Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples (Printable)

Tender spiced apple slices cooked quickly with cinnamon and brown sugar.

# What You'll 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, packed
03 - 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey

→ Liquids

04 - 1/4 cup water or apple juice

→ Spices

05 - 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg

→ Other

07 - 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
09 - Pinch of salt

# Method:

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, and salt evenly over the top.
03 - Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if using, then add the water or apple juice to the pot.
04 - Distribute the small pieces of butter evenly across the apple mixture.
05 - Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
06 - Allow natural pressure release for 3 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
07 - Open the lid and stir in the vanilla extract. For a thicker syrup, use the Sauté function and simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently.
08 - Serve warm as a standalone dessert, or use as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

# Insider Tips:

01 -
  • The Instant Pot makes apples tender without turning them into mush, preserving that perfect bite.
  • Your kitchen will smell like cinnamon rolls in less time than it takes to brew coffee.
  • This recipe doubles as a dessert topping, oatmeal mix-in, or straight-from-the-bowl comfort food.
02 -
  • Natural release is nonnegotiable here. Quick-releasing immediately sprays hot syrup everywhere and leaves the apples undercooked.
  • Two minutes on high pressure is perfect, but every Instant Pot runs slightly different. Check after the first batch and adjust by 1 minute if needed.
03 -
  • Use apple juice instead of water for an extra boost of fruit flavor that makes people ask what your secret is.
  • Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cayenne pepper with the cinnamon if you like subtle warmth that surprises people.

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