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    Home » Recipes » Breakfast

    Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

    Published by Gwen Leron on January 2, 2018 (Updated October 1, 2021)

    5 from 4 ratings
    »
    10 Comments

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    Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats make the perfect easy, warm, and delicious breakfast for cold days and is made in your Instant Pot pressure cooker. Just throw the ingredients in, set it and your tasty oats will be ready in no time!

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    Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats that don't require constant stirring or monitoring while cooking.

    Put all ingredients in your Instant Pot, set the timer, and walk away. When it's done, you'll have a hot, delicious, and filling breakfast!

    If you don't have an Instant Pot, I've included directions on how to make this recipe on the stove top as well!

    Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats in two white bowls, bowls are sitting on a brown wood table.

    I bought myself an Instant Pot in November (this is the one I bought! (Amazon Link)) and I'm in love with it.

    I've made quite a few things with it already (a lot of them are listed in this Instant Pot Vegan Recipes post and I have more recipes coming that I think you'll like!), but one recipe that was made over and over again during my recent holiday time off, is Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats.

    If you've ever made steel cut oats on the stove, you know that there's constant stirring involved to avoid having it stick to the bottom of the pot and then most of the time, you need to add more liquids as it cooks because it can sometimes get too thick.

    Making steel cut oats on the stove top is fine and doable if it's your only option, and I've included instructions on how to make it on the stove if you don't have an Instant Pot.

    Chopped, peeled apples on a bamboo cutting board.

    So is the Instant Pot really "instant?"

    Yes and no.

    You aren't going to get these steel-cut oats in just 10 minutes.

    10 minutes is the cooking time, BUT, the pot takes about 10 minutes to reach pressure, 10 minutes of cooking time, and then another 20 minutes to naturally come down from full pressure.

    It's the same for all recipes you'll make in your Instant Pot.

    Before you start any Instant Pot recipes, be sure to read the recipe thoroughly to get a good idea of the total time.

    There's always time at the beginning to build pressure (this time varies based on how much is in the pot) and then time for it to de-pressurize (you can use the quick-release method with other recipes, but I don't recommend using it for this one).

    There are recipes that cook quicker than they would in the oven or on the stovetop, even when the pressure build and release times are included, but I have not made any recipes like that yet. Soon!

    In total, this apple spice Instant Pot steel-cut oats recipe will take you about 40 minutes from start to finish in the pot, which may seem long, but here is the beauty of cooking in the Instant Pot:

    You throw your ingredients in, set the timer, and can walk away until it's done.

    Once that lid is closed and you set the timer, you can leave and take care of other things that need to be taken care of.

    Steel cut oats being poured with a measuring cup into an Instant Pot to make Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats.

    I've made pressure cooker steel-cut oats several times over the past while and what I love about them (other than how easy they are to cook in the Instant Pot) is the taste.

    We are experiencing a really long stretch of very cold weather right now, and starting the day with hearty apple spice Instant Pot steel-cut oats is very welcome...and nice!

    One thing you'll notice about my recipe is that I don't cook the apples with the oats. I like to leave a little "bite" to the apples.

    When added to the pot to cook with the oats, I find that they get a little too mushy for my liking.

    I also like to add raisins, but they're optional because I know many of you don't like them!

    Nuts or fresh apple slices are also a nice addition for garnish.

    Overhead shot of two bowls of Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats.

    When it comes to sweeteners, I don't add any to this recipe, but that is my preference since I don't like overly sweet breakfasts.

    I find that the apples and raisins sweeten it up enough, but if you like things sweeter, feel free to sweeten to a level that you like. Full details are in the recipe below.

    Tips and Tricks for Your Instant Pot

    If you just bought your Instant Pot and you have questions, I recommend joining a few Instant Pot groups on Facebook.

    I've joined a few and I've been finding them helpful for tips and tricks as I get to know my new pressure cooker. It's amazing what you can do with it!

    This is the official Instant Pot Facebook community, run by the Instant Pot company, and this is a vegan Instant Pot group where you'll be able to find some recipe ideas.

    I don't have an Instant Pot, can I make this recipe on my stovetop?

    Yes! You can. I've included instructions below on how to do it.

    Close up shot of a bowl of apple steel cut oats garnished with three fresh apple slices and cinnamon on top.

    And speaking of vegan Instant Pot recipes, be sure to check out my list of Easy Instant Pot Vegan Recipes, you'll definitely find some ideas you'll want to try!

    Do you have any other steel cut oats recipes other than apple spice?

    Yes! If apple spice isn't your thing, check out these recipes for Banana Steel Cut Oats and Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats.

    If you like this recipe for Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats, you may also like these:

    • Vegan Blueberry Oatmeal
    • Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
    • Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
    • How to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce
    • Vegan Apple Baked Oatmeal
    • Vegan Banana Baked Oatmeal
    • Vegan Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal

    If you make this recipe, let me know in the comments below, or share a pic with me on Instagram, I'm @delightfuladventures.

    And click here for more delicious breakfast recipes!

    Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats in a white bowl, three fresh apple slices garnish the top of the oatmeal.
    Print Recipe SaveSaved!
    5 from 4 ratings

    Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats

    Hearty Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats make the perfect easy, warm, and delicious breakfast for cold days. Just throw the ingredients in, set it and your tasty oats will be ready in no time!
    Prep Time:5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time:10 minutes minutes
    Total Time:45 minutes minutes
    Author: Gwen Leron
    Course: Breakfast
    Cuisine: Gluten-Free, Vegan
    Diet: Vegan
    Servings: 4
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients:

    • 1 cup steel cut oats (gluten free, if needed, NOT quick steel cut oats, rolled oats, or quick oats)
    • ½ cup unsweetened plain applesauce
    • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
    • ¼ teaspoon salt
    • 3 cups water
    • 1 small apple, chopped
    • ½ cup raisins (optional)
    • chopped nuts, or fresh diced or sliced apples for garnish (optional, walnuts or pecans work well)
    • milk (enough to reach desired consistency, I use unsweetened almond milk)
    • sweetener, to taste (optional, I like to use maple syrup)

    Instructions:

    Instant Pot Method:

    • Add steel cut oats, applesauce, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, salt, and water to your Instant Pot. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
    • Lock the lid in place and make sure the steam release handle is closed. Set to manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Instant Pot will take roughly 10 minutes to build pressure, timer will start counting down after it has reached pressure.
    • After the time has ended, let the Instant Pot naturally release the pressure. This will take roughly 20 minutes.
    • Once the pressure has been released naturally (you will know pressure has been released when the float valve has dropped back down), slowly unlock and remove the lid. Stir the oats so everything recombines.
    • Add the apples and, if using, raisins, and stir. Let sit for a minute or two so apples (and raisins) can warm up.
    • Add desired amount of milk and stir. (see note about milk below).
    • Add sweetener, to taste. Sprinkle nuts and/or fresh fruit on top for garnish, if using.

    Stove Top Method:

    • Bring the 3 cups water to a boil.
    • Once boiling, add salt and the steel cut oats.
    • Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and cook 15 - 25 minutes. Timing will depend on how soft you like your oats. Begin testing after 15 minutes. Stir often so oats do not stick to the bottom of the pot.
    • In the last few minutes of cooking, add applesauce, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Stir well to combine.
    • Once oats have reached the desired texture, remove from heat and let stand covered for a couple of minutes.
    • Add the apples and, if using, raisins, and stir. Let sit for a minute or two so apples (and raisins) can warm up.
    • Add desired amount of milk and stir. (see note about milk below).
    • Add sweetener, to taste. Sprinkle nuts and/or fresh fruit on top for garnish, if using.

    Recipe Notes:

    • Oats will thicken as they cool off, add milk for a looser and creamier texture. I add ½ cup of unsweetened almond milk, but feel free to leave it out, or add more or less.
    • If you add raisins, you may find that it is sweet enough as-is. Taste the oats after everything has been stirred in and add as much or as little sweetener as you like. When I do add sweetener, I like to use maple syrup.
    • This recipes makes 4.5 cups of apple spice Instant Pot oats, and can be split into two large servings, 3 medium servings, or 4 small servings. For safety reasons, I do not recommend doubling this recipe. Make separate batches, if needed.
    • Oats can be pre-made, cooled off and then refrigerated. When ready to serve, warm up and add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up.
    • Nutrition info is for 1 serving (of 4) prepared without raisins, garnishes, and with no added milk. Click to learn how nutrition info is determined on this website.

    Nutrition Info:

    Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 2g | Sodium: 108mg | Potassium: 50mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 50IU | Vitamin C: 9.1mg | Calcium: 30mg | Iron: 2mg
    Did You Make This Recipe?If so, please share a picture with me on Instagram! Tag @delightfuladventures and hashtag #delightfuladventures. I can't wait to see!
    BreakfastGluten-FreeNo Nuts AddedOil-FreeAppleOats

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      5 from 4 votes

      Did You Make This Recipe or Have a Question About It? Cancel reply

      If you’ve made this recipe and loved it, I’d be so grateful if you left a comment and star rating. Your ratings help others discover my recipes so they can enjoy them, too. If you haven’t tried the recipe yet but have a question, feel free to ask, and I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Thank you so much for your support!

      Sincerely,
      Gwen

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      Recipe Rating





    1. Chelle says

      February 10, 2025 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      I used the instant pot method and it came out a bit runny, so I put it on sauté to thicken it. After that it was perfect! It reheated very well the next day.

      Reply
      • Gwen Leron says

        February 10, 2025 at 1:02 pm

        Wonderful! I'm so glad you enjoyed it and that you had more to enjoy the next day!

        Reply
    2. Nunya says

      March 03, 2023 at 4:08 pm

      The oatmeal was tasty but for me the steel cut oats were undercooked. I tried increasing the cooking time an additional 10 minutes and got the burn warning. They were still undercooked. This is only the second instant pot recipe I have made. I'm trying to see what recipes are better with instant pot versus other methods of cooking. I would not cook steel cut oatmeal again in the instant pot. It's so much better if you microwave it, especially if you soak the kernels the night before and it is much easier to prepare in a fraction of the time

      Reply
      • Gwen Leron says

        March 06, 2023 at 10:07 am

        Hi! I'm wondering if you did a quick release or a slow release as stated in the recipe. If you only let it cook for 10 minutes, then did a quick release, then for sure the oats would not be cooked. However, with a slow release, the oats continue cooking for another 20 minutes or so after the 10 minutes of pressure cooking time has passed. So the total cooking time is well over 30 minutes. I have been making my steel cut oats in my Instant Pot for years and have never run into this issue. You said this was only the second time you've used your pressure cooker, it took me a little while to get used to mine but once I did, I loved it. I hope this helps and that you give it another try, please let me know if I can help further.

        Reply
    3. Anne P. Mitchell says

      September 06, 2018 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      Gwen! As the founder and moderator of the vegan Instant Pot recipes group on Facebook, *thank you* for the mention! (I just friend requested you on FB too. 🙂 )

      Annie

      Reply
      • Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says

        September 07, 2018 at 8:45 am

        Hi Annie! I didn't receive the request! I was happy to mention the group, it's a really good one and so great for beginners. Glad to be a part of it 🙂

        Reply
    4. Erica Acevedo says

      February 05, 2018 at 9:17 am

      5 stars
      This is delicious! I've really come to love both my IP AND steel cut oats in the last few weeks, and this is my favorite kind of recipe! I like to grate my apples in and then add more diced bits on top for ultimate apple flavor! Love the addition of raisins too - so yummy!

      Reply
      • Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says

        February 05, 2018 at 4:49 pm

        Thanks so much, Erica! Same over here, I love my IP and steel cut oats. I've been making a batch every Sunday, so good. Great idea about grating the apples and adding to the top! I'm going to try that next time I make this 🙂

        Reply
    5. Mel | avirtualvegan.com says

      January 12, 2018 at 7:46 pm

      5 stars
      I made this for my breakfast today and loved it! The oats came out perfectly and at just the consistency I like and the texture was lovely with the apple and raisins added at the end. I'm looking forward to finishing up the leftovers. Thanks Gwen!

      Reply
      • Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says

        January 13, 2018 at 8:42 am

        Thank you so much, Mel! It's an old stovetop favourite recipe but so much easier to make in the Instant Pot. Steel cut oats are back on the menu now 🙂 I'm so happy that you like the recipe! Thanks for your note.

        Reply

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