Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe – Banana Cinnamon & Peanut Butter

Last Updated on 2 months by Neha Deshmukh

Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats Recipe – Banana Cinnamon & Peanut Butter

Hey everyone! If you’re anything like me, mornings can be… chaotic. Between getting ready and juggling a million things, a quick, healthy breakfast often falls by the wayside. But not anymore! I’ve been making these Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats for ages, and they’ve become a total lifesaver. Seriously, creamy, delicious, and ready in minutes – what’s not to love? This banana cinnamon version with a hint of peanut butter is my absolute favorite. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another oatmeal recipe. It’s fast. Like, seriously fast. The Instant Pot does all the work, leaving you free to tackle the morning rush. Plus, steel cut oats are wonderfully chewy and packed with fiber, keeping you full and energized for hours. And the banana and cinnamon? They just make everything better, don’t they? It feels like a warm hug in a bowl.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delightful breakfast:

• 1 cup water (240ml)
• 1 cup milk (240ml) – I’ll talk about options below!
• ½ cup steel cut oats (approximately 75g)
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon powder (1g)
• ½ large banana, mashed
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (15-30ml) – adjust to your sweetness preference
• Splash of vanilla extract

Ingredient Notes

Let’s chat about a few key ingredients to make sure you get the best results:

• Steel Cut Oats: These are different from rolled oats! They’re the whole oat groat, chopped into pieces, which gives them that lovely chewy texture. Don’t confuse them with instant oats – those cook way too quickly and won’t give you the same satisfying result.
• Cinnamon: I love using Ceylon cinnamon for its delicate flavor, but any cinnamon will work beautifully. A little goes a long way!
• Banana Varieties: You can use any banana you like! Ripe bananas will give you the sweetest flavor, but even slightly green bananas work well. I often use spotty bananas that are about to turn – perfect for reducing food waste!
• Milk Options: Feel free to use whatever milk you prefer. Dairy milk creates a super creamy texture, but almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, or even coconut milk all work wonderfully. Each will give a slightly different flavor, so experiment and find your favorite!

Step-By-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s get this oatmeal going! It’s so easy, you’ll be amazed.

1. First, lightly spray the inside of your Instant Pot’s steel pot with non-stick spray. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
2. Now, add the water, milk, steel cut oats, and cinnamon powder to the pot, in that order. Don’t stir yet!
3. Gently place the mashed banana on top of the oats without stirring it in. This creates a lovely banana-cinnamon swirl as it cooks.
4. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Then, press the ‘porridge’ mode and adjust the cooking time to 15 minutes.
5. Once the cooking time is up, let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes, then do a quick release to release any remaining pressure. Be careful of the steam!
6. Finally, stir in the brown sugar and vanilla extract. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined and deliciously creamy.

Expert Tips

Here are a few things I’ve learned over the years to make this recipe even better:

• Don’t skip the non-stick spray! Seriously, it makes a world of difference.
• If your oats are still a little too thick after cooking, add a splash more milk and stir.
• For extra flavor, try toasting the steel cut oats in a dry pan for a few minutes before adding them to the Instant Pot.

Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are a few ideas:

• Vegan Adaptation: Simply use your favorite plant-based milk! Almond, soy, and oat milk all work beautifully.
• Gluten-Free Confirmation: Steel cut oats are naturally gluten-free, but if you’re particularly sensitive, look for oats that are certified gluten-free.
• Spice Level Adjustment: If you’re a cinnamon fanatic like me, feel free to add an extra pinch or even a dash of nutmeg.
• Festival Adaptations: During Makar Sankranti or Lohri, I love swapping the brown sugar for gur (jaggery) for a traditional Indian twist. It adds a beautiful caramel-like flavor!

Serving Suggestions

This oatmeal is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with toppings! Here are a few of my favorites:

• Sliced bananas
• A dollop of peanut butter (or any nut butter!)
• Chopped almonds or other nuts
• A sprinkle of chia seeds or flax seeds
• A drizzle of honey or maple syrup (if you want it extra sweet)

Storage Instructions

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You might need to add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture.

FAQs

Let’s answer some common questions:

• Can I make this ahead of time? You can definitely cook the oatmeal ahead of time and reheat it. It might thicken up a bit, so just add a little extra milk when reheating.
• What milk alternatives work best? Almond milk and oat milk are my go-to alternatives. They both have a lovely flavor and create a creamy texture.
• Can I use a different sweetener? Absolutely! Maple syrup, honey, or even a sugar substitute will work just fine.
• How do I adjust the cooking time for different Instant Pot models? The ‘porridge’ setting usually works perfectly, but if yours doesn’t have that, you can use the manual setting and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, followed by a 10-minute natural pressure release.
• What are the health benefits of steel cut oats? Steel cut oats are a fantastic source of fiber, which helps with digestion, keeps you feeling full, and can even lower cholesterol. They’re also a good source of iron and magnesium!