I feel guilty about putting this recipe in this book because it uses a small box of muffin mix. But the thing is, I’d feel equally guilty not showing you how easy it is to make a small cake in your Instant Pot, and how, with just an apple and a mandoline, you can present your guests with an elegant, quick dessert. No one has to know you started with a boxed mix! Vary the type of muffin mix and fruit to add variety to this dessert. You can use fresh blueberries with a blueberry muffin mix, for example. Just be sure to use a mix that makes only six muffins.
{ Serves 4 }
| Active Time | Function | Release | Total Time |
| 10 minutes | Pressure/Manual (High) | Natural/Quick | 50 minutes |
Dietary Considerations: Nut-Free, Vegetarian
1. Lightly oil a 6 × 3-inch round metal pan. Layer the apple slices in the bottom of the pan and up the sides a little, overlapping the slices. Sprinkle the apple pie spice on the apples.
2. Prepare the muffin mix according to the package directions, using the milk for the liquid. Pour the batter over the apples. Cover the pan with aluminum foil.
3. Pour the water into the Instant Pot. Place a steamer rack in the pot. Place the pan with the apples on the rack.
4. Secure the lid on the pot. Close the pressure-release valve. Select MANUAL and set the pot at HIGH pressure for 20 minutes. At the end of the cooking time, allow the pot to sit undisturbed for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
5. Carefully transfer the cake to a wire rack. Remove and discard the foil. Let the cake cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
6. Place an oven rack about 4 inches from the broiler. Preheat the broiler.
7. Use a knife to loosen the sides of the cake from the pan and invert the cake onto a broiler-safe plate. Sprinkle the cake with the sugar. Broil until the sugar is melted and caramelized, 2 to 3 minutes.
8. To serve, cut the cake into four pieces and serve hot, or allow to cool before serving.