Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples (Printable Version)
Tender cinnamon-spiced apple slices cooked quickly in the Instant Pot for a sweet dessert or topping.
# What You Need:
→ Produce
01 - 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced into 1/2-inch wedges
→ Sweeteners
02 - 1/3 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
03 - 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey (optional)
→ Liquids
04 - 1/4 cup water or apple juice
→ Spices
05 - 1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
→ Other
07 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
08 - 1 tsp vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt
# How to Make It:
01 - Peel, core, and slice the apples into uniform 1/2-inch wedges for even cooking.
02 - Place the apple slices in the Instant Pot insert. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg if using, and salt evenly over the top. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired, then add the water or apple juice.
03 - Distribute the butter pieces evenly across the apple mixture.
04 - Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the steam release valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
05 - When the cooking cycle completes, allow natural pressure release for 3 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
06 - Open the lid and stir in the vanilla extract. For a thicker syrup consistency, select Sauté mode and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until reduced.
07 - Serve warm as a standalone dessert, or use as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- This is the fastest way to get that slow-cooked apple flavor without standing over a stove for an hour
- These apples work beautifully for breakfast, dessert, or even as a side dish with pork chops
02 -
- Natural release for those 3 minutes is crucial, it helps the apples finish cooking gently
- Quick release too early and your apples might be slightly underdone in the center
03 -
- Different apple varieties need slightly different cooking times, softer apples might need just 1 minute
- If your sauce seems too thin, use the sauté function after cooking to reduce it to your preferred consistency