Revolutionize your mornings with these ultra-creamy Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats. Made from simple pantry ingredients and cooked in minutes, they’re perfect with fruit, maple syrup, nut butter, or a sprinkle of dark chocolate for a satisfying breakfast that keeps you full.
We’re making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot — a reliable way to get consistently tender, creamy oats without constant stirring. These oats have a pleasant, nutty chewiness that stands up well to both sweet and savory toppings. My little one loves hers with maple syrup and berries, while I often experiment with different combinations.
The Instant Pot makes this recipe effortless: combine steel cut oats, water, and a pinch of salt in the pot, stir, and let pressure cooking do the rest. While the oats cook, you can sip a latte, play a quick game, move your body, or get a head start on the day.
What Are Steel Cut Oats?
Steel cut oats, also called Irish oats, are whole oat kernels chopped with steel blades into small, coarse pieces. When cooked they have a chewy, hearty texture. Rolled oats (old-fashioned oats) are steamed and flattened, which makes them creamier and faster to cook. Steel cut oats typically take longer on the stovetop, but pressure cooking reduces that time while delivering a creamy result.
Steel cut oats are a nutritious choice — rich in fiber, protein, and whole grains. Because they’re less processed than rolled oats, they digest a bit more slowly and help you feel full longer, making them a great option to fuel your morning.
Other Ingredients
Water: Filtered or clean-tasting tap water works well.
Non-Dairy Milk: Unsweetened soy or almond milk is recommended; unsweetened vanilla adds a light, pleasant flavor. Use oat or coconut milk for extra creaminess.
Salt: A 1/4 teaspoon brings out the oats’ flavor. Use fine sea or kosher salt; if using table salt, use a slightly smaller amount.
Ground Cinnamon: Optional, for warming spice.
Maple Syrup: Pure maple syrup keeps the recipe plant-based; agave or cane sugar can be used if preferred.
How to Cook Steel Cut Oats In the Instant Pot
- Add Ingredients. Put the steel cut oats, water, and salt into the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
- Pressure Cook. Lock the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
- Release Pressure. Let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 5 minutes, then quick-release any remaining pressure according to your model’s instructions.
- Add Milk. Stir in the non-dairy milk until combined, then mix in cinnamon and maple syrup if using.
- Top & Serve. Add toppings directly to the pot and stir, or serve bowls individually and top as desired. Serve warm.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Adjust the milk. Use a full cup of non-dairy milk for creamy, spoonable oats or 1/2 cup for a thicker texture.
- Customize toppings. Mix cinnamon and maple syrup into the pot for grab-and-go servings, or add sweet and savory toppings to each bowl so everyone can personalize their breakfast.
Toppings and Mix-Ins
Make this recipe your own with a variety of mix-ins and toppings:
- Seasonings: Try pumpkin spice, nutmeg, or cardamom in place of cinnamon for a different flavor profile.
- Milk: Oat or coconut milk adds richness; soy milk boosts protein.
- Toppings: Fresh fruit, sliced banana, berries, chopped dates, raisins, dried cranberries, shredded coconut, dark chocolate chips, chopped apples or peaches, chia, flax, or hemp seeds, nuts, nut butter, or a pat of vegan butter and extra maple syrup.
- Sweeteners: Swap maple syrup for agave, organic cane sugar, or maple sugar if you prefer.
Adding Fruit Before Cooking
To infuse the oats with fruit flavor, add chopped or sliced fruit before pressure cooking. A few ideas:
- Apple Cinnamon: Peel and chop 1 large apple and stir it into the pot with the oats, water, and cinnamon.
- Banana: Add a sliced ripe banana before cooking for a banana-bread-like flavor; stir in vanilla almond or soy milk with cinnamon and maple syrup.
- Peaches & Cream: Chop 2 large peaches (fresh or canned) and cook with the oats. Stir in coconut milk and top with cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, and maple syrup.
Storage Directions
- Refrigerate: Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Cool to room temperature, transfer to a freezer-safe container, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or gently reheat with a splash of milk.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 1–2 minute bursts, stirring between intervals, or reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a little milk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Rinsing is optional. Skipping a rinse preserves surface starches that help create a creamier texture, which many people prefer.
Make a batch at the start of the week, stir in cinnamon and maple syrup, divide into containers, and refrigerate for up to 5 days. Add toppings when serving.
More Easy & Healthy Breakfast Recipes
- Instant Pot Teff Porridge
- Buttermilk Vegan Waffles
- Spelt Pancakes
- Fluffy Vegan Omelette
- Vegan Crepes
Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 2 cups water
- ¼ tsp salt
- 1 cup non-dairy milk or 1/2 cup for a thicker consistency
Toppings (As Desired)
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3 tbsp pure maple syrup or organic cane sugar
- Additional toppings: sliced bananas, fresh berries, dried fruit, coconut, nuts, seeds, dark chocolate chips, nut butter, etc.
Instructions
- Add the oats, water, and salt to the Instant Pot and stir.
- Lock the lid and pressure cook on HIGH for 10 minutes.
- Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then quick-release remaining pressure per your model’s instructions.
- Stir in the non-dairy milk until combined, then mix in cinnamon and maple syrup if using.
- Top as desired and serve hot.
Notes
- Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Freeze cooled oatmeal up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat with a splash of milk.
- Reheat: Microwave in short bursts, stirring between, or warm on the stovetop with a little milk.
Recipe Pro-Tips
- Adjust the milk: Use more milk for creamier oats, less for thicker oats.
- Customize: Add spices, fruit, and toppings to suit your taste or prepare jars for easy breakfasts all week.