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! 

Spiced Apples in bowl with ice cream

Why We Love This Spiced Apples Recipe

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 of course, 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.

cinnamon apples on top of a grilled pork chop on a white plate.

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!

Spiced apples in instant pot

About Pressure Cookers

The beauty of pressure cookers is how they can cut down on 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 kind of 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 from ALDI, and found it is an amazing 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 needed for pressure cooker spiced apples.

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
Sliced apples for pressure cooker spiced apples.

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:

  1. Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples into 8-10 wedges per apple.
  2. Then dump all the ingredients into the pressure cooker or instant pot. Stir well to coat the apples.
  3. 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.

Ingredients for spiced apples in a pressure cooker

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 extremely versatile and can be paired with so many different things! They can add flavor to breakfast, dessert, or even pair them with savory meal options. Try pairing them with some of my favorites:

Instant Pot Spiced Apples Recipe - finished

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any apple variety that I have on hand?

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.

What can I use instead of cider?

Apple juice is a great option for the cider if you cannot find it!

How should I store leftover spiced apples?

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 before I need to use them up!

Are apples with cinnamon good for you?

While there is a little bit of butter and sugar in this recipe, it is mostly just cooked apples! So eaten in moderation, these cinnamon apples are pretty good for you.

Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples with ice cream

Get the Full Printable Instant Pot Spiced Apples (Cinnamon Apples) Recipe + Video Below.

Easy Cinnamon apples in Instant Pot - with ice cream

Looking for More Pressure Cooker Recipes? Be Sure to Also Try:

Spiced Apples in bowl with ice cream
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Instant Pot Spiced Apples (Cinnamon Apples)

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 16 minutes
Pressure Cooker Spiced Apples Recipe – These soft and silky cinnamon “baked” apples are made in minutes with an electric pressure cooker.
Servings: 8

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

All name brands listed in the ingredients come from ALDI!

Nutrition

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 141kcal, Carbohydrates: 30g, Protein: 0g, Fat: 3g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 7mg, Sodium: 76mg, Potassium: 202mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 23g, Vitamin A: 180IU, Vitamin C: 7.9mg, Calcium: 24mg, Iron: 0.3mg
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Sommer Collier
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Disclosure: This post is sponsored by ALDI USA. All opinions are our own.

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