Instant Pot Apple Crisp – 20-Minute Pressure-Cooked Delight 🍎🔥 – Quick Fall Dessert Recipe
Skip the oven and make tender apple filling with a crisp topping in just 20 minutes using your Instant Pot!
This Instant Pot apple crisp reinvents fall baking by cutting the wait time from hours to 20 minutes. Perfect for busy cooks, it delivers the same cinnamon-kissed apple flavor with a crunchy oat topping, all without heating up your kitchen. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert that feels indulgent yet effortless to make.
Fall is in the air, and there's no better way to celebrate than with a warm, spiced apple crisp. But what if you could make it without preheating an oven? This pressure-cooker version uses your Instant Pot to soften the apples quickly while keeping the topping crisp. Ideal for Thanksgiving leftovers, weeknight treats, or a cozy family dinner, it's a game-changer for dessert lovers who crave convenience without sacrificing flavor.
What makes this recipe special? First, it's a true kitchen shortcut—ready in less time than it takes to preheat an oven. Second, the Instant Pot's sealed environment infuses the apples with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a splash of apple cider for maximum fall flavor. Third, the topping stays perfectly crunchy thanks to a unique cooking method that avoids over-moistening. Best of all, you'll need just one appliance instead of juggling pans and bowls.
Whether you're new to pressure cooking or looking to expand your Instant Pot repertoire, this recipe is beginner-friendly. The instructions are simple, the cleanup minimal, and the results reliably delicious. This is the kind of dessert that disappears fast at gatherings, and you'll be the hero who made it with zero fuss.
Let's dive into why this Instant Pot apple crisp is a must-try this season, and how you can customize it to suit your taste preferences.
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Time-Saving Magic
The Instant Pot cuts down cooking time from 45 minutes (traditional oven) to just 20 minutes. You get the same tender apple filling and crisp topping without waiting for an oven to heat up.
💰 Kitchen Space Efficiency
Use just one appliance instead of multiple pans. No need to dirty a baking dish or preheat an oven—perfect for small kitchens or when you're juggling other holiday dishes.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Flavor
The cinnamon-nutmeg-spiced apple filling is tender but not mushy, while the oat topping stays crunchy. It's a textural balance that appeals to both kids and adults.
🌟 Zero-Fuss Cleanup
Since everything cooks in the Instant Pot, you'll only need to clean one appliance. The ceramic dish can be reused for future desserts or family meals.
Instant Pot Apple Crisp
Fall dessert made in 20 minutes with no oven needed
🛒 Ingredients
- - 5 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 5 medium)
- - 1/3 cup rolled oats
- - 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats
- - 1/4 cup brown sugar
- - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed
- - 2 tablespoons apple cider
- - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- - 1/4 teaspoon salt
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Apples: In a large bowl, toss apples with apple cider, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Set aside.
💡 Use Granny Smith apples for tartness and structure.
Make Crumble Mixture: In a separate bowl, combine rolled oats, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, flour, and cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or fork to mix until the texture resembles coarse crumbs.
💡 For extra crunch, add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans to the topping.
Layer in Instant Pot: Place trivet in Instant Pot. Add apple mixture, then top with crumble mixture. Pour 1/2 cup water into the bottom of the pot.
💡 Ensure the water level doesn't touch the apple layer.
Cook Under Pressure: Secure lid, set to sealing mode, and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Quick release the pressure.
💡 Letting the pressure release naturally may make the topping soggy.
Serve Warm: Carefully remove the dish from Instant Pot. Let cool slightly before serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
💡 Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon and a dollop of whipped cream.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Granny Smith Apples
Their tartness balances the sweetness of brown sugar. Sub with Honeycrisp for a sweeter flavor.
Substitutions: Fuji, Braeburn
Rolled Oats
Provide a chewy texture in the topping. Avoid quick oats—they’ll make the topping too dense.
Substitutions: Old-fashioned oats
Cold Butter
Creates a flaky, crumbly texture in the topping. If using room-temperature butter, add 1/4 tsp baking powder to mimic cold butter’s effect.
Substitutions: Vegan butter for dairy-free version
Apple Cider
Adds fall flavor and moisture. Substitute with apple juice if cider isn’t available.
Substitutions: Apple juice, white wine
Pro Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Apple Crisp
🍁 Cinnamon Boost
Sprinkle an extra 1/2 tsp cinnamon on top before cooking for intensified fall flavor.
🔪 Knife Skills
Uniform apple slices ensure even cooking. Use a mandoline for consistent 1/4-inch thickness.
❄️ Make-Ahead Tip
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead, then refrigerate before pressure cooking for extra flavor development.
💡 Topping Secret
Add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts to the crumble mixture for a buttery crunch.
Variations & Customizations
Gluten-Free Version
Use gluten-free rolled oats and substitute all-purpose flour with almond flour. Ensure Instant Pot is sealed properly to avoid cross-contamination.
Spiced Apple Crisp
Add 1/2 tsp ground cardamom and 1/4 tsp cloves to the apple mixture for a warm, spiced flavor profile.
Caramel Drizzle
After cooking, drizzle with store-bought caramel sauce or homemade (1/2 cup sugar + 2 tbsp butter + 2 tbsp cream, cooked until golden).
Mini Versions
Use silicone muffin molds in the Instant Pot for individual servings. Cook for 4 minutes instead of 5.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream with a drizzle of caramel sauce
- Whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Warm apple pie filling for a double dose of fall flavor
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a glass of spiced apple cider or a buttery Chardonnay to complement the dessert’s cinnamon and nutmeg notes.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the dish up to 24 hours ahead. Store in the refrigerator, then cook as directed. The apples will release more liquid, so pat them dry before adding to Instant Pot.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30 seconds or until warmed through.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked apple crisp for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
For best results, reheat in a 350°F oven for 10 minutes to restore topping crispness. Microwave may make the topping soggy.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: Why is my topping soggy?
A: Overcooking or natural pressure release can soften the topping. Use quick release and avoid adding water directly to the apple layer.
Q: Can I use fresh apple juice instead of cider?
A: Yes, but the flavor will be less complex. For best results, use apple cider for its natural sweetness and depth.
Q: How to prevent the apples from browning?
A: Toss sliced apples with lemon juice (1/2 tsp) immediately after cutting to preserve color and texture.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
A: Only if you have a 6-quart or larger Instant Pot. Increase cooking time by 1 minute to ensure even cooking.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot apple crisp proves that you don’t need an oven to make fall’s most beloved dessert. With just 20 minutes of active time and no mess to clean up, it’s the perfect solution for busy holidays, last-minute guests, or any cozy night in. The tender apple filling and crisp topping are sure to become a family favorite, and the recipe’s versatility lets you customize it to suit your taste.
Whether you’re an Instant Pot novice or just starting out, this recipe is a must-try. Pin it now, and you’ll be the one everyone asks for the recipe when the compliments roll in!
