Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples (Printable View)

Tender apple slices cooked with warm spices and brown sugar make an effortless sweet topping or simple dessert.

# 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 1/2-inch wedges for even cooking.
02 - Place the apple slices into the Instant Pot insert. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt evenly over the apples. Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired, then add the water or apple juice.
03 - Distribute the butter pieces evenly over the top of the apples.
04 - Close the Instant Pot lid and ensure the valve is set to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
05 - Allow the pressure to release naturally for 3 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
06 - Open the lid and gently stir in the vanilla extract. For a thicker syrup consistency, turn on Sauté mode and simmer for a few minutes while stirring gently. Serve warm over oatmeal, pancakes, or ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They come together faster than baking but taste like they simmered all afternoon
  • The natural apple sweetness intensifies under pressure creating syrupy perfection
  • Your whole house will smell like a cozy bakery in under twenty minutes
02 -
  • Natural release time matters for texture so do not rush that three minute wait
  • Apples continue cooking after pressure release so remove them when they still have a little bite
  • The sauce thickens considerably as it cools so do not overreduce during sauté
03 -
  • Mix different apple varieties for the best balance of sweet and tart
  • Use coconut oil instead of butter for a subtle tropical twist

Return