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!
This page contains affiliate links. Click to learn more.
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.
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 stove top, 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 seems 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.
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.
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 stove top?
Yes! You can. I’ve included instructions below on how to do it.
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:
- Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes
- How to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Vegan Gluten Free Apple Cinnamon Waffles
- Vegan Gluten Free Morning Glory Muffins
- Vegan Apple Muffins
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!
How to Make Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Apple Spice Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel cut oats (gluten free, if needed, NOT quick steel cut oats, rolled oats, or quick oats)
- 1/2 cup unsweetened plain applesauce
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3 cups water
- 1 small apple, chopped
- 1/2 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 1/2 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:
Anne P. Mitchell says
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
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says
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 🙂
Erica Acevedo says
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!
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says
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 🙂
Mel | avirtualvegan.com says
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!
Gwen @ Delightful Adventures says
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.