If you’re craving a comforting breakfast that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe. It combines the hearty chew of steel cut oats with the velvety sweetness of pumpkin puree and cozy pumpkin pie spice, all whipped together quickly and effortlessly in the Instant Pot. This recipe transforms a simple morning routine into a festive fall celebration, but you can enjoy it any day you want to feel nourished and delighted with every spoonful.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these simple, wholesome ingredients is all it takes to make this delicious breakfast come to life. Each item plays a key role—from texture and flavor to seasoning and sweetness—to create that perfect blend of creamy, cozy pumpkin oatmeal.
- 1 cup steel cut oats: These are the stars of the dish, giving a hearty, chewy texture unmatched by rolled oats.
- 3 cups water: Essential for cooking the oats evenly and creating a creamy consistency.
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree: Adds natural sweetness, moisture, and that irresistible autumnal flavor and vibrant color.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A small but crucial ingredient that enhances all the natural flavors in the oatmeal.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Brings a fragrant sweetness that complements the pumpkin perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice: This blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves captures classic fall flavor notes effortlessly.
- 1/4 cup maple syrup: The perfect natural sweetener to balance the savory oats and spiced pumpkin.
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almond butter: Adds a satisfying crunch or creamy richness, depending on your choice.
How to Make Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Start by adding all your ingredients—steel cut oats, water, pumpkin puree, salt, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup—directly into the Instant Pot. This one-pot method means less mess and more flavor melding as everything cooks together.
Step 2: Seal and Pressure Cook
Close the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to sealing. This is key to building the right pressure needed for the oats to cook perfectly tender in just minutes.
Step 3: Cook and Naturally Release Pressure
Set the Instant Pot to cook for 4 minutes. Once done, let the pressure release naturally for 8 minutes—the gentle release allows the oatmeal to finish absorbing moisture and develop that luscious texture.
Step 4: Quick Release Remaining Pressure
After the natural release, carefully turn the valve to vent any remaining pressure. This step ensures it’s safe to open the lid and check your creamy pumpkin oatmeal.
Step 5: Stir and Finish
Give your oatmeal a good stir to combine all the flavors and smooth out the texture. It may look slightly loose now, but it will continue to thicken as it cools.
How to Serve Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes elevates your Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe from delicious to absolutely irresistible. Sprinkle some extra chopped walnuts on top for crunch, drizzle more maple syrup if you like things sweeter, or add a dollop of almond butter for creamy richness.
Side Dishes
Pair this oatmeal with a side of fresh fruit like sliced apples or berries to brighten the meal. A hot cup of spiced chai or freshly brewed coffee makes a perfect companion for your warm bowl of oats too.
Creative Ways to Present
For a more festive touch, serve the oatmeal in clear glass jars layered with granola or yogurt. You can also top it with toasted coconut flakes or a pinch of cinnamon for extra flavor and visual appeal that makes breakfast feel special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The oats will firm up in the fridge but still remain delicious and easy to reheat.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of this pumpkin oatmeal for up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers or bags, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat the oatmeal gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to loosen the texture if needed. Stir well to bring back that creamy consistency.
FAQs
Can I use canned pumpkin for this recipe?
Absolutely! Canned pumpkin puree works perfectly and is typically what most people use. Just make sure it’s plain pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, which contains extra spices and sugar.
Do I need to soak the steel cut oats before cooking?
No soaking is necessary when using the Instant Pot. The pressure cooking process cooks the steel cut oats quickly and thoroughly without the extra prep.
Can I make this Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe vegan?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan as written if you use maple syrup instead of honey and skip any non-vegan toppings. You can also swap water for a plant-based milk to add creaminess.
How spicy is the pumpkin pie spice in this oatmeal?
The pumpkin pie spice adds a warm, gentle spice blend that enhances the pumpkin flavor without overwhelming the palate. You can adjust the amount to suit your taste preferences.
Can I substitute the maple syrup with another sweetener?
Definitely! Honey, agave nectar, or brown sugar can be used instead of maple syrup, though the flavor profile will vary slightly depending on your choice.
Final Thoughts
This Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe is a true game changer for comforting, wholesome breakfasts. It’s quick, easy, and delivers that perfect balance of creamy oats with the cozy flavors of pumpkin and spice. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—trust me, mornings will never be the same once you try this joyful fall-inspired bowl.
Print
Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 17 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warm and comforting Instant Pot Steel Cut Pumpkin Oatmeal that combines the hearty texture of steel cut oats with the rich flavors of pumpkin, vanilla, and pumpkin pie spice. This easy-to-make oatmeal is sweetened naturally with maple syrup and topped with crunchy walnuts or creamy almond butter, perfect for a nutritious fall-inspired breakfast.
Ingredients
Oats Base
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Pumpkin Flavoring
- 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Sweeteners and Toppings
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or almond butter
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Combine the steel cut oats, water, pumpkin puree, salt, vanilla, pumpkin pie spice, and maple syrup in the Instant Pot. Stir gently to mix all the ingredients evenly.
- Seal Instant Pot: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the pressure valve is set to the sealing position to allow proper pressure build-up during cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Cook the oatmeal on high pressure for 4 minutes. This short but effective cooking time softens the oats perfectly while infusing pumpkin flavor.
- Natural Pressure Release: Allow the Instant Pot to release pressure naturally for 8 minutes; this gradual release helps prevent sputtering and finishes cooking the oats evenly.
- Release Remaining Pressure: After the natural release, carefully turn the valve to venting to release any remaining pressure before opening the lid.
- Stir and Serve: Open the lid and stir the oatmeal well. The oatmeal will be creamy and will continue to thicken as it cools. Add your choice of chopped walnuts or almond butter as a delicious topping before serving.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less maple syrup according to your preference.
- For a creamier texture, substitute some of the water with milk or plant-based milk.
- Make sure to use fresh pumpkin pie spice or a good quality blend for the best flavor.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and spice if desired.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and reheat with a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
