Say hello to a cozy autumn favorite that takes less than 20 minutes start to finish! Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal blends creamy oats, real pumpkin puree, and fragrant spices into a breakfast that tastes like warm pumpkin pie — but in a bowl. With this easy Instant Pot method, you’ll have a comforting, nourishing meal on the table before you’ve finished your first cup of coffee.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Creamy & Hearty: Steel cut oats become irresistibly creamy in the Instant Pot but still keep their satisfying bite.
- Pumpkin Spice Everything: Real pumpkin puree and classic fall spices create that warm, nostalgic “pumpkin pie for breakfast” feeling.
- Fix & Forget: The Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, freeing you from standing and stirring at the stove.
- Customizable Toppings: Sweeten, crunch, or swirl in your favorite goodies to make your bowl totally your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s keep it simple yet sensational! Each ingredient in Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal isn’t just there for flavor — it also brings a little boost of nutrition, texture, or autumn color into every cozy spoonful.
- Steel Cut Oats: These hearty oats keep their shape and texture, giving your oatmeal a deliciously nutty bite.
- Water: Ensures perfectly cooked oats that are soft but never mushy.
- Pumpkin Puree: Not just for pie — this creamy addition brings a gorgeous orange hue and a subtle earthy sweetness.
- Salt: A pinch brings out the natural flavors and keeps your oats from tasting flat.
- Vanilla: Just a splash for depth and a lovely bakery-style aroma.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: The all-star blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and friends delivers that classic pumpkin spice warmth.
- Maple Syrup: Sweetens the pot with caramel notes and blends beautifully with pumpkin.
- Chopped Walnuts or Almond Butter (optional): Add crunch or a creamy swirl for even more texture and flavor when serving.
Variations
There are so many ways to make this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal your own! Don’t be afraid to riff on what’s in your pantry or cater to your family’s tastes — you can adapt this breakfast with swaps for allergies, preferences, or even just pure curiosity.
- Dairy-Free Creaminess: Replace some or all of the water with your favorite unsweetened plant-based milk for extra-luxurious oats.
- Protein Boost: Stir in a scoop of vanilla or plain protein powder after cooking for a stay-full-all-morning meal.
- Fruit-Forward: Add diced apples, dried cranberries, or a handful of raisins before cooking for extra natural sweetness.
- Nut-Free Version: Omit walnuts and use sunflower seed butter, or simply load up on fresh fruit for crunch and color.
How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
Step 1: Add and Stir
Start with the easiest part — toss your steel cut oats, water, pumpkin puree, salt, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup straight into the Instant Pot. Give everything a really good stir so those spices and pumpkin get evenly distributed. It’s amazing how quickly all that autumnal aroma starts wafting up!
Step 2: Pressure Cook
Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Hit “Pressure Cook” and set the timer for just 4 minutes. Remember, it’ll take about 10 minutes to reach pressure — perfect for tidying the kitchen or prepping your toppings while those oats work their magic.
Step 3: Natural Release
When the cooking time ends, let your Instant Pot naturally release the pressure for 8 minutes. This gentle rest time helps the oats finish soaking up the liquid and become irresistibly creamy. Afterward, flip the valve to release any remaining steam.
Step 4: Stir, Serve, and Enjoy
Open the lid, give your oats a thorough stir, and marvel at how thick and dreamy they’ve become! Remember, Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal will continue to thicken as it cools, so serve hot with all your favorite toppings right away — or let it sit a bit for an even heartier texture.
Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
- Oats-to-Liquid Ratio Matters: For the creamiest oats, stick to the recipe’s 1-to-3 ratio of steel cut oats to water — you want it thick and hearty, not soupy.
- Let It Rest: Don’t skip the natural pressure release; that gentle eight-minute steam bath ensures perfectly tender oats without sticking or scorching.
- Pumpkin Puree Over Pie Filling: Always use 100% pure pumpkin puree, not pumpkin pie filling, for the best flavor and control over sweetness.
- Toppings Last, Not Least: Add crunchy nuts, seeds, or dollops of almond butter just before serving so they stay fresh and vibrant on your bowl of oatmeal.
How to Serve Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal
Garnishes
You can take your bowl over the top with a drizzle of maple syrup, a shower of chopped walnuts, pumpkin seeds, or even a dusting of extra cinnamon. A swirl of almond butter melts into the heat and adds luxurious richness.
Side Dishes
Pair your Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal with a side of crisp apple slices, a mug of chai, or a breakfast sausage patty for protein. For a brunch spread, offer with fresh fruit salad and a platter of Greek yogurt with honey.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your oatmeal into small jars for meal prepping, or serve it in hollowed-out roasted mini pumpkins for an adorable fall brunch centerpiece! Sprinkle dried cranberries or lay a cinnamon stick on top to make it truly café-worthy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors actually get even deeper and cozier after sitting overnight!
Freezing
You can freeze single portions for grab-and-go breakfasts all month! Let the oatmeal cool completely before portioning into freezer-safe containers, and freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave with a splash of milk or water until hot and creamy again, or warm gently on the stovetop. Add a little extra maple syrup or toppings to wake up the flavors!
FAQs
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Can I use rolled oats instead of steel cut oats?
Rolled oats need less liquid and cooking time, so they’re not a direct swap in this recipe. You’ll get the best creamy texture and hearty bite using steel cut oats like the recipe calls for.
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Is canned pumpkin puree the same as pumpkin pie filling?
Nope — pumpkin pie filling has added sugar and spices. For Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal, always use pure pumpkin puree to control the sweetness and spice yourself.
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How do I prevent my oatmeal from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?
Give all the ingredients a thorough stir before cooking, and always let the oats rest for the full natural release time after pressure cooking. This technique prevents sticking and delivers perfectly creamy oats every time.
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Can I make Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal overnight?
Absolutely! Make a batch ahead, store it in the fridge, and simply reheat individual servings in the morning. The oats stay wonderfully creamy and taste just as delicious the next day.
Final Thoughts
If you adore autumn flavors and easy, cozy breakfasts, you are going to fall in love with Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal. Give it a try — your morning routine (and your taste buds) will thank you!
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: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal is a delightful and nutritious breakfast option that’s quick and easy to make. Creamy pumpkin puree, warm spices, and maple syrup combine with hearty steel-cut oats for a comforting morning meal.
Ingredients
Ingredients:
- 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
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almond butter for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Combine steel cut oats, water, pumpkin puree, salt, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup in the Instant Pot.
- Close the lid and ensure the valve is in the sealing position. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Pressure Cook for 4 minutes. Set the Instant Pot to ‘Pressure Cook’ mode for 4 minutes.
- Natural Release for 8 minutes. Allow the pressure to release naturally for 8 minutes.
- Quick Release any remaining pressure. After 8 minutes, move the valve to release any remaining pressure.
- Stir the oatmeal. Give the oatmeal a stir; it will thicken as it cools.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: Approximately 250
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 6g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 7g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
