Spiced Cinnamon Whiskey Apple Shortcakes with Whipped Cream and Caramel

Imagine a cozy evening where the warm, sweet scent of spiced apples fills your kitchen. These Spiced Cinnamon Whiskey Apple Shortcakes with Whipped Cream and Caramel are everything you want in a fall dessert—indulgent, comforting, and incredibly easy to make. With layers of tender apples, spiced syrup, fluffy shortcakes, and luscious caramel, this treat is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself, these shortcakes are the ultimate way to celebrate the flavors of fall.

Let’s dive into how you can make this irresistible dessert step by step!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe has everything you need for an unforgettable dessert:

• Bursting with Fall Flavors: Cinnamon, star anise, maple syrup, and a hint of cinnamon whiskey create a warm and inviting flavor profile.
• Effortless Preparation: Thanks to the Instant Pot, the spiced apple topping comes together in minutes with minimal effort.
• Perfect Texture: Juicy apples, soft sponge cakes, crunchy walnuts, and creamy whipped topping offer a beautiful balance of textures.
• Great for Entertaining: Its gorgeous presentation and delicious taste make it a hit at any gathering.
• Customizable: You can adjust the sweetness, spices, or toppings to suit your preferences.

Ingredients: Everything You Need

Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need for both the apple topping and assembling the shortcakes:

For the Apple Topping

Ingredient	Quantity
Fuji apples, peeled and sliced	6 large
Lemon juice	¼ cup
Dark brown sugar	1 cup
Maple extract	2 teaspoons
Cinnamon sugar	1 tablespoon
Granulated sugar	2 tablespoons
Pure maple syrup	¼ cup
Honey	½ tablespoon
Cinnamon-flavored whiskey (e.g., Fireball)	¼ cup
Star anise	3 whole
Cinnamon sticks	3 sticks
Water	1 cup
Cornstarch (mixed with water for a slurry)	3 tablespoons

For Serving

Ingredient	Quantity
Sponge cake or shortcake cups	12
Chopped walnuts	¼ cup
Whipped cream	1 cup
Caramel sauce	¼ cup

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Peel and slice the Fuji apples into thin wedges.
2. Toss the apple slices with the lemon juice in a large bowl. This helps prevent browning while you prepare the other ingredients.

Step 2: Build the Flavor Base in the Instant Pot

1. Set the Instant Pot to “Sauté” mode.
2. Add the dark brown sugar, cinnamon sugar, granulated sugar, maple syrup, honey, and cinnamon whiskey. Stir well to combine.

Step 3: Add Spices and Apples

1. Add the star anise and cinnamon sticks to the mixture in the Instant Pot.
2. Toss in the prepared apple slices and pour in the water. Stir to ensure the apples are evenly coated in the spiced syrup.

Step 4: Pressure Cook the Apples

1. Cancel the “Sauté” function, secure the Instant Pot lid, and set it to “Pressure Cook” on high for 3 minutes.
2. Once the timer ends, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes, then carefully perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

1. Open the Instant Pot and switch back to “Sauté” mode.
2. Gradually stir in the cornstarch slurry while continuously stirring.
3. Let the sauce cook for a few minutes until it thickens to a luscious, caramel-like consistency.
4. Remove the star anise and cinnamon sticks before assembling the shortcakes.

Step 6: Assemble the Shortcakes

1. Place a sponge cake or shortcake cup on each serving plate.
2. Spoon a generous amount of the warm spiced apple mixture over the cake, allowing some of the sauce to soak into the cake.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle each shortcake with chopped walnuts for a delightful crunch.
2. Add a dollop of whipped cream on top of the apples.
3. Drizzle with caramel sauce for a final touch of sweetness.
4. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Shortcakes

• Choose the Right Apples: Fuji apples work perfectly as they stay firm when cooked, but you can also use Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for a slightly tart flavor.
• Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet topping, reduce the sugar slightly.
• Make Ahead: The apple topping can be prepared up to 2 days in advance and reheated before serving.
• Experiment with Toppings: Try adding toasted pecans, nutmeg, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an extra treat.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (Approx.)
Calories	320
Total Fat	10 g
Saturated Fat	4 g
Carbohydrates	50 g
Sugar	38 g
Protein	3 g

FAQs About Spiced Cinnamon Whiskey Apple Shortcakes

1. Can I make this recipe without an Instant Pot?

Yes! You can prepare the apple topping on the stovetop. Simmer the apples and other ingredients in a large pot over medium heat until the apples are tender and the sauce thickens.

2. What can I use instead of cinnamon whiskey?

You can replace the cinnamon whiskey with apple cider or regular whiskey mixed with a pinch of cinnamon for a similar flavor.

3. Can I freeze the apple topping?

Absolutely. Allow the apple topping to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

4. Can I use a different type of cake?

Definitely! Pound cake, angel food cake, or even biscuits make great substitutes for shortcake cups.

5. How do I make this dessert kid-friendly?

Omit the cinnamon whiskey and replace it with apple juice or apple cider for a non-alcoholic version.

6. Can I use store-bought caramel sauce?

Yes! Store-bought caramel sauce works wonderfully, but feel free to make your own for a homemade touch.

Final Thoughts

These Spiced Cinnamon Whiskey Apple Shortcakes with Whipped Cream and Caramel are the perfect fall dessert, blending warm spices, tender apples, and sweet caramel into one stunning dish. It’s an easy recipe that feels luxurious, making it ideal for holidays, gatherings, or even a weeknight treat.

So grab your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and treat yourself (and your loved ones) to the irresistible flavors of fall!

Print