Instant Pot Apple Crisp with Quick Oats 🍎 – Speedy Autumn Delight
A 20-minute Instant Pot apple crisp with quick oats for a no-oven fall dessert that’s tender, crisp, and ready in minutes!
Craving cozy fall flavors without the hassle of oven time? This Instant Pot apple crisp with quick oats is your shortcut to autumn perfection. Using pressure cooking and quick oats, this dessert skips the oven entirely while delivering a tender apple base and golden, crunchy topping. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned Instant Pot user, this recipe’s simplicity and speed will make it a fall favorite.
This recipe redefines convenience while maintaining homemade quality. The Instant Pot’s pressure cooking softens the apples in record time, while the quick oats create a buttery, crunchy topping without the need for rolling or baking. Perfect for those who want to enjoy fall flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why choose this version over traditional apple crisp? First, it’s faster—no waiting for the oven to preheat. Second, it’s easier—no mixing dough or baking. Third, it’s versatile—customize with spices, nuts, or even other fruits. Plus, cleanup is a breeze with just one pot to wash!
Whether you’re serving it with vanilla ice cream or enjoying it as a post-dinner treat, this Instant Pot apple crisp is a game-changer. Let’s dive into the details and get cooking!
P.S. Don’t miss the pro tips for making this dessert even more special—like adding a sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of caramel sauce!
Why This Recipe Works
⏰ Speedy Autumn Treat
This Instant Pot version cuts prep and cook time in half compared to traditional recipes. Ready in 20 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings or last-minute cravings.
💰 Budget-Friendly & Simple
Uses pantry staples like oats, apples, and butter. No special equipment beyond an Instant Pot, making it accessible for most kitchens.
👥 Crowd-Pleasing Dessert
Serves 6 with leftovers. The comforting flavors of cinnamon and caramelized apples make it a hit at family dinners and holiday gatherings.
🌟 No-Oven Necessity
Eliminates the need for preheating or monitoring an oven. Ideal for summer nights when you want to avoid heating up your kitchen.
Instant Pot Apple Crisp with Quick Oats
No-oven, 20-minute fall dessert
🛒 Ingredients
- - 3 cups thinly sliced Granny Smith apples (about 4 medium)
- - 1/3 cup brown sugar
- - 1 tbsp all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1 tbsp butter, melted
- - TOPPING: 1 cup quick oats
- - 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats
- - 1/2 cup brown sugar
- - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- - 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- - 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- - 1/4 tsp salt
- - 1/2 cup melted butter
👨🍳 Instructions
Prepare Apples: Toss sliced apples with brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter in a large bowl.
💡 Use Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness.
Make Topping: In another bowl, mix quick oats, old-fashioned oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and melted butter until crumbly.
💡 Add chopped pecans or walnuts for extra crunch.
Assemble: Place apple mixture in Instant Pot. Sprinkle topping over apples. Pour 1 cup water into the pot (use the steam release valve).
💡 Use the “Keep Warm” function to maintain temperature if not cooking immediately.
Cook: Close and lock lid. Set to “Pressure Cook” for 5 minutes. Quick-release pressure.
💡 Let it rest for 5 minutes before opening to avoid overcooking.
Nutrition (per serving):
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Quick Oats
Quick oats cook faster than rolled oats, ensuring a tender topping. Substitute with rolled oats if you prefer a denser texture.
Substitutions: Old-fashioned oats, quick-cook oats, or a mix of both.
Apples
Granny Smith apples hold up well in the Instant Pot and balance sweetness with tartness. For a sweeter result, use Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Substitutions: Pears, peaches, or a mix of apples and pears.
Brown Sugar
Adds caramelized sweetness and moisture. Light or dark brown sugar both work—dark adds deeper flavor.
Substitutions: Maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar (adjust quantities).
Butter
Provides richness and helps the topping cling to the apples. Use salted or unsalted butter based on taste.
Substitutions: Coconut oil or vegan butter for dairy-free.
Pro Tips for Perfect Apple Crisp
🍂 Topping Texture Tip
Mix quick and old-fashioned oats for a balanced crunch. The quick oats soften slightly while the old-fashioned oats hold their texture.
❄️ Quick Release Caution
Use a quick release after pressure cooking to prevent the apples from becoming mushy. Avoid natural release for best results.
✨ Garnish Ideas
Sprinkle with cinnamon-sugar before serving or add a dollop of whipped cream for extra flair.
🕒 Time-Saving Hack
Prep the apple mixture and topping the night before. Store separately in the fridge and assemble just before cooking.
Variations & Customizations
Spiced Apple Crisp
Add 1/2 tsp pumpkin spice or 1 tsp vanilla extract to the apple mixture for extra warmth.
Nutty Crunch
Stir 1/2 cup chopped walnuts or pecans into the topping for a buttery, nutty flavor.
Caramel Drizzle
Top with a swirl of store-bought or homemade caramel sauce before serving.
Dairy-Free Version
Use coconut oil instead of butter and a dairy-free oat milk for a vegan option.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
🍽️ Best Served With:
- Vanilla ice cream for a classic pairing
- Warm spiced cider or cinnamon coffee
- A slice of crusty sourdough bread
🍷 Drink Pairings:
Pair with a buttery Chardonnay or a rich dessert wine like late harvest Riesling.
Make-Ahead Instructions & Storage
Make-Ahead Tips
Assemble the apple and topping layers up to 24 hours in advance. Store in the fridge and cook just before serving.
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven.
Freezer Storage
Freeze cooked apple crisp for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Instructions
Microwave for 1-2 minutes or oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes to restore crispiness.
Troubleshooting & Common Questions
Q: My apples were too firm after cooking. Why?
A: This usually means the apples weren’t sliced thinly enough. Cut them into 1/4-inch slices next time for even cooking.
Q: The topping didn’t brown. What can I do?
A: The Instant Pot doesn’t brown the topping like an oven. For a golden crust, broil it in the oven for 2-3 minutes after cooking.
Q: Can I use frozen apples?
A: Yes, but thaw them first and pat dry to avoid excess moisture. Frozen apples can make the topping soggy if not drained.
Q: How to prevent the topping from sticking?
A: Lightly grease the Instant Pot insert with cooking spray or butter before adding the apple mixture.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot apple crisp is a revelation for fall baking lovers who want speed without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re serving it at a cozy family dinner or enjoying it as a post-hike treat, the combination of tender apples and crunchy oats will leave everyone asking for seconds. The best part? You’ll spend less than 30 minutes in the kitchen while still delivering a dessert that feels like a labor of love.
Don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next fall gathering—and if you try it, share your creations with the hashtag #InstantPotCrisp. Happy cooking!
