Instant Pot Oatmeal blends creamy coconut milk with hearty steel-cut oats, sweetened just right with brown sugar, vanilla, and a hint of cinnamon. This incredibly satisfying recipe offers a wholesome and warm start to your day, perfectly balancing taste and nutrition with minimal effort.

A bowl of Instant Pot Oatmeal topped with vibrant mixed berries, invitingly ready for breakfast. — Start your day right with a delicious bowl of creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal, generously topped with fresh berries.

Contents

Effortless & Delicious: My Ultimate Go-To Instant Pot Oatmeal!

As the crisp air of autumn and winter settles in, there’s nothing quite as comforting and warming as a steaming bowl of oatmeal. Lately, this Instant Pot Oatmeal recipe has become an absolute staple in my morning routine, transforming breakfast from a chore into a delightful ritual. The secret to its irresistible appeal? It’s not just about the perfectly cooked, creamy oats, but also the endless possibilities for customization with a variety of exciting toppings!

I’m currently obsessed with a specific combination that’s both simple and divine: Straight from the Instant Pot, I heap my warm oatmeal into a bowl and generously top it with a cup of a triple berry blend (featuring frozen wild blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries). I scatter them evenly so the warmth of the oats gently thaws the bottom of the berries, creating a luscious jam-like layer, while the tops retain their delightful frosty chill – the contrast in texture is truly heavenly! Next, I drizzle one packet of vanilla almond butter evenly over the berries and oats. If I have a few extra moments and want to add an extra layer of goodness, I’ll sprinkle on some chia seeds and toasted coconut flakes for added crunch and nutrients.

This vibrant combination isn’t just a fleeting fancy; it’s a current favorite that’s incredibly easy to prepare. I simply start the oatmeal in my Instant Pot right when I wake up. By the time I’ve tackled other morning tasks, like preparing lunches for the kids and helping them get dressed, a perfectly cooked and hearty breakfast is ready. The best part? This oatmeal keeps me feeling full and energized throughout my busy mornings. It’s packed with fiber to ward off hunger pangs and provides a balanced mix of complex carbohydrates, plant-based proteins, and those essential healthy fats that fuel your day.

Arrangement of fresh ingredients for Instant Pot Oatmeal, including coconut milk, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. — Simple, wholesome ingredients are all you need for this delicious and easy Instant Pot Oatmeal.

Essential Instant Pot Oatmeal Ingredients for Perfection

Crafting the perfect bowl of Instant Pot Oatmeal begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in achieving that creamy texture and comforting flavor profile:

Lite Coconut Milk: This is the star for achieving unparalleled creaminess without excessive richness. It infuses the oats with a subtle, delightful tropical aroma. It’s crucial to opt for the LITE version of canned coconut milk. Full-fat coconut milk can be quite thick and dense, which might lead to the dreaded “burn notice” in your Instant Pot. Lite coconut milk provides the ideal consistency and flavor, ensuring your oats cook perfectly and remain wonderfully smooth.
Steel-Cut Oats: These oats are non-negotiable for this recipe! Steel-cut oats, also known as Irish oats, are minimally processed whole oat groats that have been cut into two or three pieces. This gives them a chewier texture and nutty flavor that holds up beautifully under pressure cooking, resulting in a distinct, hearty bite. Unfortunately, old-fashioned (rolled) or instant oats do not work well in this Instant Pot method, as they tend to become mushy and lose their desirable texture. Always make sure to grab regular steel-cut oats, not the quick-cooking or 2-minute varieties, for the best results.
Brown Sugar: This adds a deep, molasses-rich sweetness that beautifully complements the subtle coconut flavor, creating a wonderfully caramel-like undertone. You can easily adjust the amount of brown sugar to suit your personal preference for sweetness. For those seeking alternative sweeteners, natural options like pure maple syrup or honey can be substituted, providing a different but equally delicious depth of flavor.
Cinnamon: This classic aromatic spice is a powerhouse of warmth and comfort, elevating the oatmeal with its sweet and woody notes. While it’s listed as optional, even a tiny amount of cinnamon can significantly enhance the overall flavor profile, making it feel more cozy and inviting. Don’t hesitate to experiment with seasonal spice blends too, such as a fragrant pumpkin pie spice or a vibrant apple pie spice blend for a festive twist.
Sea Salt: Adding salt to a sweet breakfast dish might seem counterintuitive at first, but it’s a culinary secret that truly makes a difference. A pinch of sea salt helps to balance and enhance all the other flavors, particularly making the sweetness pop and preventing the oatmeal from tasting flat or bland. If you find your oatmeal lacking that certain something, a small addition of salt is often the answer.

Step-by-step images showing coconut milk, water, steel-cut oats, and salt being added to an Instant Pot for oatmeal. — Combine all ingredients in your Instant Pot for a fuss-free and delicious breakfast.

Mastering Instant Pot Oatmeal: Essential Tips for Perfect Results

Making delicious steel-cut oatmeal in your Instant Pot is incredibly straightforward, but a few key tips can ensure perfect results every time:

Utilize Natural Pressure Release (NPR) for 15 Minutes: After your Instant Pot finishes cooking the oatmeal, resist the urge to immediately release the pressure. Allowing it to naturally release for at least 15 minutes is crucial. This gentle release method helps to maintain the oats’ creamy yet distinct texture, preventing them from becoming mushy. More importantly, it significantly reduces the risk of starchy liquid splattering vigorously when you eventually open the steam release valve, keeping your kitchen cleaner and safer.
Achieve Your Desired Consistency Post-Cooking: Instant Pot oatmeal can sometimes vary slightly in thickness due to factors like oat brand or elevation. After the pressure has released and you’ve opened the lid, assess the oatmeal’s consistency. If it appears too thick for your liking, simply stir in additional lite coconut milk or water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your preferred creaminess. Conversely, if your oatmeal is a bit too runny, you can use the Instant Pot’s “Sauté” function on low for a minute or two, stirring continuously, to gently thicken it. Just be careful not to overcook.
Don’t Skip the Pinch of Salt: As mentioned in the ingredients section, a small amount of sea salt is a game-changer. It doesn’t make your oatmeal salty but rather enhances and brightens all the other sweet and aromatic flavors. This simple addition elevates the entire dish, preventing it from tasting bland and ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Layer Ingredients Correctly in the Instant Pot: To prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the pot, especially those prone to burning, always start by adding your liquids first. Pour in the coconut milk and water, then gently stir in the steel-cut oats and salt. This layering technique helps ensure even cooking and minimizes the chance of the “burn notice” from your Instant Pot.
Never Overfill Your Instant Pot: This is a critical safety and performance tip for any pressure cooker recipe, especially when cooking foods that expand. When making oatmeal, or any grain that absorbs liquid and grows in volume, never fill your Instant Pot more than two-thirds full. Overfilling can lead to excessive pressure buildup, potential blockages of the vent, and messy overflows, which can be dangerous and damage your appliance. Always leave ample room for expansion.

Images showing Instant Pot oatmeal after cooking, with vanilla, brown sugar, and cinnamon being stirred in for flavor. — Customize your Instant Pot Oatmeal with your favorite sweeteners and spices after cooking for the perfect flavor.

Unleash Your Creativity: Instant Pot Oatmeal Topping Ideas

One of the best things about Instant Pot Oatmeal is its versatility. The creamy base is a perfect canvas for a huge array of toppings, allowing you to customize your bowl to your mood, dietary needs, or whatever you have on hand. Here are some inspiring ideas to get you started:

Fruit Fiesta: Add natural sweetness, vitamins, and texture with fresh or dried fruits. Think juicy blueberries, tart raspberries, sliced bananas, sweet raisins, chopped dried apricots, or even pomegranate seeds for a burst of color and crunch. Frozen berries are fantastic as they gently thaw, creating a delicious sauce.
Nutty Delight for Healthy Fats & Crunch: Introduce healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch with your favorite nuts. Chopped almonds, walnuts, pistachios, or pecans, either raw or lightly toasted, add depth and richness. For a creamier option, a dollop of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter can be stirred in or drizzled on top.
Seeds of Goodness for Nutrient Boost: Sprinkle on tiny powerhouses of nutrition. Chia seeds, flaxseeds (ground for better absorption), hemp seeds, or pumpkin seeds (pepitas) deliver omega-3s, fiber, and a subtle, pleasant crunch without overpowering the oats.
Drips and Drizzles for Extra Sweetness: If you crave more sweetness or a richer flavor, a drizzle can do wonders. A swirl of golden honey, pure maple syrup, or agave nectar adds natural sweetness. For a decadent treat, a spoonful of a homemade caramel sauce or chocolate syrup can turn your breakfast into dessert.
Creamy Dreamy Textures: Enhance the luxurious texture of your oatmeal. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or skyr adds protein and a tangy contrast. A splash of unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or a spoonful of whipped coconut cream can make your bowl even more indulgent and creamy.
Spice It Up Beyond Cinnamon: While cinnamon is fantastic, don’t limit yourself! Consider a sprinkle of nutmeg, cardamom, ground ginger, or a warming spice blend like allspice or cloves. These spices can transform the flavor profile, making it more exotic or comforting.
Zesty Vibes for Brightness: A little citrus zest can brighten the entire dish. Finely grated orange zest, lemon zest, or lime zest adds an unexpected tangy and aromatic note that cuts through the richness.
Chocolate Love for Indulgence: For those with a sweet tooth, chocolate is always a welcome addition. Stir in some dark chocolate chips, cacao nibs for a bitter crunch, or drizzle a spoonful of Nutella for a hazelnut-chocolate dream.

Storage & Meal Prep Tips for Instant Pot Oatmeal

This Instant Pot Oatmeal is fantastic for meal prepping, allowing you to enjoy a quick and healthy breakfast throughout the week. Proper storage ensures freshness and flavor.

Storing Leftover Instant Pot Oatmeal:

Cool Completely: Always allow the oatmeal to cool down to room temperature before storing. This prevents condensation from forming inside the container, which can lead to a watery texture or spoilage.
Airtight Containers: Transfer the cooled oatmeal into individual airtight containers. Glass containers are excellent for maintaining freshness and are microwave-safe for reheating.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to five days. It’s perfect for grabbing on busy mornings.
Freezing for Longer Term: For longer storage, you can freeze individual portions for up to three months. This is ideal for bulk cooking and ensuring you always have a healthy breakfast ready.

Reheating Oatmeal:

Oatmeal tends to thicken significantly once cooled. Don’t worry, it’s easy to bring back to its creamy consistency!

Microwave Method: Spoon your desired portion into a microwave-safe bowl. Add a splash of water, milk (dairy or non-dairy like almond or coconut milk), or even a bit more lite coconut milk, stirring it in. Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through, until heated through and creamy.
Stovetop Method: For a slightly larger batch or if you prefer stovetop reheating, place the oatmeal in a small pot over medium-low heat. Add a touch of water or milk and stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature and consistency.
From Frozen: For best results, thaw frozen oatmeal overnight in the fridge. Then, reheat using either the microwave or stovetop method. If you’re in a hurry, you can microwave it directly from frozen for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally and adding liquid as needed, until hot and creamy.

Explore More Delicious Breakfast Recipes:

Looking for more ways to kickstart your mornings? Here are some other fantastic breakfast ideas to add to your repertoire:

Breakfast Toast: A vibrant and customizable dish for any craving!
Restaurant-Quality Scrambled Eggs: Our favorite recipe for perfectly fluffy, gourmet scrambled eggs.
Soft-Baked Oatmeal Breakfast Bars: Delicious and convenient bars packed with chocolate chunks.
One-Pan Breakfast Potatoes and Bacon: A hearty and easy breakfast complete with peppers.
Healthy Peanut Butter Breakfast Cookies: Gluten-free and sweetened with honey for a guilt-free treat.

A perfectly cooked bowl of creamy Instant Pot Oatmeal, ready to be enjoyed.

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Instant Pot Oatmeal

By
Chelsea Lords

Instant Pot Oatmeal is a cozy mix of creamy coconut milk, steel-cut oats, brown sugar, vanilla, and cinnamon. Quick, hearty, and packed with wholesome ingredients!

Prep Time:

5 minutes

Cook Time:

20 minutes

Total Time:

25 minutes

Servings:

6
servings

Equipment

Instant Pot
6-quart

Ingredients

Cooking spray
1
(13.5-ounce) can
lite coconut milk
see note 1
1
cup
steel-cut oats
see note 2
1/4
teaspoon
sea salt
2 to 4
tablespoons
brown sugar
or maple syrup/honey, to taste
1/2
teaspoon
vanilla extract
(optional)
1/4
teaspoon
ground cinnamon
(optional)
Toppings as desired
see note 3 for suggestions

Instructions

1. Grease the insert of a 6-quart Instant Pot thoroughly with cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking. Pour the full can of lite coconut milk into a 2-cup liquid measuring cup, then add enough water to bring the total liquid volume to 2 full cups. Pour this mixture into the Instant Pot, along with 1 additional cup of water (for a total of 3 cups of liquid). Stir in the steel-cut oats and sea salt.
2. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot and ensure the steam release valve is set to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” button and adjust the cooking time to 4 minutes on High Pressure. The Instant Pot will automatically begin building pressure, which will take about 10-15 minutes, before the 4-minute cooking cycle starts. Once the cooking is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release (NPR) for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes, carefully manually release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting” until the float valve drops.
3. Carefully remove the lid once the pressure has fully released. Gently stir in the brown sugar (adding to taste, start with 2 tablespoons and add more if desired), vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon (if using). Stir everything gently with a silicone spatula, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to fully incorporate all ingredients and prevent any oats from sticking.
4. Spoon the warm, creamy oatmeal into individual bowls. Now comes the fun part: add your favorite toppings! Consider fresh berries or a diced banana, a generous dollop of nut butter, a sprinkle of chia seeds, toasted coconut flakes, or a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Refer to note 3 for more topping suggestions and my personal favorite way to enjoy this delightful oatmeal! Serve immediately and enjoy a truly wholesome and satisfying breakfast!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Always choose lite coconut milk for this recipe. Its lighter consistency is crucial for proper cooking in the Instant Pot and helps prevent the “burn notice” error, which can occur with thicker, full-fat versions. Lite coconut milk delivers the perfect creamy texture and delightful coconut flavor without being overly heavy.

Note 2: Steel-cut oats are essential for the best texture in this Instant Pot oatmeal. Do not substitute with old-fashioned (rolled) or instant oats, as they will cook differently and result in a mushy consistency. Ensure you use regular steel-cut oats, not the quick-cooking or “2-minute” varieties.

Note 3: Customize your oatmeal with your absolute favorite toppings! My go-to combination for an incredible breakfast includes a medley of fresh berries, a rich and flavored nut butter, a healthy sprinkle of chia seeds, and crunchy toasted coconut flakes! Specifically, I’m hooked on topping my warm oatmeal with about a cup of Wyman’s Triple Berry Blend (frozen). Just scatter them evenly on top of the hot oats; the warmth will slightly thaw the bottom berries while the tops remain frosty – a divine textural contrast! Then, a generous drizzle of a vanilla almond butter packet over everything truly takes it to the next level. So incredibly satisfying and delicious!

Storage: For meal prep, allow the cooked oatmeal to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer it into airtight containers and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of milk or water to restore its creamy texture.

Nutrition

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. Exact values may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes.

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