Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples (Printable)

Sweet, spiced apple slices ready in 20 minutes. Ideal warm 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 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)

→ Liquids

04 - 1/4 cup water or apple juice

→ Spices

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

→ Other

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

# How-To Steps:

01 - Peel, core, and slice apples into uniform 1/2-inch wedges for even cooking.
02 - Place apple slices in the Instant Pot. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt evenly over the top.
03 - Drizzle with maple syrup or honey if desired, then pour in water or apple juice.
04 - Distribute butter pieces evenly across the apple mixture.
05 - Seal the lid and set valve to sealing position. Cook on high pressure for 2 minutes.
06 - Allow natural pressure release for 3 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
07 - Open lid and stir in vanilla extract. For a thicker syrup, select 'Sauté' mode and simmer 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until reduced.
08 - Serve warm over oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, or enjoy as a standalone dessert.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • Takes 20 minutes from start to finish, most of which is hands-off while the Instant Pot does its magic
  • The sauce that forms underneath the apples is liquid gold—perfect spooned over oatmeal or ice cream
  • Fills your entire home with that cozy cinnamon bakery smell without turning on the oven
02 -
  • Different apples cook differently. Softer varieties like Gala will almost collapse into applesauce, while firmer ones stay in distinct pieces.
  • The sauce thickens as it cools, so dont panic if it looks thin right after cooking.
  • Natural release time matters—that 3 minutes lets the apples finish cooking gently without turning to mush.
03 -
  • If your apples are on the tart side, increase the brown sugar to 1/2 cup. Sweeter apples need less.
  • For a dairy-free version, coconut oil works surprisingly well and adds a subtle tropical note.
  • Add a dash of cardamom along with the cinnamon for something that feels a little more sophisticated.

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