Name: Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3 medium-large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced (approx. 2.5-3 cups); 2 TBSP brown sugar; 2 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg; 1/2 cup vegetable oil; 1/4 cup granulated sugar; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 2 TBSP sour cream; 2 eggs; 2 tsp vanilla extract; 1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 2 tsp baking powder; 1/2 tsp salt; 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 90 reviews

If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that combines the cozy flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and tart apples, this Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe is a total game changer. Imagine tender apple chunks nestled in a moist, spiced cake that’s effortlessly cooked in your Instant Pot in just about an hour. It’s the perfect treat for any season, whether you want a quick weeknight dessert or a show-stopping centerpiece for your next brunch. Plus, who doesn’t love the idea of a homemade apple cake without having to turn on the oven? This Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe will quickly become a cherished favorite for your family and friends.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two rounds of a white bowl on a white marbled surface. On the left, the bowl contains a smooth, spread-out light brown batter with some small apple pieces barely visible under the batter along the edges. On the right, the bowl contains chopped apple pieces coated with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar, showing a warm brown color on each piece, spread evenly across the bowl's bottom. The apples have a soft texture and are slightly wet from the coating. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple, honest staples that come together to create a cake bursting with flavor and the perfect texture. Each component plays its own vital role, from the tart Granny Smith apples adding a fresh bite to the warming spices that make this cake irresistibly cozy.

3 medium-large Granny Smith apples, peeled and diced: Their tartness balances the cake’s sweetness perfectly and keeps the texture lively.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness to the apples for that warm, inviting flavor.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Infuses the apples with a classic spice that screams fall comfort.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Adds a subtle warmth that rounds out the spice profile beautifully.
1/2 cup vegetable oil: Keeps the cake moist and tender without overpowering the flavor.
1/4 cup granulated sugar: Lends a straightforward sweetness that balances the brown sugar’s depth.
1/2 cup brown sugar: Along with granulated sugar, it forms the perfect sweet backbone of the cake.
2 tablespoons sour cream: Contributes moisture and slight tanginess to enrich the cake’s texture.
2 eggs: Bind all ingredients together and add structure to the cake.
2 teaspoons vanilla extract: Brings a mellow, fragrant sweetness that enhances all the other flavors.
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour: The base that gives body and texture to the cake.
2 teaspoons baking powder: Ensures the cake rises beautifully and stays fluffy.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and intensifies the flavors.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Adds a touch more spice directly to the batter.
1/4 teaspoon nutmeg: A final hint of warmth blended into the cake itself.

How to Make Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Instant Pot and Apples

Start by pouring one cup of water into your Instant Pot insert and set the trivet inside. Next, grease a 7×3” baking pan with baking spray to prevent sticking. Then, toss your peeled and diced Granny Smith apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a mixing bowl until every piece is deliciously coated and ready to infuse the cake with spice and sweetness.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients

In your stand mixer bowl fitted with a paddle attachment, combine the vegetable oil, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Mix until well blended, then add sour cream, eggs, and vanilla extract. Keep mixing until the mixture is smooth and velvety, setting the stage for the rich cake batter.

Step 3: Combine the Dry Ingredients

In a separate bowl, whisk together the flour, baking powder, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg. This ensures your spices and leavening are evenly distributed, which is key for a cake that rises uniformly and tastes perfectly spiced throughout.

Step 4: Bring Together Wet and Dry Ingredients

With your mixer on low speed, gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture. Mix just until combined—the batter will be thick and luscious, so be careful not to overmix, which could toughen the final cake.

Step 5: Layer the Batter and Apples

Spoon half of the thick batter into your prepared pan, smoothing it out. Next, spread half of the spiced apple mixture evenly over the batter. Repeat the layering with the remaining batter and apples, finishing with the apples on top for that beautiful spiced fruit burst in every bite.

Step 6: Cook Your Cake in the Instant Pot

Cover the pan loosely with foil and carefully lower it onto the trivet inside your Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set the vent to the sealed position. Cook on high pressure for 60 minutes. After cooking, allow a natural release for 10 minutes before performing a quick release to release any remaining pressure.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Carefully lift the pan out, remove the foil, and let the cake cool for at least 10 minutes in the pan before serving. For the ultimate treat, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for that extra touch of indulgence. This step really brings the Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe to life.

How to Serve Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe

A single slice of apple cake sits on a plain white plate with a white marbled surface beneath. The cake has two layers visually: the bottom layer is a thick, light brown, moist cake base dotted with small pieces of cooked apple, while the top layer features a darker, cinnamon-spiced apple topping with a slightly crispy texture and uneven surface. The slice is triangular, and the cake's crumb looks soft and dense. The background shows a blurred white plate holding the remaining cake. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate your cake even further. A dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or a sprinkle of chopped toasted nuts add texture and flavor contrast, making every bite a little more special.

Side Dishes

This apple cake pairs beautifully with vanilla ice cream or fresh whipped cream for a creamy indulgence. For breakfast or brunch, serve alongside a hot cup of spiced chai tea or freshly brewed coffee to complement the warm spices in the cake.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, slice the cake into neat squares and serve on a decorative plate, garnished with fresh apple slices and a cinnamon stick. You can also cut small pieces and skew them on dessert sticks for a fun “cake pop” twist that’s perfect for gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe can be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. For longer freshness, keep it refrigerated, tightly covered, where it will last about 4 to 5 days.

Freezing

If you want to prepare ahead or save extra cake, wrap slices tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer-safe container. It freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.

Reheating

Reheat individual slices gently in the microwave for 20 to 30 seconds or warm in a 350°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes. This helps restore the moist texture and makes the spices shine again, just like freshly baked.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple for this recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are recommended for their tartness and texture, you can substitute with other firm apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Braeburn for a slightly sweeter or different flavor profile.

Do I have to use sour cream in the batter?

Sour cream adds tenderness and moisture, but if you don’t have it on hand, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt or buttermilk. Just keep the quantity the same for best results.

Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes, though the beauty of this Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe is in how simple and quick it is to bake in the pressure cooker. If using a conventional oven, bake the cake at 350°F for about 45-50 minutes, or until a toothpick comes out clean.

How do I know when the cake is done in the Instant Pot?

The 60-minute cooking time at high pressure ensures the cake is fully cooked and moist. The natural release also helps finish the cooking gently. After cooling 10 minutes, check with a toothpick inserted in the center – it should come out clean or with a few moist crumbs.

Can I add nuts or dried fruits to this cake?

Definitely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or raisins make excellent additions and pair wonderfully with the apples and warm spices. Add about 1/2 cup to the batter before layering.

Final Thoughts

You really can’t go wrong with this Instant Pot Apple Cake Recipe. It’s effortless, packed with comforting flavors, and delivers moist, spiced cake and tender apples that feel like a warm hug in every bite. Whether you’re a busy weeknight baker or just looking to impress at brunch, this recipe is a surefire winner. So why not give it a whirl and see how deliciously simple Instant Pot baking can be?