There’s something so satisfying about taking fresh fruits and veggies and transforming it into something new and delicious through pickling.
I’m excited to share my newest recipe for spiced pickled apples – a unique and flavorful snack you can enjoy all year round.
This isn’t your average pickled apple. It’s a cozy, aromatherapy-like experience, with the kitchen filled with the scents of cinnamon and apple spices.
But don’t let the fancy flavors fool you – this is an incredibly simple recipe that doesn’t require any special equipment, just a few pantry staples and a bit of time.
I’ve been perfecting this recipe for a while now, striving to strike that perfect balance of tart and sweet.
Once you’ve tried these spiced pickled apples, you’ll want to make them again and again.
A Quick Note
Picking the right apples for this recipe is always an adventure. Each variety adds its own twist on flavor and crunch. The perfect apple just depends on what you like!
And vinegar? I’ve tested white, white wine, and apple cider vinegars to see which one complements the spice blend best.
To my surprise, plain white vinegar won the spot—it lets the spices take center stage without drowning them out, ensuring every bite is perfectly balanced.
I noticed something interesting about the pickling process, too. At first, just 24 hours after making the pickles, they tasted a bit too salty and the vinegar seemed overpowering.
But I didn’t give up on them. Over the next few days, I made sure to shake the jars and occasionally turn them upside down and right side up.
This little trick seemed to do the magic. After letting them marinate for 5 days, the flavors had softened and melded together beautifully—the saltiness was gone, and the overall taste was just right.
This batch, with its plain white vinegar, definitely turned out to be my favorite. It’s amazing how a bit of patience and a few simple moves can transform flavors!
Quick Spiced Pickled Apples
Equipment
- 1 16oz jar
- 1 Small Saucepan
Ingredients
- 1 medium honeycrisp or apple of choice
- 4 ounces white vinegar
- 4 ounces water
- 2 tbsp sugar – for a low-carb or keto option try using monk fruit or other type of sweeteners.
- ½ tbsp sea salt – check the label to ensure your sea salt or kosher salt is pure, without anti-caking agents or iodine, as they can impact the flavor and look of your recipe.
- 2 tbsp ground cinnamon
- ¾ tsp ground nutmeg
- ¼ tsp ground allspice
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp ground cardamom
Instructions
- Start by mixing 2 tbsp ground cinnamon, 3/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp allspice, 1/2 tsp ginger, and 1/2 tsp cardamon in a small bowl and set aside. This will be your apple spice mix.
- Cut apples to the desired thickness. I use an 8-section apple slicer and then slice each piece into additional thinner slices.
- In a small saucepan, combine 5 ounces vinegar, 5 ounces water, 2 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 tbsp salt. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar and salt. Allow to cool for 10-15 minutes.
- Add the apple slices to your jar. Top with 1 tbsp of the apple spice mix that you made.
- Pour the brine over the apples, making sure they are completely submerged. Gently stir the apples to incorporate the spice mix. Allow to cool to room temperature.
- Once cooled, put the lid on and pop in the fridge. Allow for the apples to marinate for 5 days. The longer they marinate the better they will taste.
Notes
Nutrition
Minimizing Waste and Maximizing Flavor When Quick Pickling
As an avid home cook, I’m always looking for ways to reduce waste and maximize the flavors in my recipes.
Quick pickling has become one of my go-to techniques, and I’m excited to share a few tips that have helped me along the way.
Reducing Waste
One key strategy I’ve adopted is to halve the recipe when trying it for the first time, or if I don’t need a large batch.
This approach helps minimize the risk of having leftovers that might go to waste.
After delighting in the rich spices of our pickled apples, why not explore a sharper, savory note? Our Pickled Red Onions are just the ticket for your next culinary adventure!
If I end up loving the result, making another batch is always an easy option.
Additionally, I’ve found a great way to accurately measure the brine needed when preparing my recipes.
Here’s how I do it: First, I fill the jar with the sliced apples and then add water until they’re fully submerged.
Next, I drain this water into a measuring cup to find out exactly how much liquid is needed. After discarding the water, I use the measurement to equally split the amount between vinegar and water.
This precise method ensures I use just the right amount of liquid, eliminating any guesswork and excess.
I also make it a point to reuse condiment jars instead of buying new ones, further reducing my environmental footprint.
Helpful Tips for Pickling
While sterilization isn’t necessary for quick or refrigerator pickling, it’s a good practice occasionally to ensure cleanliness and safety.
Washing jars thoroughly in hot, soapy water and drying them is sufficient for most quick pickling needs.
Another important factor is shelf life. Most of my quick pickled fruits and veggies tend to last between 2 to 4 weeks when stored properly in the refrigerator.
Meal Pairing Ideas for Pickled Spiced Apples
I love how versatile spiced pickled apples can be.
They add a wonderful blend of tangy, slightly sweet, and subtly spiced flavors that really elevate different dishes.
Whether I’m pairing them with savory meals or sweet treats, they always bring something special to the plate.
- Roast Pork or Pork Chops: The sweet and tangy flavors of the pickled apples pair nicely with the richness of pork.
- Grilled Chicken or Turkey: The acidity and spice of the apples can cut through the savory flavors of grilled poultry.
- Salads: Adds refreshing and flavorful element to green salads, coleslaw, or arugula salads.
- Sandwiches: Use as a topping on sandwiches, such as grilled cheese, ham and cheese, or turkey and brie.
- Oatmeal: Dice up a few slices to add a new twist to your morning oatmeal.
- Charcuterie Boards: The pickled apples can add a unique and flavorful element to a selection of cured meats and cheeses.
The key is to let the tangy, slightly sweet, and spiced character of the pickled apples play off the other flavors and textures in the dish. Experiment and have fun with different flavor combinations!
Become Part of Our Pickling Family!
Did you have fun making spiced pickled apples? If you liked the sweet and spicy aroma filling your kitchen, I’d love to hear all about it!
Drop a comment below to share your experience, any personal twists you added, or just to say hello. I’m always thrilled to connect with fellow picklers.
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Also, share your gorgeous pickled apple photos on social media.
Better yet, invite your friends to this post and encourage them to join our vibrant pickling community. We’re a group that celebrates every jar, and there’s always room for more in our circle.
