Spiced Apples (Instant Pot)
Instant Pot Spiced Apples perfectly capture the essence of fall. These “baked” cinnamon apples are done in just 1 minute and come out spiced, soft, and silky!
Why We Love Spiced Apples
Regardless of what the official calendar states, in my mind, September 1st marks the beginning of fall.
No matter how warm it is outside, or how tightly the green leaves cling to the trees… That is when I will pull out my cozy autumn recipes with unabashed joy.
I will cheerfully shine up my slow cooker, pressure cooker, and heavy iron cookware as I contemplate hearty stews, braised meats, pumpkin desserts, and apple recipes.
First, on the agenda this year are apple recipes.
Although apple cakes, pies, and breads are always family favorites, I like to start with a simple apple recipe that can be served as both a sweet or savory dish… Spiced Apples.
This year I’ve been making them in the spiced cinnamon apples in the pressure cooker with amazing results!
Although cinnamon-spiced apples can be made on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or slow cooked, the pressure cooker method is a great option, because it is so fast and hands-free.
Plus, pressure-cooking the apples creates a decadent silky texture. They taste like apple pie, but without all of the effort! Pair it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and you have the perfect dessert!
About Pressure Cookers
The beauty of pressure cookers is how they can reduce the cooking time of anything you cook in them! Once you prep everything for these pressure cooker spiced apples, they can cook for just 1 minute in the pressure cooker.
You can use any pressure cooker to make spiced cinnamon apples! Many people have an Instant Pot, which is great to use. If you need a more budget-friendly option, I tested out the Ambiano Digital Pressure Cooker, and found it is a fantastic kitchen tool and budget-friendly!
There are also pressure cookers that go right on the stove! They are a great budget-friendly option as well.
Ingredients You Need
- Granny Smith Apples – perfect for cooking in the pressure cooker
- Nature’s Nectar Apple Cider – sparkling or still
- SimplyNature Organic Brown Sugar – or any brown sugar you have on hand
- Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter – unsalted butter is best, or cut back on the addition of salt if you use salted butter
- SimplyNature Organic Ground Cinnamon – for that perfect spice flavor
- Stonemill Vanilla Extract – for added flavor
- Salt
How to Make Cinnamon Apples
Making spiced apples for pork chops or as a dessert topper could not be easier when using a pressure cooker. Here are the simple steps to follow:
- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into 8-10 wedges per apple.
- Then dump all the ingredients into the pressure cooker or instant pot. Stir well to coat the apples.
- Lock the lid and set the timer for 1 minute. That’s right… ONE MINUTE.
In almost no time, you will have luxuriously soft cinnamon apples that make the perfect southern side dish.
What Kind of Apples Make the Best Instant Pot Spiced Apples?
The type of apple you select for any recipe is always the first thing to consider. When baking or cooking apples you want to pick a variety that is extremely firm and will hold its shape under heat.
All apples break down a little once cooked. However, some apples will turn to mush when cooked. I like to use firm Granny Smith Apples for this cinnamon apples recipe, because they will come out perfectly tender. However, McIntosh and Honeycrisp apples are also good choices for pressure cooker apples. I would steer clear of Golden or Red Delicious apples, since these will break down more.
Serving Suggestions
Instant pot spiced apples are incredibly versatile and can be paired with so many different things! They can add flavor to breakfast and desserts or even pair them with savory meal options. Try pairing them with some of my favorites:
- Pancakes
- French Toast
- Slow Cooker Oatmeal
- Granola
- Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pork Chops and Mashed Potatoes
Frequently Asked Questions
Technically, yes. But the best apples to use are “cooking apples”. Cooking apples are generally more tart and firm so they hold up in the cooking process, and don’t turn to mush! Granny Smith apples are a great option.
Apple juice is a great option for the cider if you cannot find it!
Store the pressure cooker apples leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, or freeze them for 3-4 months! I like to label them with a date so I know how long I have to use them up!
While this recipe has a little bit of butter and sugar, it is mostly just cooked apples! So, if eaten in moderation, these cinnamon apples are pretty good for you.
Don’t worry! If you don’t have a pressure cooker, try my slow cooker spiced apples recipe instead!
Get the Full Printable Instant Pot Spiced Apples Recipe + Video Below.
Looking for More Pressure Cooker Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
- Sweet Soy Chicken Thighs
- Perfect Carnitas
- Corned Beef and Cabbage Stew
- Butter Chicken Curry
- Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
- Instant Pot Italian Beef
- Best Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- Chicken Tinga Tacos (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
Spiced Apples (Instant Pot)
Ingredients
- 3 pounds firm Granny Smith apples
- 1/2 cup Nature’s Nectar Apple Cider, sparkling or still
- 3 tablespoons SimplyNature Organic Brown Sugar
- 2 tablespoons Countryside Creamery Unsalted Butter
- 1 tablespoon SimplyNature Organic Ground Cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Stonemill Vanilla Extract
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Peel the apples, core, and cut into wedges. 8-10 wedges per apple.
- Place all the ingredients in an electric pressure cooker. Stir to coat the apples.
- Lock the lid into place and close the steam valve.
- Set the digital pressure cooker to "steam" or pressure cook for 1 minute. (The pressure cooker will take several minutes to heat before the timer starts.)
- Once the timer goes off, release the steam valve and wait for the safety button to drop. Carefully open the lid.
- Gently stir the apples. Then serve warm as a side dish with chicken or pork chops, or as a topping for ice cream or pound cake.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ALDI USA. All opinions are our own.
I don’t have an instant pot, can this be adapted to stove top? Any suggestions will be gratefully appreciated,
Hi Phyllis,
Yes, this recipe is actually very easy to make on the stovetop. Just add all the ingredients to a large saute pan and place over medium heat. Saute the apples for 15-20, gently stirring every few minutes, until they are soft.
These instant pot spiced apples are perfect for fall! They are so delicious, comforting, and easy to make!
I can’t go wrong with these amazing Instant Pot Spiced Apples! They are super easy and quick to make. Such a keeper!
Bring on fall!! Love these spiced apples!! They are perfect for so many recipes!
These pot-spiced apples are like a warm hug for your taste buds and the tender apples with those warm spices are an absolute delight. The natural sweetness of the apples paired with the fragrant spices is a match made in heaven.
Oh yummy! I usually only make savory meals in my IP. But wanted to try these apples. SO SO delicious. The perfect healthy fall treat!
One of our favorite Fall treats to serve with ice cream! I love that I can make this in the Instant Pot – life changing!
What can use instead of cider?
Thanks
Hi Baljit,
Is apple juice available where you live?
We usually have Cripps Pink Lady apples on hand because that’s what we like to eat raw. Will they get too mushy if I use them in this recipe?
Hi Becky,
I’m not sure about that specific variety. However, the rule of thumb is that cooking apples should be very firm and slightly tart in their raw state. Hope this helps!
So good
Fall is coming.
Fall is coming.
Fall is coming
not soon enough!
I love these spiced apples with vanilla ice cream. Going to make them TONIGHT!