Instant Pot Apple Cake

Dessert

I adore this simple, elegant dessert that comes together with just a few ingredients you may already have on hand. Delicate cake, juicy apples and just a touch of cinnamon sugar…it’s delicious. And in an Instant Pot (get yours here: https://amzn.to/2QmSPR1) it comes together in a snap and you’re always guaranteed moist and tasty results!

Learn to master the Instant Pot! New Instant Pot Master Class. [learn more]

This dessert is great when you’re home alone craving a dessert that’s not overwhelmingly large but still tasty. It works equally well to serve at a brunch or even a potluck. Once you experience the wonderful texture of the apple chunks in the moist cake topped by the cinnamon-sugary crust, you’ll want to make it again and again.

Didn’t think you could make baked goods in an Instant Pot? The secret is the pot-in-pot cooking method. The cake cooks in its own container suspended over water. Cakes turn out rich and moist, never dry. In this recipe, we used a 7” springform pan (we love this one: https://amzn.to/2CHSu8K), but you can use any oven-proof container that fits in your Instant Pot.

Pro Tip: The secret to perfectly thin and even sliced apples is using a slicing device called a mandoline. Most mandolines come with adjustable blades that allow you to quickly get the perfect thickness for your recipe, every slice, every time. Mandolines work wonders on potatoes for au gratins or soups, for apples and even cucumbers and squash. Beware though, the blades are very efficient. Wear a cut-proof glove and always use the guards!

Cakes turn out rich and moist, never dry.


Ingredients:

  • 1 red apple, sliced very thin
  • 1 red apple, peeled and cut into 1/2″ dice
  • 7 oz white or yellow cake mix (about half a box), prepared according to package directions
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 cups water
  • 2 tbsp cinnamon sugar for topping

Instructions:

  1. Coat the inside of a 7” x 3” springform or push pan with non-stick spray. (We love this pan: https://amzn.to/2xAXUOF)
  2. Layer thinly sliced apples along bottom and sides of pan.
  3. Add cinnamon, nutmeg and diced apples to the prepared cake mix. Stir to combine.
  4. Gently spoon the cake batter into the prepared pan. Cover loosely with foil – do not seal.
  5. Pour 1 1/2 cups water into the Instant Pot, followed by the steam rack.
  6. Carefully lower the baking pan onto the steam rack, then secure the lid, making sure the vent is closed.
  7. Using the display panel select the MANUAL function*. Use the +/- keys and program the Instant Pot for 20 minutes.
  8. When the time is up, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick-release the remaining pressure.
  9. Carefully remove the cake pan from the pot. Place on a cooling rack and allow to set for 5-10 minutes before inverting onto a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Top with cinnamon sugar and set under the broiler until sugar melts.
  11. Serve warm.

*The MANUAL and PRESSURE COOK buttons are interchangeable.

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