat) recipe, you’’’ll love these other light and cozy apple treats:
- Light and Healthy Apple Pie Parfait
All the flavors of apple pie layered into a simple, portion-controlled parfait. - Microwave Cinnamon Apple Crisp for One
A quick single-serving dessert that satisfies your sweet tooth in minutes. - Healthy Baked Apples
Tender, spiced apples stuffed with a naturally sweet filling—perfect for dessert or a warm snack. - Apple Blonde Brownies
Moist, cake-like bars packed with apples and fall flavor but lightened up for WW. - Crock Pot Apple Compote
A slow cooker staple that makes a delicious topping for pancakes, yogurt, or oatmeal.
Make Healthy Eating Even Easier
If you enjoy simple, WW-friendly recipes like this one, you’ll love my Ultimate eCookbook Bundle. It’s packed with my best slow cooker, casserole, and family-friendly favorites—all with nutrition and WW Points already calculated for you. Perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or anytime you need quick inspiration.
Absolutely delicious!!!!!