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Looking for a dessert that brings cozy autumn vibes and a bit of boozy fun? These Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes are the answer. Apples are simmered with cinnamon whisky, maple syrup and warm spices, creating a rich, syrupy filling that pairs perfectly with sponge cake, whipped cream and caramel. It’s an easy yet impressive treat, ideal for fall gatherings or a fun midweek indulgence.
Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes are warm, spiced, and boozy, made with apples, whisky, and maple, then layered into sweet shortcake cups with whipped cream.
If you enjoy apple recipes, you might also like crockpot apple baked beans, Bisquick apple cobbler or this apple cider grilled chicken.
Why You’ll Love It
Easy to make: Just a few simple steps in the Instant Pot and you’re halfway to dessert heaven.
Big flavor payoff: The Fireball whisky and maple give it bold, warm flavor.
Perfect for parties: It’s a crowd-pleaser with great presentation.
Customizable: Use your favorite cake base, nuts or sauce to make it your own.
Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcake Ingredients
A complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Apples: Fuji apples work well here for sweetness and firmness.
Lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds tart balance.
Brown sugar: Dark brown sugar adds richness and molasses depth.
Maple extract: Boosts the maple flavor for a warm, cozy aroma.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and texture; one version is cinnamon-flavored for extra spice.
Maple syrup: Brings a rich, natural sweetness that complements the whisky.
Honey: Adds another layer of sweetness and helps glaze the apples.
Cinnamon whisky: Fireball or similar gives a bold, spicy kick to the apples.
Spices: Star anise and cinnamon sticks infuse the filling with warming spice.
Cornstarch: Thickens the apple mixture into a spoonable sauce.
Dessert cups: Use sponge cake or shortcake for a soft, absorbent base.
Walnuts: Chopped for crunch and a nutty contrast.
Whipped cream: Soft and airy to lighten the richness.
Caramel sauce: Adds a smooth, sweet finish.
How to Make Fireball Apple Shortcakes
For more detailed instructions with weights and measurements, jump to the printable recipe card.
Prep the apples: Peel and slice, then toss with lemon juice.
Add flavorings: Mix apples with sugars, maple extract, syrup, honey, and whisky.
Pressure cook: Pour everything into the Instant Pot and top with spices.
Make slurry: Mix cornstarch with water, stir into pot.
Cook and release: Set to manual high pressure, let release naturally, then quick release.
Assemble desserts: Spoon apples into cups, top with whipped cream, caramel and walnuts.
Substitutions and Variations
Change the fruit: Try pears or peaches instead of apples for a twist.
Go nut-free: Skip the walnuts or use seeds for a crunch alternative.
Use pound cake: Instead of sponge or shortcake, pound cake works beautifully.
Non-alcoholic: Use cinnamon extract and extra maple instead of whisky.
Serving Suggestions
Appetizers: Begin your meal with an Autumn chicken salad or turkey and vegetable soup.
Main dishes: Enjoy beef short rib ragu or perhaps Mediterranean steak bowls.
Dessert: Serve these delicious Instant Pot apple shortcakes for dessert, perhaps with a mug of boozy hot chocolate spiked with Fireball whisky!
How to Store Apple Fireball Shortcakes
Store: You can store the cinnamon apples soaked in Fireball for up to 5 days in a covered container in the fridge.
Freeze: If you are wondering about freezing this Autumn Instant pot dessert, you can! In fact, the apple mixture will keep for up to 6 months in an airtight container in the freezer. Since the shortcake shells are readymade, just freeze the apple mixture by itself.
Thaw: Defrost it in the refrigerator overnight.
Reheat: You can warm them back up in your Instant Pot or in the microwave and then add the toppings and serve.
Top Tips
Use firm apples: They hold up better during pressure cooking.
Stir well after cooking: This ensures even distribution of syrup and spice.
Toast the nuts: A quick toast brings out their flavor for better contrast.
Instant Pot Shortcakes with Apples FAQs
Yes, just make sure not to go over the max fill line and allow extra pressure time.
Yes, cook it on the stovetop in a pot with a lid until the apples are soft and saucy.
Yes, peeling ensures a softer, more consistent texture once cooked.
Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes Recipe
Instant Pot Fireball Apple Shortcakes
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled, I used Fuji apples
- 1/4 Cup lemon juice
- 1 Cup dark brown sugar
- 2 Teaspoons maple extract
- 1 Tablespoon granulated sugar, cinnamon flavored
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1/4 Cup maple syrup
- 1/2 Tablespoon honey
- 1/4 Cup Fireball cinnamon whisky, or similar
- 3 star anise
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 Cup water
- 3 Tablespoons cornstarch
To Serve
- 12 dessert cups, sponge cake or shortcake
- 1/4 Cup walnuts, chopped
- 1 Cup whipped cream
- 1/4 Cup caramel sauce
Instructions
- Peel the apples and slice into ¼-inch pieces.
- Place sliced apples into a large mixing bowl. Toss in the lemon juice. This will prevent the apple slices from browning.
- Add brown sugar, maple extract, cinnamon, sugar, maple syrup, honey, and Fireball whiskey to the bowl with the apples. Stir until well combined. Pour the bowl into the Instant Pot. Top with star anise and cinnamon sticks.
- Make a slurry. Combine water and cornstarch in a small bowl and whisk. Pour into the instant pot and stir well.
- Seal the Instant Pot. Set to manual high pressure for 3 minutes. Once complete, allow natural release for 3 minutes, then quick release the remaining steam
- Stir the apples, then add ½ cup to each dessert shell.
- Top with whipped cream, drizzle with caramel sauce, and sprinkle with chopped walnuts.
Notes
Stir well after cooking: This ensures even distribution of syrup and spice.
Toast the nuts: A quick toast brings out their flavor for better contrast.
Nutrition
Whether you’re serving up a fun fall dessert, bringing something new to the table for guests, or just treating yourself, Instant Pot Fireball apple shortcakes are a hit. With their sweet heat, fluffy cream and caramel finish, they strike the perfect balance between cozy and exciting. Use your favorite sponge base, spice level or nut topping to tailor it to your tastes and enjoy every last spoonful. Cinnamon apples soaked in Fireball are a perfect Autumn dessert idea.
Other Recipes to Try
Bella Bucchiotti
Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.
These were absolutely gorgeous. Thanks for the recipe!
Can this be done with peaches? If so, what temp and time???
I have not tried it with peaches, but I am sure it would taste delicious.
This apple filling is crying out to be a hand pie… I will do it.
These look so yummy! I can’t wait for cooler weather to start making fall recipes
Saving these to make for dessert soon. Look so good.