Oatmeal is downright decadent when made in an Instant Pot pressure cooker! Creamy, fast, and most importantly hands off!
I've made a lot of steel cut oats in my Instant Pot over the years. It's one of those ingredients that really shows off the potential of an electric pressure cooker.
Stir steel cut oats on the stove top for 40 minutes OR push start on my Instant Pot and go take a shower . . . hmmm . . . tough one.
It was because of this revolutionary concept that I didn't try good Old Fashioned Oats for a very long time. That seemed ridiculous. They are already so quick and easy to cook, right?
I was wrong, wrong, wrong.
Instant Pot Oatmeal made with old fashioned oats is the most delectably creamy bowl of rolled oats I have ever, ever experienced. You need this, you just do.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS HEALTHY OATMEAL IN THE INSTANT POT
- No spillovers on the stove top or microwave. Flashbacks of my childhood and starchy microwave oatmeal spills just flashed through my brain, anyone else?
- No mushy, lumpy, glue-y, oatmeal here! This oatmeal is ridiculously creamy, dreamy.
- Leftovers can turn into a healthy, fast 2-minute breakfast all week long. That's like 12 minutes of extra sleep per day you just earned! You're welcome snooze button pushers.
- This is a bit of a basic oatmeal recipe which means, PERFECT blank canvas for many wonderful topping combinations! We'll get to that in a sec.
- If needed, oatmeal can be Gluten Free! Oats are a great breakfast for those who need to avoid gluten. Make sure the package says that it is certified gluten-free since not all oats are produced in a certified gluten-free plant.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THIS INSTANT POT OATMEAL RECIPE:
(click on each link to skip to that section)
- How to make the best Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe using Rolled Oats
- Easy Oatmeal Cook Times Chart
- Oatmeal toppings to keep oats exciting
- Overnight Oatmeal Recipes
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal Recipes
- The Different Types of Oats (and what you need to know)
- Skip to Full Recipe card here
HOW TO MAKE THE BEST INSTANT POT OATMEAL RECIPE USING ROLLED OATS
- Add all of the ingredients to the pot
- Cook for 2 minutes, followed by at least a 10-minute natural release (to avoid a starchy water mess)
- Add cream and desired toppings and high five your healthy self
SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR DETAILED COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
EASY INSTANT POT OATMEAL COOK TIMES CHART
Don't stop at just Old Fashioned Oats though! Steel Cut, Old Fashioned, Quick . . . they all shine brighter when pressure cooked.
Here is my favorite guide on oats : water ratios and cook times:
| Steel Cut Oats | Directions | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving equals 1/4 cup uncooked or 1/2 cup cooked | Directly in pot:
| Pot in pot:
|
| Old Fashioned Oats | Directions | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving equals 1/2 cup uncooked or 1 cup cooked | Directly in pot:
| Pot in pot:
|
| Quick Cooking Oats | Directions | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 serving equals 1/2 cup uncooked or 1 cup cooked | Directly in pot:
| Pot in pot:
|
To make things even more convenient, be sure to grab this printable chart: Ultimate Guide for Perfect Pressure Cooker Oats. You'll refer to it time and time again, I promise.
OATMEAL TOPPINGS TO KEEP OATS EXCITING
I've got five categories of go-to oatmeal toppings, mix and match as you please!
- Drizzle: Maple syrup, honey, Healthy Chocolate Syrup, Triple Berry Chia Jam, peanut butter, almond butter, cream
- Fruit: Berries of all kinds, peaches, bananas, raisins, apples
- Nuts: sliced almonds, chopped pecans, toasted walnuts
- Extra Crunch: Granola (my favorite store-bought is Bear Naked Vanilla Almond), Ezekiel Cereal (which is basically a better for you version of Grape Nuts)
- Frozen Whipped Cream Dollops (yep, these cuties get their own category. My kids LOVE these!)
Some of our favorite combinations include:
- Diced Strawberries + Healthy Chocolate Syrup
- Apple + Raisin + Walnut + Cinnamon Cream Syrup
- Banana + Almond or Peanut Butter
- Peaches + Maple Syrup + Cream
OVERNIGHT OATMEAL RECIPES
This recipe works best if you add the ingredients and cook it right away. If you want a recipe that can be mixed up the night before so you can be Lil' Miss Prepared, try this Instant Pot Banana Custard Oatmeal or this heavenly Blueberry Oatmeal recipe.
INSTANT POT STEEL CUT OATMEAL
If you're one of the many who prefer the texture and chew of steel cut oats instead, no worries, I've got your back too.
- Instant Pot Peaches and Cream Steel Cut Oats
- Mason Jar Steel Cut Oats: Original or Bakery Edition
- Instant Pot Pumpkin Spice Steel Cut Oats
- Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
Have I given you too many options? Are you like me and when faced with too many decisions resort to the one you know the best time and time again? Hello vanilla ice cream from age 3 – 18.
I challenge you to not be like me – be daring and spontaneous in your oatmeal adventures and try every recipe on this page. First on the list, today's creamy, simple Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal. The second you smell this dish, you will fall hard in love.
Enjoy!
EXTRA TIDBITS
DIFFERENT TYPES OF OATS
The most common types of oats are Old Fashioned Oats, Quick/Instant Oats, and Steel-Cut Oats. All of these types can be cooked in the pressure cooker too! When properly stored, all forms of oatmeal can stay fresh for years so it is an excellent grain to have in your food storage.
- Old Fashioned Oats, AKA Rolled Oats, are steamed and rolled into flakes. This makes them stay fresh longer and cook quicker than steel-cut oats.
- Instant Oats, AKA Quick Oats, are rolled even thinner and steamed longer, plus cut into smaller pieces, making them cook even quicker than rolled oats.
- Steel-Cut Oats are oat groats cut into 2 – 3 pieces. They are not steamed or rolled so they take longer to cook. Steel-cut oats are minimally processed and contain more fiber than rolled oats, making them a slightly healthier choice than instant or rolled oats.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF OATMEAL
You hear it time and time again, oats are healthy, eat more oats. But do you know why you want this wonderful grain in your life? Here are a few things I've taught my patients over the years:
OATS ARE 100% WHOLE GRAIN
Whole grain (whether it be wheat, oats, rice, etc) means that the nutrient-rich bran and germ parts of the grain haven't been removed like in all-purpose white flour, white rice, etc. This means more vitamins, minerals, and overall fiber. Oats are also one of the most versatile gluten-free whole grain substitutes in pancakes, muffins, cookies, etc. Just be sure to look for labels that say “Gluten Free” since some oats are made on the same machines that package gluten containing grains.
OATS DECREASE LDL AKA BAD CHOLESTEROL
Studies show that regular intake of oatmeal can decrease risk of heart disease, which is likely related to its ability to lower LDL/Bad Cholesterol. High LDL's increase the risk of heart disease in the form of strokes and heart attacks so keeping those numbers low is very important.
OATS ARE GOOD FOR THE BELLY
Oats are loaded with soluble fiber which means healthier digestion, more regular bowels, and an increased growth of good bacteria in the digestive tract. With our busy, stressful lifestyles, our bellies can really take a hit. Regular intake of Oats can help prevent or treat these issues.
OATS ARE FILLING
Oats do an amazing job filling your bellies and keeping you satisfied for several hours. Oats digest slowly and steadily to give you more stable glucose levels and longer lasting energy. Because of these benefits, oats have also shown to help with weight loss by increasing a feeling of satiety (satisfied fullness).
OATS ARE EASY TO MAKE
Not only are oats a total powerhouse, but they are also so easy to prep, cook, and eat! You can make them in a microwave, on the stove top, in the oven, or of course, my favorite, in your pressure cooker. You can eat them hot in a bowl, crunchy on top of yogurt, or on-the-go in the form of a bar. Seriously, there is not a more convenient whole grain out there!
For more on the health benefits of oats, see this article What are the Benefits of Oatmeal.
EXTRA TIPS FOR FAQ'S:
USING MILK INSTEAD OF WATER
In my experience, milk, especially cows milk, tends to burn to the bottom of the pot when making oatmeal. If you want to make a creamier oatmeal, I suggest using almond milk or coconut milk and replacing only half of the water with it.
FINDING THE RIGHT TEXTURE
As written, this oatmeal is semi-loose when you first open the pot, but it thickens quickly as it sits. I do this to keep the oatmeal from burning or sticking to the bottom. If you would like it to stay loose, I suggest adding milk to individual bowls when served.
CAN I USE THE PORRIDGE SETTING ON THE INSTANT POT?
I personally never use the presets on any brand of pressure cooker. My preference always is to use the HIGH pressure setting.
I GOT A BURN MESSAGE WHEN MAKING THE OATMEAL – WHAT DO I DO?
Because oatmeal is high in starch, it has the potential to burn on the bottom of the pot. Some brands/models of pressure cookers are more prone to throwing a BURN message. This can be easily remedied by adding extra water. I suggest adding an extra ½ cup of water to start.
BEST WAY TO REHEAT OATMEAL
To return oatmeal to a creamy, smooth state, add a splash of milk and reheat in the microwave or on the stove top. Add more milk, if needed, and stir until smooth.
HOW LONG DOES OATMEAL STAY GOOD?
Oatmeal can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days or frozen in a freezer safe ziptop bag up to 3 months.
INSTANT POT BREAKFAST RECIPES – NON-OATMEAL
- Instant Pot Perfect No Break Hard Boiled Egg
- Instant Pot Denver Style “Sous Vide” Eggs
- Instant Pot Sweet Potato, Spinach and Sausage Breakfast Casserole
- Instant Pot Golden Milk Crio Bru
TOOLS/INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE INSTANT POT PRESSURE COOKER MAPLE CINNAMON OATMEAL
- Instant Pot
- Bob's Red Mill Old Fashioned Rolled Oats
- Bob's Red Mill Extra Thick Rolled Oats (these are REALLY good!)
Instant Pot Creamy Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Maple Cinnamon Old Fashioned Oats are down right decadent when made in a pressure cooker! Creamy, fast, and most importantly, hands off!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 3 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 5 1/2 cups water
- 1/2 cup pure maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
For Topping
- Frozen Whipped Cream Dollop
- Optional: Fresh Fruit, sliced almonds, extra drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of cinnamon
Instructions
- Add oats, water, maple syrup, cinnamon, and salt to the pressure cooker pot and stir. Secure the lid and turn pressure release knob to a sealed position.
- Cook at high pressure for 2 minutes.
- When cooking is complete, use a natural release for 10 minutes (may also use a full natural release if not in a hurry). If liquid sprays through the valve, turn back to the sealed position and allow to cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Serve hot with a Frozen Whipped Cream Dollop, fresh fruit, almonds, an extra drizzle of maple syrup, and/or a sprinkle of cinnamon, if desired.
Freezer Directions
- I've never tried it myself, but I've read that you can chill your oatmeal, portion it into scoops on a baking sheet, freeze it, and put frozen scoops into a freezer safe ziplock bag for another day. Put in the fridge the night before or thaw in the microwave. Could also thaw it in the pressure cooker using the pot in pot method and an extra splash of milk.
Notes
- Store leftovers in the fridge. Reheat with a splash of milk to make creamy again
- Swap maple syrup for brown sugar to create a classic Cinnamon Brown Sugar flavor
- Do not use steel cut oats or quick cooking oats for this recipe, the cook times are different
Keywords: breakfast, oatmeal, healthy, quick breakfast
This is a great basic recipe that I add a variety of toppings to at serving time.
★★★★★
Norine, I agree! My kids love having their own say on what toppings they add.
Sooo good!!!! Thought it was runny and was going to be a flop but once stirred, it was perfect consistency and the flavor was spot on! Just sweet enough!
★★★★★
Jessica, so yummy, right?! Load it up with berries and I am one happy girl.
Ooo, we eat oatmeal a lot. This sounds so easy. Just out of curiosity, can the recipe be halved?
Thanks, can’t wait to try this out.
😊
Cecilia
Cecilia, I can’t say I’ve tried halving this one, but I think it would work just fine!
Hi, I have it in pot now. Can I put it on porridge setting at high for 2mins? Thanks
Ashley, I’ve never used the porridge button, so I’m not sure! I always use the High pressure button. Let me know if you try it though!
PERFECT! I used the maple syrup and it is the perfect amount of sweetness. I’m a mom of a 1 year old explorer (aka- in to EVERYTHING) so I have to move fast to make breakfast. This was quick, easy, and loved by the entire family!
★★★★★
Wow, the oatmeal turned out so good!!! I’m really surprised. I thought too much water. Nope this was absolutely perfect. I used brown sugar instead of syrup. No burn notice for me. Thank you
★★★★★
Laura, Oats thicken so much afterwards, I always use plenty of water. I’m glad you loved them!
Hello there – I am a bit confused as the chart above says to cook old fashioned rolled oats at high pressure for 4 minutes with a 10 minute natural release but the recipe says to cook those same type of oats for only 2 minutes. What am I missing as to why the different cooking times?
Cheryl, sorry for the confusion! I adjusted the recipe recently because I discovered 2 minutes worked just as well as 4, so I thought I’d save myself a couple of minutes 🙂
Hello- I can’t wait to try this- plus your infused water. I really appreciate your work here, as a nonchef and very busy person who appreciates healthy, simple and efficient meals. Let’s just say that my mama never taught me. 🙂 Good for you for teaching your kids! Tell them from me they will really appreciate it, if they don’t already. I just wanted to plant a little seed: just an idea- to add some vegetarian/vegan options when it’s easy (meaning doesn’t require its own dish/recipe). For instance substitutions, e.g., yogurt- substituting goat’s milk for instance. Or the delicious coconut milk kefir? Without a dedicated recipe, I wouldn’t know what to do. Really. I wouldn’t feel comfortable predicting how would switching say oat milk or goat milk or whatever might affect things and require adjustments of other things. Or say egg substitute. Perhaps one type of nondairy type milk would he better for certain things than other types of NDM. Just a suggestion. I know a lot of folks who take the time to cook healthy would appreciate help cutting out animal products without having to become experts in vegetarian or vegan cuisine. Thanks for all your work!
★★★★★
Elizabeth, thanks so much for those sweet comments! I hope my kids appreciate it all one day! I don’t think there would be any issues with using a different kind of milk, but swapping for a flax egg, I couldn’t really predict. I suspect it would also work beautifully. This recipe is quite forgiving.
Hello! I tried this recipe this morning but my instant pot went into burn mode. I though it was just some cinnamon on the side of the inside pot, but the bottom is actually burnt. How do I avoid this? And what do I do about it. I tried to stir it up and put it on for 2 minutes this time, but I got the same warning.
Thanks!
Sorry – I see now that others have also commented. Mine definitely has a layer stuck to the bottom. I should not have tried it again as it’s a bit over cooked now lol. I’ll try it with more water next time.
Marcy, that makes me crazy when things like that happen after I’ve made it so many times without a problem! Definitely try more water next time. What pressure cooker do you have?
I have the Instant Pot Duo. I’ll try it again this week. I’m nervous it will be too watery if I add more water. But we’ll see… 🙂
Marcy, my daughter accidentally put 8 cups of water in it before and after it sat for 10 minutes, it was still great. I was surprised how it thickened up actually! Adding an extra 1 cup of water should be totally fine!
I am new to the Instant Pot. Thought I would try making oatmeal and used your recipe above. I cooked it on high pressure for four minutes and then let natural release happen for 10. When I opened it, the oatmeal was cooked and tasted good but I there was an awful lot of water still in the pot. Wondering what I did wrong?
Katrina, My final product is creamy, but I wouldn’t describe it as watery. I prefer to make it a bit on the creamy side because within 5 minutes or so, it thickens up a ton. Did you use quick oats or old fashioned?
Can I use milk in the pressure cooker instead of water?
Tanya, I’ve never tried that, but I wouldn’t. I’m afraid it might scorch to the bottom
I got a burn message when I made this. Any ideas why? I turned it off and opened it after it released pressure and it was good. Just wondering why the burn message…
Thank you!
Jessica, Just curious, Did you change anything with the recipe or let it sit for awhile before cooking it by chance?
I just made this today and got the burn message also. I didn’t change anything about the recipe. Does the order you put things in the pot matter? I put the water in first. I immediately did a QR, and the oatmeal was saved and delicious!
Tiffany, that’s so weird! I make this nearly once a week and have never got the burn message. Just curious, what brand of oats do you use? I wouldn’t think that would make a difference, but maybe? No, particular order, I just dump it all in and stir
I just made this and got the burn message ad well. I used great value old fashioned oats. I tried a another recipe from someone else last week and got the same thing. Thought maybe it was the proportions. Tried your to the t and same thing. I have the WiFi instant pot if that matters.
I made mine in the wifi IP last week and it worked, so bizarre, I’m sorry it’s not working for you. An extra cup of water should solve the problem. It might be a bit loose when you open the pot, but give it 5 minutes and it will thicken up.
I’ve been freezing steel cut oats for years. I actually divide portions into glass containers for freezing, and then thaw them in the microwave in the morning. Your recipe has drastically cut down my weekly breakfast prep time. Thank you!
Sterling, That’s great! I’m glad this recipe could find you more serenity in the morning 🙂
I have SO been enjoying all of your breakfast ideas…you’ve really helped me out by getting me out of a breakfast “slump”. We’ve been eating the same ol’ same ol’ for quite a while—not any more! Three new ideas this week alone-and plans for a few more down the road.
These oats look so delicious. I love those extra thick rolled oats-try the granola recipe on the side of the bag….Mmmm Mmmm GOOD. Oh man a sprinkle of that crunchy granola (that happens to be maple granola) over a bowl of this? I think that would be a tad tasty!
Thanks so much Marci for pushing me out of my every day ordinary ho-him breakfast routine….my husband thanks you too! 🙂
Wow….just WOW!! I normally stick to Overnight Oats because I just don’t like that gluey feel of homemade oatmeal, but this!!! WOW! I did mine pot in pot (my first time for that technique too!) and while it was cooking I nuked about an ounce of cut up gala apple with a 1.5 tsp of brown sugar, a dash of cinnamon, nutmeg, and about 1/2 tsp of vanilla extract. I’m having to watch my calorie intake so I used Nut Pods coconut/nut milk creamer instead and it is actually really good!
YOU are a genius, Woman!!
★★★★★
Jaime, I love when people get as excited as I do about something like a bowl of oats ????. Your apple mix sounds heavenly! And I’ve never heard of Nut Pods, I need to find this.
I just discovered it this week. I’m having to watch the calories now, so I’m always looking for good, not too science lab, ways to cut calories for things I consume…like SO much coffee! lol I honestly didn’t like it for my coffee (i like strong coffee so it was barely noticeable), BUT it’s amazing in my Chai! And since it’s mostly coconut milk/cream I may just use it the next time I make a Curry.
I just started eating the steel cut oats and I love them!
Kenetta, They’re amazing, I agree!
This looks like another amazing way to start the morning–my husband loves maple, so I think this is a win-win. Congratulations also to Allison! Very happy for you!
Karen, I really was shocked how good these oats were. I had pretty much decided I was a steel cut only kind of girl 🙂