Instant Pot Stuffed Apples Recipe

These Instant Pot Stuffed Apples are a warm, cozy dessert that brings out the best flavors of fall. Stuffed with oats, brown sugar, and cinnamon, and perfectly tender after just a few minutes in the Instant Pot, they’re a healthier and quicker alternative to traditional baked apple desserts.

If you're looking for a healthy fall dessert for a family dinner or a festive holiday treat, these quick apple desserts are sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love These Instant Pot Apple Desserts

This recipe checks all the boxes for a perfect fall dessert:

• Quick and Easy: Thanks to the Instant Pot, you can make these stuffed apples in under 30 minutes.
• Healthier Option: With oats, apples, and just a little bit of butter and sugar, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to different dietary needs.
• Fall Flavors: The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and warm apples brings all the comforting flavors of autumn to your table.
• Minimal Ingredients: You likely have most of the ingredients for this recipe in your pantry already, making it a perfect last-minute Instant Pot dessert idea.

Ingredients for Instant Pot Stuffed Apples

Apples: Choose firm apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith. Their sturdiness holds up well during cooking, ensuring the apples maintain their shape and don’t become mushy.

Butter: Softened butter helps create a rich and smooth filling for the apples. You can use plant-based butter if you need a dairy-free or vegan option.

Brown Sugar: Adds a deep, caramel-like sweetness to the filling. Light or dark brown sugar both work, but dark brown sugar will give a more intense molasses flavor.

Oats: Regular rolled oats add texture to the filling and help absorb the butter and sugar mixture. They also make this a more wholesome dessert. Avoid instant oats, which can become too soft.

Cinnamon: The key spice for any apple dessert. Cinnamon adds warmth and enhances the natural flavor of the apples, giving this dish a classic fall dessert feel.

Ground Cloves (optional): A pinch of ground cloves adds a deeper, spicy flavor to the filling. Use sparingly, as cloves can be quite strong.

Ground Star Anise (optional): This spice adds a subtle licorice-like flavor that complements the sweetness of the apples and the richness of the brown sugar. If you’re not a fan, feel free to skip it.

Water: Used in the Instant Pot to create steam, helping to cook the apples evenly without drying them out. Make sure to place the apples on a trivet so they don’t sit in the water directly.

How to Make Quick and Easy Instant Pot Stuffed Apples

Making these healthy Instant Pot desserts is simple and perfect for beginners. Here’s how to do it step-by-step:

1. Core the Apples: Start by coring the apples. You can use an apple corer or a sharp knife to carefully remove the center. Make sure to get all the seeds out while keeping the apple intact so it can hold the filling.
2. Prepare the Filling: In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, cloves, and star anise (if using) until you have a thick paste. This filling is where all the delicious flavor comes from.
3. Stuff the Apples: Spoon the filling into each apple, packing it tightly. Don’t overfill, as the oats will expand slightly during cooking.
4. Set Up the Instant Pot: Add the water to the bottom of your Instant Pot and place the trivet inside. Arrange the stuffed apples on the trivet.
5. Cook: Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to high pressure for 3 minutes. Once the timer is done, manually release the steam.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the apples from the Instant Pot. Serve them warm as-is, or for an extra treat, add a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce for a truly comforting apple dessert.

Tips for Making the Best Instant Pot Apple Desserts

• Use Firm Apples: For the best texture, choose firm apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala. Softer varieties like Red Delicious may turn mushy during cooking.
• Control the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet dessert, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar in the filling.
• Spice it Up: Don’t hesitate to play around with the spices! If you love cinnamon, feel free to add a bit more, or swap in nutmeg for a slightly different flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Apple Recipes

Can I use other fruits instead of apples?

Yes! Pears are a great substitute for apples in this recipe. They offer a slightly different flavor but cook beautifully in the Instant Pot.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! You can easily make these Instant Pot stuffed apples vegan by using a plant-based butter alternative. The flavor will still be rich and delicious.

How do I store leftovers?

While these Instant Pot apples are best enjoyed fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in the microwave or enjoy them cold – they taste great both ways!

Can I freeze stuffed apples?

Stuffed apples don’t freeze very well due to their high water content. It’s best to make them fresh when you plan to enjoy them.

Healthy Variations of Instant Pot Stuffed Apples

There are many ways to customize this stuffed apples recipe to suit your taste or dietary needs:

• Add Nuts: If you like a bit of crunch, add chopped walnuts or pecans to the filling mixture. They’ll add texture and extra flavor.
• Dairy-Free Option: Simply swap out the butter for a dairy-free substitute to make this recipe suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dairy allergies.
• Low-Sugar Option: Replace the brown sugar with a sugar substitute like monk fruit or stevia for a low-sugar apple dessert.

What to Serve with Warm Apple Desserts

These warm apple desserts are delightful on their own, but you can also serve them with some delicious extras for a more indulgent treat:

• Vanilla Ice Cream: The classic pairing with warm apples. The contrast between the cold ice cream and hot apples is a match made in heaven.
• Caramel Sauce: Drizzle a bit of caramel over the apples for an extra layer of flavor.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of whipped cream adds lightness and complements the spiced apple flavors.

More Instant Pot Dessert Recipes for Fall

If you love how easy these stuffed apples in the Instant Pot are, you’ll want to try these other simple and delicious Instant Pot dessert recipes:

• Instant Pot Apple Crumble Cheesecake
• Instant Pot Flan de Calabaza (Pumpkin Flan)
• Instant Pot Puerto Rican Flan Recipe

Whether you’re looking for a healthy fall dessert or a quick weeknight treat, this Instant Pot stuffed apples recipe is sure to become a favorite. Pin this recipe to your fall dessert board and enjoy a warm, comforting treat anytime the craving strikes!