Instant Pot Baked Apples Recipe

If you’re looking for a dessert that feels cozy, comforting, and downright irresistible, you have to try these Instant Pot Baked Apples. The magic here lies in how the Instant Pot effortlessly creates tender, juicy apples infused with warm spices and a luscious filling of butter, nuts, and raisins. It’s a dish that tastes like a warm hug on a plate—perfect for chilly evenings or whenever you want a quick treat that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The beauty of this recipe is how simple it is to put together, yet how impressive and delicious the final result turns out to be.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients come together in a way that’s just simple but essential. Each one plays a specific role, whether it’s adding sweetness, warmth, texture, or moisture, creating a perfectly balanced baked apple experience.

• 4 medium apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith to hold their shape and balance sweet and tart flavors.
• 1 1/2 cups water: Provides the steam in the Instant Pot for cooking the apples evenly and perfectly tender.
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter (softened): Adds richness and helps bind the filling ingredients for a creamy texture.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla: Brings a warm, aromatic sweetness that elevates the flavors without overpowering.
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg: Offers a subtle, earthy spice that complements the cinnamon and apples beautifully.
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon: The soul of any baked apple dish, delivering cozy warmth and a touch of spice.
• 4 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and sweetness that melt into the apples as they cook.
• 1/2 cup walnuts (chopped): Give a satisfying crunch and nutty richness to the soft baked apples.
• 1/2 cup raisins: Burst with sweetness and soak up the buttery-spiced flavors inside the apples.

How to Make Instant Pot Baked Apples

Step 1: Prepare the Instant Pot and Apples

Start by pouring the water into the inner liner of your Instant Pot, then place a trivet or steamer basket inside. This creates a gentle steam environment for cooking your apples evenly. Next, wash your apples thoroughly and core them carefully, making sure to leave the bottom intact so the filling doesn’t leak out. Scoop out enough of the flesh to create a hollow well perfect for holding the delicious filling.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, brown sugar, chopped walnuts, and raisins. This mix is the heart of your Instant Pot Baked Apples, blending creamy, crunchy, and sweet elements that will infuse the apples during cooking. Make sure everything is evenly mixed for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Stuff the Apples

Fill each hollowed apple with the butter and spice mixture, dividing it evenly between the four apples. Don’t be shy—pack them generously! This filling will melt and seep into the apple while cooking, soaking every bite with warm, buttery deliciousness.

Step 4: Arrange and Cook

Place the stuffed apples carefully on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and ensure the steam release knob is set to the sealing position. Select Pressure Cook and set the time for 7 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes, then manually release any remaining steam. If the apples aren’t quite as soft as you’d like, feel free to cook them under pressure for an additional 2 minutes.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Open the Instant Pot and gently use tongs to transfer the tender, aromatic apples to serving plates. These Instant Pot Baked Apples are incredible served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of cream, creating an indulgent, comforting finish to any meal.

How to Serve Instant Pot Baked Apples

Garnishes

To make your Instant Pot Baked Apples look as fabulous as they taste, consider garnishing them with chopped toasted walnuts or a sprinkle of cinnamon. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce can also elevate the presentation and flavor, making them a beautiful dessert to share or enjoy solo.

Side Dishes

These baked apples pair beautifully with rich desserts like vanilla ice cream or custard. If you’re leaning savory, try them alongside roasted pork or grilled chicken for a cozy fall-inspired meal where sweet meets savory in the best way possible.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the apples in shallow bowls with some of the cooking liquid spooned over the top—it acts almost like a warm syrup. You can also slice the apples after cooking and layer them in a parfait glass with granola and yogurt for a delightful breakfast or brunch idea.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have any leftover Instant Pot Baked Apples, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for about 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this comforting treat multiple times without hassle.

Freezing

Freeze the baked apples individually wrapped or in a freezer-safe container if you want to keep them longer. When frozen, they can last up to 2 months. Just thaw them overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftover baked apples gently in the microwave or in a warm oven. To retain moisture, cover them lightly with foil and warm just until heated through. This ensures they stay tender and juicy, just like freshly cooked.

FAQs

Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?

Absolutely! While firmer apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are ideal for baking because they hold their shape, feel free to experiment with your favorites. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples may make the dessert less needful of extra sugar.

Is it necessary to use butter in the filling?

Butter adds richness and helps the spices stick together, but if you prefer, you can substitute it with coconut oil or a vegan butter alternative for a different flavor profile or dietary preference.

Can I make Instant Pot Baked Apples without a trivet?

The trivet is helpful for creating even cooking by keeping the apples above the water. If you don’t have one, you can improvise with a heatproof rack or a heatproof plate on top of a makeshift stand inside the pot.

How do I know when the apples are done?

The apples should be tender when pierced with a fork but not mushy. The Instant Pot cooking time of 7 minutes with a natural release usually achieves this perfectly. If they’re too firm, you can pressure cook for an additional couple of minutes.

Can I add other dried fruits or nuts to the filling?

Definitely! Feel free to mix in dried cranberries, chopped pecans, or even a handful of chopped dates. These variations can add different textures and flavors to your Instant Pot Baked Apples, making the recipe your own.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about the way these Instant Pot Baked Apples come together—so simple yet so full of warmth and flavor. Whether you’re making them for a cozy night in or to impress friends with a quick but dazzling dessert, they’re guaranteed to bring smiles and comfort. Give them a try, and I promise they’ll become a beloved classic in your recipe collection!

Print