How to stew apples for the ultimate comfort dessert

There’s nothing like a bowl of stewed apples on a cold winter’s evening. This classic dessert is the definition of comfort food: warm, satisfying and like a hug in a bowl! Here are some top tips for making great stewed apples every time.

How to stew apples

Before you start, it’s important to use the right type of apples. Cooking and eating apples are actually very different, and whenever you’re making apple recipes, you’ll need to make sure you’ve chosen wisely. Eating apples will hold their texture throughout the stewing process, while cooking apples, like Braeburns, will break down into a comforting mush.

We recommend using cooking apples for this dish. If you want to try something a little different, you could add some eating apples — try a ratio of one eating apple for every two cooking apples. This will give your dessert a more complex, interesting texture.

As you will see, there are many ways to stew apples.

How to stew apples on the stove

This is the classic method for making stewed apples. Just follow these steps:

• Peel, core and chop the apples. For 3 average apples, place them in a small pan with 1-2 tbsp of water, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and around 2 tbsp of sugar.
• Cover and cook over medium heat for 5-10 minutes. Use a fork to test whether your apples are tender.
• For a smoother texture, remove the lid and let the apples cook for 5 more minutes. For a smooth texture, you can mash them lightly with a fork.

How to stew apples in the microwave

You can also make stewed apples in the microwave. Use the same basic ingredients as above, and place them in a lidded, microwave-safe dish. Microwave on high for 3 minutes, then remove and check. If they’re not tender yet, continue microwaving for 1 minute at a time, repeating until they’re done.

How to stew apples without sugar

You can stew apples using various sweeteners, instead of sugar. Try a teaspoon of honey for a rich flavour, or use your favourite sugar alternative. Remember not to add too much, as a good dish of stewed apples should be pleasantly tart, not overpoweringly sweet. For a diet-friendly dessert that doesn’t use sweeteners, stew your apples in a few tablespoons of apple juice instead of water.

You could also experiment by adding raisins or currants to the mixture. If you’re doing this, add a little more water to the pan, as raisins absorb it as they cook.

Best apple recipes

Of course, when it comes to dessert, the ultimate classic is apple pie. Try this quick and easy version, which will give you puff pastry hand pies that are great hot after dinner or cold in a lunchbox.

Apples are also a great way to start the day. This apple pie porridge bowl adds fresh blueberries for a delightful burst of flavour. Of course, this is just the start. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try apples in all kinds of salads and savoury dishes — and remember, pork with apple sauce is a classic combination.

FAQs

Can you boil apples to soften them?

Yes, but keep in mind that some apples will never become very soft. Cooking apples soften up easily, but eating apples will still keep some of their texture.

What is the appropriate cooking method for apples?

The classic way to cook apples is by stewing them in a small saucepan on the stove. You can also stew them in the microwave or, for a different kind of dessert, stuff them with raisins and cinnamon sugar and bake them in the oven.

How long do stewed apples last?

Stewed apples will last for up to a week in the fridge. You can also freeze them in an airtight container. Use them within 3 months for best results.

Can you overcook apples?

Yes. If you overcook apples, they’ll lose their flavour, so keep an eye on them during the cooking process.

Can stewed apples be left out overnight?

This isn’t a good idea. To store your stewed apples, leave them to cool, then put them in an airtight container and place them in the fridge.