Instant Pot Oatmeal with Apples & Cinnamon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I adore how this recipe delivers classic apple‑cinnamon flavor without fuss. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, cooking steel‑cut oats to creamy perfection while softening the apples just right. Cleanup is easy, and the aroma fills my kitchen with cozy goodness.

ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup steel‑cut oats

• 2 cups water (see note for milk swap)

• 1 large apple, peeled and chopped

• 2 Tbsp butter or coconut oil

• 1 Tbsp brown sugar or maple syrup

• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

• ¼ tsp kosher salt

directions

1. Sauté oats & apples:
   On Sauté mode, melt butter, then add oats and chopped apple. Cook, stirring, for 2–5 minutes to toast and aroma.

2. Add remaining ingredients:
   Stir in water (or milk), brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt; ensure oats are submerged.

3. Pressure cook:
   Seal lid, cook on high pressure for 7 minutes. Let natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick-release any remaining.

4. Stir and serve:
   Stir the oatmeal, adjusting consistency with a splash of milk if needed. Serve warm, topped with nuts, extra apples, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 bowls

• Prep time: ~5 minutes

• Cook time: ~7 minutes pressure + ~10 minutes release

• Total time: ~22 minutes

Variations

• Dairy swap: Use milk (dairy or non‑dairy) instead of water for creamier oats.

• Pot‑in‑pot method: Cook oats in a bowl on a trivet to protect the pot and ease cleanup.

• Spiced twist: Add nutmeg, ginger, or a cinnamon stick.

• Flavor boosters: Stir in applesauce, maple syrup, or top with toasted nuts and diced apples.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 6 days. To reheat, I microwave a bowl for 1–2 minutes, adding a splash of milk to loosen. You can even freeze individual portions—thaw and reheat when needed.

FAQs

1. Can I use rolled oats instead of steel‑cut?

Yes—use rolled oats with adjusted liquid (combine milk and water equally), pressure cook for 5 minutes, and natural release for 10 minutes.

2. Why sauté first?

Toasting oats adds depth and prevents sticking, plus toasts the apples for richer flavor.

3. Can I cook in a separate bowl?

Absolutely—I often use the pot‑in‑pot method on a trivet for easy cleanup.

4. How do I avoid scorching?

Ensure enough liquid and stir well; using pot‑in‑pot also helps avoid burned bits.

5. What apple is best?

Firm varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady hold their texture well under pressure.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Oatmeal with Apples & Cinnamon is my go-to for cozy, hands-off breakfasts. It’s flavorful, nourishing, and customizable—all in one pot. Whether starting a chilly weekday or relaxing weekend, it warms me from the inside out. I hope it becomes a morning staple for you too!