Delicious, gluten-free, and reduced-sugar apple brownies mixed in a blender and cooked in just fifteen minutes in an Instant Pot!
You guys. Apple fest is still going strong at our house. Yes, we are still working our way through the two bushels of apples we picked at the orchard. Using this list of 50 apple recipes when we need a little inspiration. (By the way, the pork chops with onions and apples on that list are superb).
When I was first thinking of what to do with our apples, I naturally thought of apple brownies– a treat we used to enjoy rather frequently a few years ago. But, like so many other foods we used to eat, the recipe needed a bit of an overhaul.
Less sugar. Less fat. Just generally less.
Now, it may be that we have all become accustomed to healthier treats, but I think these brownies are just as good as the original version. Admittedly, the maple cream frosting really helps. (I highly suggest that you don’t skip it).
The rundown on these brownies is that they are…
- made with whole, real ingredients
- gluten-free
- made with less sugar
- sweet and rich and delicious!
I was also inspired by Brittany from Instant Loss to try using our blender to simplify the batter-making process. Everything is mixed together in the blender, then poured into the springform pan, and cooked in the Instant Pot. The fact that the Vitamix is soooo easy to clean, and that there is zero mess in the Instant Pot is just icing on the brownies cake.
If you love easy Instant Pot desserts, given healthier makeovers, then definitely check out these other delicious recipes:
- Guilt-Free Chocolate Pudding Cake
- Healthier Creme Brûlée
- Cheesecake Makeover (Gluten-free, Naturally sweetened, and less fat!)
- Healthy Upside Down Peach Cake
Apple Brownies in the Instant Pot with Maple Cream Frosting
Needed Equipment:
- 7″ springform pan (or similarly sized dish)
- Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker
- trivet
- Blender (I use a Vitamix 5200)
- (helpful) extra sealing ring for sweet dishes
Apple Brownies in the Instant Pot
Description
Delicious, gluten-free, and reduced-sugar apple brownies mixed in a blender and cooked in just fifteen minutes in an Instant Pot!
Ingredients
- 2 C oats
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp each ground ginger & nutmeg
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 eggs
- 4 Tbsp melted butter
- 1/2 C applesauce
- 1/4 C brown sugar
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 C diced apple (I like fuji or gala)
Maple Cream Frosting
- 2 oz cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 Tbsp maple syrup
- 2 Tbsp powdered sugar
Instructions
- Blend the oats in a blender for 30 seconds until they resembled a soft flour. Add the spices, baking powder, salt, and sugar. Blend again for just about 5 seconds until the dry ingredients are incorporated.
- Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients in the blender (eggs, applesauce, melted butter, and vanilla). Blend again for about thirty seconds until all the ingredients are mixed and a wet batter is formed.
- Stir the diced apples into the brownie batter. Pour the mixture into a 7″ springform pan that has been lightly greased. Cover the pan with foil.
- Pour 1 C of water in the bottom of the Instant Pot liner. Place in a trivet, and then set the springform pan on the trivet. Cover the Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes.
- After the cooking time is completed, quick release the pressure. Carefully remove the springform pan from the Instant Pot, and discard the foil. Let the brownies cool for 5 minutes before releasing the outer wall of the springform pan. Transfer the brownies to a serving plate and cool.
- Make the maple frosting: Combine the frosting ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until smooth. Spread on top of cooled brownies.
- Slice and serve warm, or give the frosting time to set up before slicing. Your choice!
Notes
I used a 7″ springform pan to make these brownies. If you wanted to use a 6″ pan, increase the cooking time by a few minutes.
Don’t forget to pin and share!
Also check out the 49 other tasty ways to enjoy apples this season!
I do not have an instant pot, and I do not wish t buy one.. Do you have the alternative cooking method for an oven?
Can’t wait to try this!