Instant Pot Oatmeal with Apple

This Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe is made with granny smith apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, oats, and melted butter.

If you are looking to make a delicious morning oatmeal, this is great and can be made in less than 20 minutes. This Instant Pot Oatmeal with Apple is extremely fluffy. You could make this with peaches or blueberries instead. You can use a different kind of apple as well, like Gala apples or Golden Delicious, but I prefer the green Granny Smith apples.

If you love this breakfast, feel free to try my Overnight Oats or my Vegan Banana Chia Pudding.

Jump to:

• Why you will love this recipe
• Benefits of Instant Pot Oats
• Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe Ingredients
• How to make Instant Pot Oatmeal
• Oats still too thin?
• Substitutions
• Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe Variations
• Equipment
• How long does oatmeal stay fresh?
• How to reheat oatmeal
• Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe Top tips
• Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe
• Food safety

Why you will love this recipe

Full of flavor: The combination of the maple syrup, cinnamon and freshly cooked apples gives this oatmeal so much flavor. The butter also gives it a great kick, but that is totally optional.

Kid Friendly: Your kids will love this breakfast in the morning. I absolutely love making a big batch and eating it throughout the week for breakfast.

Serves a crowd: It is easy to double this recipe and cook it all in the Instant Pot.

Benefits of Instant Pot Oats

20 minutes total is what it takes to make this oatmeal. The reason why I prefer to use the Instant Pot is that you can turn it on and go about your morning without having to hover over the pot on the stovetop, worrying if you will overcook it. It takes about 8 minutes to come to pressure, 2 minutes to cook, and 20 minutes to naturally release. It is also very easy to double the recipe since the Instant Pot is so big. You can meal prep for the week this way.

Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe Ingredients

You'll only need a few simple ingredients to make this. The exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below. Here's an overview of what you'll need:

• Old Fashioned Oats
• Apples
• Maple syrup
• Cinnamon
• Butter

See recipe card for quantities.

How to make Instant Pot Oatmeal

Hint: Do not quick release. Let the pressure cooker naturally release for about 20 minutos.

Oats still too thin?

Simply turn on the sauté feature and mix until thick and creamy!

Substitutions

Apples: I love using green granny smith apples, but you can sue red because red apples are sweeter. 

Cinnamon: The cinnamon gives the recipe such a nice kick. 

Maple Syrup: You can use maple syrup or brown sugar for this recipe. 

Butter: Butter is optional. I love using salted butter for this recipe, as the salt enhances the sweet flavors. 

Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe Variations

• Mixed Berry Oatmeal: Add a variety of mixed berries, such as strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, to the oatmeal.
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Oatmeal: Stir in creamy peanut butter and a handful of chocolate chips for a delightful combination.
• Almond Joy Oatmeal: Mix in shredded coconut, sliced almonds, and chocolate chips for a taste reminiscent of the classic candy bar.
• Apple Pie Oatmeal: Add diced apples, cinnamon, and a touch of brown sugar to recreate the flavors of a comforting apple pie.
• Banana Nut Oatmeal: Mash ripe bananas and mix in chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for a satisfying breakfast option.
• Maple Pecan Oatmeal: Drizzle maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans over the cooked oatmeal for a rich and nutty flavor.
• Tropical Oatmeal: Add diced tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, and coconut flakes to bring a taste of the tropics to your oatmeal.
• Cherry Almond Oatmeal: Stir in dried or fresh cherries and toasted almond slices for a delightful combination of flavors.

Check out this French Toast Recipe.

Equipment

To make Instant Pot apple oatmeal, you will need the following equipment:

• Instant Pot: You will need an Instant Pot or electric pressure cooker to cook the oatmeal. I used my Instant Pot for this recipe and it turned out perfect. You can use any pressure cooker you want.
• Measuring Cups: Use measuring cups to accurately measure the ingredients, including water, oats, and other additions.
• Cutting Board and Knife: You will need a cutting board and knife to peel, core, and dice the granny smith apples.
• Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A spatula or wooden spoon will be handy for stirring the oatmeal mixture in the Instant Pot.
• Serving Bowls: Prepare bowls or serving dishes to serve the oatmeal once it's cooked.

How long does oatmeal stay fresh?

To store Instant Pot oatmeal with apple, follow these steps:

1. Allow the oatmeal to cool: Let the oatmeal cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation and maintains the texture of the oatmeal.
2. Transfer to an airtight container: Once the oatmeal has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work well for storage. Alternatively, you can use individual portion-sized containers for convenience.
3. Refrigerate the oatmeal: Place the airtight container in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps keep the oatmeal fresh and safe to eat for a longer period.
4. Label and date the container: If you have multiple containers or plan to store the oatmeal for more than a day, label each container with the date to help you keep track of its freshness.
5. Consume within a few days: Instant Pot oatmeal with apple is best consumed within 3 to 4 days when stored properly in the refrigerator. After this time, the texture and flavor of the oatmeal may start to deteriorate.

How to reheat oatmeal

Reheat if desired: When ready to enjoy the stored oatmeal, you can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add a splash of milk or water to the oatmeal while reheating to restore some of the moisture.

Instant Pot Oatmeal Recipe Top tips

• Use the correct ratio of oats to liquid: For a standard oatmeal consistency, use a ratio of 1 cup of oats to 2 cups of liquid. Adjust the ratio based on your desired thickness and creaminess.
• Add flavorful liquids: Instead of plain water, consider using milk or a combination of milk and water for a creamier and richer oatmeal.
• Incorporate flavorings: Enhance the taste of your oatmeal by adding flavorings such as vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, or a pinch of salt. These ingredients can elevate the overall flavor profile.
• Sweeten to taste: Adjust the sweetness of the oatmeal by adding sweeteners like maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or your preferred sweetener. Start with a smaller amount and add more as needed.
• Customize with mix-ins: Get creative and personalize your oatmeal by adding mix-ins such as fresh or dried fruits, nuts, seeds, or chocolate chips. These additions can add texture and additional flavors.
• Pre-soak steel-cut oats: If using steel-cut oats, consider pre-soaking them in water for 15-30 minutes before cooking. This helps reduce the cooking time and results in a creamier texture.
• Be mindful of the natural pressure release: After the cooking time is complete, you can choose to either perform a natural pressure release (letting the pressure release on its own) or a quick pressure release (manually releasing the pressure). For oatmeal, a natural pressure release can help prevent any spillovers.
• Stir well before serving: Once the oatmeal is cooked, give it a good stir to evenly distribute any mix-ins and to ensure a consistent texture throughout.
• Adjust cooking time for desired consistency: If you prefer a firmer texture, decrease the cooking time slightly. If you like a softer and creamier texture, increase the cooking time.
• Take note of specific oatmeal types: Different types of oats (such as steel-cut oats, rolled oats, or quick oats) may require different cooking times and liquid ratios. Refer to the cooking instructions specific to the type of oats you are using.

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Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.