If autumn mornings make you crave something warm, cozy, and nourishing, you’re going to fall head over heels for Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal. This comforting breakfast combines earthy steel cut oats, real pumpkin purée, and a whirl of maple syrup and spices, all perfectly cooked in just minutes with your trusty Instant Pot. Each spoonful tastes like a warm hug! The creamy texture and pumpkin pie flavor are enough to convince even the sleepiest member of the family to jump out of bed. If you’re searching for a breakfast that feels like a treat but is secretly healthy, this is your new go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient here is simple, but each one brings something special to the table—whether it’s creaminess, sweetness, or a blast of that nostalgic pumpkin pie flavor. The result? A bowl that feels like a celebration of fall with every comforting bite.
- Steel Cut Oats: These oats create a chewy, hearty texture that’s much more satisfying than regular rolled oats.
- Water: Provides the needed liquid base so your oats cook to perfection.
- Unsweetened Almond Milk (or any milk): Gives the oatmeal its craveable creaminess without weighing it down.
- Canned Pumpkin Purée: The star of the show, lending beautiful color and that classic pumpkin flavor.
- Maple Syrup: Naturally sweetens the oatmeal and makes every bite taste like autumn.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A cozy blend of warming spices that encapsulates all things fall.
- Cinnamon: Adds an extra layer of warmth and aroma.
- Salt: Just a pinch, to balance sweetness and heighten all the other flavors.
- Vanilla Extract: Stirred in at the end for rich, bakery-style aroma.
- Chopped Pecans & Extra Maple Syrup (optional): For that satisfying crunch and a glossy drizzle as a final flourish.
How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
Step 1: Combine the Ingredients
Start by adding your steel cut oats, water, almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt directly into the Instant Pot. Give it all a good stir to make sure everything’s evenly distributed. This step ensures you get creamy, perfectly spiced pumpkin oatmeal in every single bite.
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid, set the valve to sealing, and select Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes. The pressure ensures the steel cut oats get tender and creamy much faster than traditional stovetop methods while locking in all that wonderful pumpkin flavor.
Step 3: Natural Release
Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes. This keeps the oats from sticking and gives them a lusciously creamy finish. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining steam. Your kitchen will smell like pumpkin pie heaven!
Step 4: Finish with Vanilla
Remove the lid and stir in the vanilla extract. If the oatmeal looks too thick, simply add a splash more milk until it reaches your favorite consistency. This final touch of vanilla truly elevates the Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal to a bakery-worthy breakfast.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Spoon the warm oatmeal into bowls. Top with chopped pecans for crunch and a generous drizzle of maple syrup. Grab a spoon and dig in—the coziest, creamiest breakfast is ready!
How to Serve Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
Garnishes
Garnishing makes every bowl feel special! Sprinkle your Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal with toasted pecans for a nutty crunch, or toss on some pepitas for something a little different. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of maple syrup or even a dollop of vanilla yogurt if you love it extra creamy.
Side Dishes
This oatmeal is filling on its own, but you can make your breakfast even more memorable by serving it with a platter of fresh fruit, crispy vegan bacon, or even a mug of spicy chai. It’s the perfect centerpiece for a leisurely weekend brunch.
Creative Ways to Present
For guests or family, transform bowls of Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal into an oatmeal “bar” with toppings like dried cranberries, mini chocolate chips, chopped apples, or coconut flakes. Serve in cute ramekins with swirling maple syrup on top for an Instagram-worthy breakfast moment.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover oatmeal will keep beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before refrigerating. When you need a quick, satisfying breakfast, it’ll be waiting for you!
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal. Portion into individual containers and freeze for up to three months. To prevent ice crystals, cover each portion directly with plastic wrap before snapping on the lid.
Reheating
To reheat, place a serving in a microwave-safe bowl and add a splash of milk. Microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring each time, until hot. On the stovetop, gently warm it over low heat with a little extra milk to loosen it up. The pumpkin and spice flavors actually get deeper with time!
FAQs
Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats?
Rolled oats cook much faster and require a different liquid ratio, so this specific recipe is designed for steel cut oats. For best results and the best texture, stick with steel cut!
What can I substitute for canned pumpkin purée?
Fresh homemade pumpkin purée or even butternut squash purée will work if you have them on hand. Just make sure it’s unsweetened and about the same smooth consistency as canned.
Can I make Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal overnight?
While you can’t let the Instant Pot run overnight due to safety reasons, you can prep all your ingredients in the Instant Pot liner, refrigerate overnight, and just pop it right in to cook in the morning!
Is this oatmeal gluten free?
Yes, steel cut oats are naturally gluten free, but if you’re highly sensitive or cooking for someone with celiac, make sure your oats are certified gluten free to avoid cross-contamination.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
Feel free to increase or decrease the maple syrup according to your taste. You can also stir in brown sugar, honey, or a sugar-free alternative if you prefer a different kind of sweetness.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing better than starting your day with the warmth and comfort of Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy solo breakfast or a festive family brunch, it’s sure to bring a little more joy to your table. Give it a try, get creative with your toppings, and make your mornings a whole lot tastier!
Print
Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Warm up your mornings with this flavorful Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal. Creamy and spiced with pumpkin pie flavors, this vegan breakfast is a cozy way to start your day.
Ingredients
Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal:
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk (or any milk)
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Toppings:
- Chopped pecans
- Extra maple syrup
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add steel cut oats, water, almond milk, pumpkin purée, maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on Manual High Pressure for 4 minutes. Allow natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Finish: Stir in vanilla extract. Adjust consistency with a splash of milk if needed. Serve warm, topped with pecans and maple syrup.
Notes
- Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Reheat with a splash of milk.
- Adjust sweetness with more maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 minutes (plus pressure build and release time)
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 210
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
