Ready for a cozy breakfast with minimal morning effort? This Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal is creamy, hearty, and delightfully spiced—basically autumn in every spoonful, ready in under 20 minutes, and guaranteed to warm you up from the inside out!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Instant Pot Magic: With just a few minutes of hands-on time, you’ll have a nourishing, fall-inspired breakfast without babysitting the stove.
- Creamy, Hearty Texture: Steel cut oats hold their shape for a perfect bite while the pumpkin puree makes it oh-so velvety.
- Naturally Sweetened: Maple syrup and pumpkin pie spice create warm, earthy sweetness with no refined sugar required.
- Easily Customizable: From added nuts to a swirl of almond butter or a sprinkle of seeds, you can make this breakfast totally your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal adds something special, from creamy oats to rich maple sweetness. Here’s why this short list gives you all the flavor and comfort you crave, without a single unnecessary step.
- Steel cut oats: The heart of this breakfast, steel cut oats give you a delightfully chewy texture—and they don’t turn mushy in the Instant Pot.
- Water: Just enough to perfectly hydrate the oats and give the finished oatmeal a luscious, spoonable consistency.
- Pumpkin puree: Adds moisture, rich color, and earthy-sweet pumpkin flavor. Be sure to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling.
- Salt: Don’t skip the salt! It brings out the warmth and richness in every other ingredient.
- Vanilla extract: A little vanilla is the “secret sauce” that makes all the pumpkin and spice flavors sing together.
- Pumpkin pie spice: For that classic, spicy autumn aroma—think cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves all in one.
- Maple syrup: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and brings a toasty, caramel-like finish nobody can resist.
- Chopped walnuts or almond butter (optional): For extra crunch or creaminess, these toppings add protein and balanced richness.
Variations
You can totally make this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal your own! Whether you’re working with what you have in the pantry or want to tweak the flavors for your mood, these easy variations make breakfast (or brunch!) a highlight every time.
- Dairy-Free or Creamier: Swap half or all of the water for your favorite unsweetened non-dairy milk or regular milk for extra richness and creaminess.
- Add More Protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla or unflavored protein powder, or sprinkle hemp seeds or chia seeds just before serving.
- Fruit Boost: Fold in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, or diced apples just before cooking, so the flavors gently infuse.
- Nut-Free: Skip nuts and use toasted pumpkin seeds or a swirl of sunflower seed butter for a delightful crunch or creamy finish without allergens.
How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
Step 1: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Pour the steel cut oats, water, pumpkin puree, salt, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup straight into the Instant Pot. Give everything a hearty stir to combine—it’s as simple as a one-bowl mix and makes clean-up a breeze!
Step 2: Cook Under Pressure
Secure the lid, double check that the valve is set to “sealing,” then select the “Pressure Cook” function and set the timer for four minutes. That’s all it takes for perfectly tender oats infused with all that cozy pumpkin spice flavor!
Step 3: Natural Release & Stir
When the timer beeps, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for about 8 minutes before you flip the valve and release any remaining steam. Open the lid and give the oatmeal a good stir—don’t worry if it looks loose, as it will thicken as it cools to the perfect spoonable texture.
Step 4: Top, Serve & Enjoy!
Spoon the Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal into bowls and have fun with your toppings—chopped walnuts, a swirl of almond butter, an extra drizzle of maple syrup, or whatever makes you smile. Cozy up and enjoy your new favorite fall breakfast!
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Don’t Stir After Cooking: Stir everything before pressure cooking, but resist the urge to mix again before releasing pressure—this helps prevent sticking or scorching at the bottom.
- Adjust Sweetness to Taste: The beauty of this recipe is you can add more or less maple syrup after cooking for your ideal level of natural sweetness.
- Mind the Natural Release: Letting the pressure drop gradually (at least the first 8 minutes) creates the dreamiest creamy texture and prevents oats from spitting through the valve.
- Play with Toppings: Try a handful of toasted nuts or a dollop of Greek yogurt for crunch or cream, and don’t be shy about creative additions like cocoa nibs or pepitas for extra pizzazz!
How to Serve Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
Garnishes
Dress up each bowl with your favorite garnishes—crunchy walnuts, creamy almond butter, or a sprinkle of pumpkin seeds all work beautifully. A drizzle of extra maple syrup and a dash of cinnamon on top makes every serving look and taste like a treat from your favorite cafe!
Side Dishes
If you want to make breakfast extra special, pair your Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal with a platter of crisp apple slices, a fresh fruit salad, or some tangy Greek yogurt. Even a hot cup of chai or coffee on the side is pure autumnal bliss.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, spoon the oats into individual mugs or small jars, then set up a DIY topping bar so everyone can customize their own breakfast bowl. Or try layering the oatmeal parfait-style with yogurt and fruit in clear glasses for a picture-perfect presentation at brunch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to four days. The oats will thicken up, so just give them a quick stir with a splash of milk or water before reheating.
Freezing
This oatmeal freezes surprisingly well! Portion into small containers ahead of time for single servings, or freeze flat in a zip-top bag and thaw in the fridge overnight for a ready-to-go breakfast batch during busy weeks.
Reheating
Gently reheat leftovers on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring in a little extra milk or water to bring them back to their original creamy glory. Top as desired and enjoy all over again—no one will ever guess it’s a “next day” breakfast!
FAQs
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Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut for this recipe?
Rolled oats cook much faster and don’t hold their bite like steel cut oats, so they may turn out mushy in the Instant Pot. For best results and that perfect chewy texture, stick with authentic steel cut oats for this recipe.
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How can I make this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal sweeter or less sweet?
You can easily adjust the level of sweetness by adding more maple syrup after cooking or serving. For a less sweet version, reduce the maple syrup a little in the cooking step and add more at the table if needed.
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Can I prepare this oatmeal the night before?
Absolutely! This oatmeal keeps perfectly in the fridge overnight. In the morning, just reheat on the stove or microwave and add your favorite toppings—and enjoy breakfast in a flash.
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Is it possible to double the recipe in the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can double (or even triple!) the recipe, as long as you don’t fill the pot beyond the halfway line. The cook time and release time stay the same—great for feeding a hungry crowd or meal prepping breakfast for the week.
Final Thoughts
If you’re dreaming of a breakfast that’s as comforting as it is easy, give this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal a try. Every bowl is warm and creamy, with just the right touch of spice—perfect for cozy mornings or anytime you want a little autumn magic all year long. Enjoy, friends!
Print
Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal is a delicious and nutritious breakfast option that is quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
For the oatmeal:
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
For topping (optional):
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almond butter
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and ensure the valve is in the sealing position.
- Press “Pressure Cook” and set the time to 4 minutes.
- After 4 minutes, let the pressure naturally release for 8 minutes. Then move the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Give the oatmeal a stir. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
- You can customize this oatmeal with your favorite toppings like nuts, seeds, or dried fruits.
- Adjust the sweetness level by adding more or less maple syrup according to your preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 290mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
