Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots

Indulge in the sweet and savory delight of Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots. These tender, caramelized carrot slices, cooked to perfection in your trusty Instant Pot, are a delightful side dish that will elevate any meal.

Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots— I can almost taste these carrots. The sweet and tangy brown sugar glaze is perfect for a quick and easy side dish to any meal. This recipe takes less than 10 minutes to make in the Instant Pot! As a bonus, it’s vegan-friendly too! Enjoy this healthy and delicious carrot recipe tonight.

Every time I get a craving for sweet, flavorful carrots, I reach for my Instant Pot. This recipe is one of the easiest ways to cook up good-tasting carrots in next to no time. They are perfect for any meal with just a little bit of brown sugar and honey!

Carrots are a great addition to any meal but can get boring afterward. Brown sugar carrots offer a new twist on an old favorite. The brown sugar and cinnamon give the carrots a sweet taste, leaving your mouth watering for more!

This recipe is easy enough for beginners and tastes good for those who have been cooking their whole life. Give it a try tonight!

If you are looking for even more Instant Pot Vegetable Recipes, my favorites are INSTANT POT GREEN BEANS, and INSTANT POT BRUSSELS SPROUTS 

Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots

Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots are a side dish that transforms humble carrots into a culinary masterpiece. Your Instant Pot will work its magic in just a few minutes, turning these carrots into tender morsels bathed in a luscious, caramelized brown sugar glaze. This recipe strikes the perfect balance between the natural sweetness of carrots and the richness of brown sugar and butter, making it a crowd-pleaser for kids and adults.

The beauty of this dish lies not only in its simplicity but also in its ability to complement a wide range of main courses. Whether you’re serving up a Sunday roast, grilled chicken, or a vegetarian stir-fry, Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots add a touch of sweetness and elegance to your meal. So, fire up your Instant Pot and get ready to enjoy an effortless and irresistible side dish.

Ingredients Needed For Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots

Here are the simple ingredients and how they combine to make a delightful and perfect side dish for any meal.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable full recipe card at the bottom of this post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Carrots (Baby or Whole): The star of the dish, these carrots provide natural sweetness and vibrant color. You can use baby or whole carrots, peeled and sliced into rounds.
• Brown Sugar: This rich and caramel-flavored sugar will create a luscious glaze that coats the carrots, enhancing their sweetness.
• Butter: Unsalted butter adds a velvety richness to the dish and helps create the glossy caramelized coating.
• Water: A small amount is used to create steam and pressure in the Instant Pot, aiding the cooking process.
• Salt: A pinch balances the sweetness and enhances the dish’s overall flavor.
• Ground Cinnamon (Optional): For a warm, comforting spice, add a touch of ground cinnamon to complement the brown sugar glaze.

How to Make Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots

Here are the step-by-step instructions for making instant pot brown sugar carrots, quickly and easily!

Prep the Carrots: If using whole carrots, peel and slice them into rounds, about 1/4 inch thick. If using baby carrots, you can leave them whole. Place the metal trivet or a steamer basket in your Instant Pot. Pour in 1/4 cup of water.

Place carrots on the trivet or steamer basket. Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly over the carrots. You can sprinkle it over the brown sugar if you use ground cinnamon. Cut the unsalted butter into small pieces and scatter them on the brown sugar. Close the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual High Pressure” function and set the cooking time for baby carrots at 2 minutes at high pressure or 4 minutes for whole carrots. Once the cooking time is up, perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to the venting position to release the steam.

Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe Tips

• Fresh Carrots: While baby carrots are convenient, using fresh whole carrots that you peel and slice yourself often results in a better flavor and texture.
• Uniform Slices: Aim for uniform slices to ensure even cooking. If your carrot slices vary in thickness, some may become overcooked while others remain too firm.
• Brown Sugar Quality: Use high-quality brown sugar for a richer and deeper caramel flavor. Dark brown sugar adds an extra layer of richness if you prefer.
• Butter Temperature: Use cold butter cut into small pieces. This helps the butter melt gradually during cooking, evenly coating the carrots with the glaze.
• Steaming Setup: Elevate the carrots using a metal trivet or a steamer basket to keep them above the water. This prevents the carrots from becoming waterlogged.
• Quick Release: When cooking is up, perform a quick pressure release to prevent overcooking the carrots. They should be tender but not mushy.
• Spoon the Glaze: After cooking, spoon the delicious brown sugar glaze over the carrots for extra flavor and sheen.
• Adjust Seasonings: Taste the carrots before serving and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your preference. You can add more brown sugar or a dash of salt if needed.
• Fresh Herbs: If using fresh herbs, add them just before serving to maintain their vibrant color and flavor.
• Presentation: Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, for a pop of color and freshness.
• Double the Recipe: This recipe is easy to double if serving a larger group. Just adjust the cook time accordingly.
• Customize Flavors: Don’t be afraid to experiment with additional flavors, like citrus zest, spices, or even a hot sauce, to make the dish your own.

Instant Pot Brown Sugar Carrots Recipe Faq’s

Can I use frozen carrots for this recipe? While fresh carrots are recommended for the best texture and flavor, you can use frozen carrots in a pinch. However, frozen carrots may release more moisture during cooking, affecting the glaze’s consistency.

How long does it take for the Instant Pot to come to pressure for this recipe? The time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure can vary depending on your model and the quantity of food inside. It typically takes 10-15 minutes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure for this recipe.

Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter? You can use salted butter, but be cautious about adding extra salt to the recipe. The salted butter may provide enough saltiness for the dish, so taste and adjust as needed.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time and reheat it?  While the carrots are best served fresh, you can make and reheat them gently in the microwave or stovetop. Remember that the glaze may thicken upon cooling, so you may need to add a splash of water or butter when reheating.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover Brown Sugar Carrots in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat as needed.

Can I use a different sweetener instead of brown sugar? You can experiment with other sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, or agave nectar for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that the sweetness level and consistency may vary.

Can I add other vegetables to this recipe? While this recipe focuses on carrots, you can add other vegetables like parsnips, sweet potatoes, or even butternut squash for a medley of roasted veggies with the same glaze.

Can I make this recipe vegan? To make this recipe vegan, substitute plant-based and dairy butter. Ensure that the brown sugar you use is also vegan-friendly.

Can I use a different type of sugar, like white or coconut sugar? While brown sugar provides a distinctive caramel flavor, you can experiment with other sugars. White sugar will produce a different flavor, and coconut sugar will have a mild caramel note.

How to store leftover carrots: Let the pressure cooker carrots cool to room temperature, then place them in an airtight container. The cooked carrots should last for 2-3 days. You can reheat the carrots in a small saucepan, with melted butter, or in the air fryer.

Can I double or halve the recipe easily? Yes, you can easily adjust the quantities to double or halve the recipe to suit your needs. Just be mindful of cooking times and adjust as necessary.

More Instant Pot Recipes

• INSTANT POT GREEN BEANS
• INSTANT POT BRUSSELS SPROUTS
• NINJA FOODI OR INSTANT POT SPAGHETTI SQUASH