Can I use rolled oats or quick-cooking steel-cut oats?

I don't recommend substituting rolled oats or quick-cooking steel-cut oats in this recipe. Rolled oats require different cooking times and liquid ratios, and I haven’t tested the recipe with quick-cooking steel-cut oats.

Why are my steel-cut oats too thick?

Steel-cut oats continue to thicken as they cool, especially after refrigeration. If the oatmeal is thicker than you prefer, stir in a splash of dairy-free milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Can I make apple cinnamon steel-cut oats without maple syrup?

Yes, the apples and raisins add natural sweetness, so the maple syrup can be optional. Taste the oatmeal after cooking and add maple syrup if you prefer it sweeter.

Can I make apple cinnamon steel-cut oats ahead of time?

Yes, the oatmeal is great for meal prep. Store individual portions in airtight containers in the refrigerator for 4–5 days. The oatmeal will thicken as it chills, so add a splash of dairy-free milk or water when reheating.

Why did my Instant Pot give me a burn warning?

I haven't experienced a burn warning while testing this recipe. To help prevent one, make sure the bottom of the inner pot is clean and free of cooked-on food before adding the ingredients. Use the recommended amount of liquid, stir the ingredients before pressure cooking, and check that the sealing ring and release valve are positioned correctly.

Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats (Instant Pot and Stovetop)

Name: Cinnamon Apple Steel-Cut Oats (Instant Pot and Stovetop)
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 31 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (170 g) uncooked steel-cut oats; 1 ½ cups dairy-free milk; 1 ¼ cups water (for Instant Pot) or 1 ¾ cups (for stovetop); 1 large or 2 small apples, diced; ¼ cup (40 g) raisins; 1 tablespoon maple syrup, or to taste; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; ½ teaspoon vanilla extract; Pinch of salt

Description

These apple cinnamon steel-cut oats are creamy, full of apple flavor, and easy to make in the Instant Pot or on the stovetop. The steel-cut oatmeal is a healthy breakfast that's great for meal prep!

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup (170 g) uncooked steel-cut oats
1 ½ cups dairy-free milk
1 ¼ cups water (for Instant Pot) or 1 ¾ cups (for stovetop)
1 large or 2 small apples, diced
¼ cup (40 g) raisins
1 tablespoon maple syrup, or to taste
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

INSTANT POT

Add the steel-cut oats, dairy-free milk, 1 ¼ cups of water, diced apples, raisins, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Move the venting valve to Seal and cook on Manual/High Pressure for 6 minutes. Turn off the Keep Warm function. The Instant Pot may take about 10 minutes to come to pressure.
When the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure using the release valve.
Then, stir well to combine and cool for at least 10 minutes. The oatmeal will thicken as it cools.

STOVETOP

Add the steel-cut oats, dairy-free milk, 1 ¾ cups water, apples, raisins, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and salt to a large saucepan.
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to a low simmer.
Cook uncovered for about 25 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to help prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the pot. Cook until the oats are tender with a slight chew and the oatmeal is creamy.
Remove from the heat and let the oatmeal cool for about 10 minutes. It will continue to thicken as it cools.

Notes

For the Instant Pot version, if a lot of liquid spurts out when you manually release, close the vent and let it release naturally for longer.

Alternatively, allow the pressure to release naturally, which takes about 20–25 minutes. The oatmeal will be thicker with a full natural pressure release.

The raisins lightly sweeten the steel-cut oats; if you omit them, add maple syrup to taste.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
pressure release: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Category: Breakfast
Method: instant pot, stovetop
Cuisine: American