Quick Vegan Steel-Cut Oats with Apple and Cinnamon in the Instant Pot®
★★★★☆4.8(6 reviews)Updated: Jan 24, 2026
Start your day with a warm, comforting bowl that's both nutritious and easy to make. This simple recipe combines tender steel-cut oats, sweet apples, and a hint of cinnamon for a cozy breakfast in no time.
Prep Time
5 min
Cook Time
20 min
Total Time
25 min
Difficulty
Easy
Ingredients
2 cups water
1 cup almond milk
1 cup steel-cut oats
2 tablespoons maple syrup
2 tablespoons flaxseed meal (Optional)
1 apple, diced
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon chopped almonds, or more to taste (Optional)
Why This Meal Is A Winner
This recipe is a fast and easy way to enjoy hearty steel-cut oats without long cooking times. It’s naturally vegan, packed with fiber, and flavored with warm cinnamon and fresh apple for a comforting breakfast. Using the Instant Pot® makes it hands-off and perfect for busy mornings.
Helpful Kitchen Tips
- Rinse steel-cut oats briefly before cooking to reduce stickiness.
- Use a natural release for a creamier texture, or quick release if you prefer firmer oats.
- Add a splash of plant-based milk after cooking for extra creaminess.
Directions
Ad water, almond milk, steel-cut oats, maple syrup, flax seed meal, chopped apple, cinnamon, and almonds into your Instant Pot or any similar pressure cooker. Secure the lid and set it to cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. It might take about 10 minutes for the pot to come up to pressure before the cooking time starts. Once the timer goes off, let the pressure release naturally—this usually takes around 10 to 15 minutes. After the pressure has fully released, carefully open the lid and give the oats a good stir. Serve right away and enjoy your warm, comforting breakfast!
Serving Recommendations
Top with chopped nuts, a drizzle of maple syrup, or fresh berries to add texture and natural sweetness. A spoonful of nut butter or a sprinkle of toasted coconut also pairs well and boosts flavor.
Keeping It Fresh
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a little plant-based milk or water to loosen the oats and restore creaminess. You can also freeze portions for up to 1 month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute almond milk with any plant-based or dairy milk you prefer.
Do I need to soak the steel-cut oats before cooking?
No, soaking is not necessary as the Instant Pot cooks the oats thoroughly in 10 minutes.
Can I use frozen or cooked apples instead of fresh?
Fresh apples are best for texture, but frozen or cooked apples can be used if needed.
Is the flaxseed meal necessary in this recipe?
Flaxseed meal is optional and adds extra fiber and nutrients but can be omitted.
How do I prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot?
Stir all ingredients well before cooking and use the natural pressure release to avoid sticking.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can double the ingredients, but ensure not to exceed the Instant Pot’s maximum fill line.
How should I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Can I add other toppings or mix-ins?
Absolutely! Feel free to add nuts, seeds, dried fruit, or fresh berries to customize your oats.
VP
By Vikram Patel
Recipe Writer
Vikram writes simple recipes with helpful tips to make cooking easier and more enjoyable.
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home cooks made it!
Reviews (6)
4.8 out of 5
★★★★★
6 Ratings
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User Reviews
Olivia
★★★★★
Mar 09, 2026
Made this on a busy morning and it saved me so much time. Loved the natural sweetness and warmth!
Mike
★★★★★
Mar 06, 2026
This recipe was a game changer for my mornings—creamy oats with a nice hint of cinnamon, perfect!
Sarah M.
★★★★★
Mar 01, 2026
This was so easy and flavorful! The oats came out perfectly creamy with a lovely hint of spice.
Sophie
★★★★★
Feb 26, 2026
A great vegan option that's both speedy and tasty. The steel-cut oats cooked perfectly every time!
Mark
★★★★☆
Feb 20, 2026
A solid breakfast choice that’s both tasty and nutritious. Perfect for early starts!
Sofia T.
★★★★★
Dec 21, 2025
Made this for a quick weekday breakfast and it didn’t disappoint. The texture was spot on—chewy yet soft—and the apples gave it a nice natural sweetness. I left out the extra sugar and it was still perfect. Will keep this one in my rotation.
Nutrition Facts
Calories250
Fat7 g
Carbs40 g
Protein6 g
Fiber6 g
Sugar12 g
Sodium100 mg
Serving Size: 1 serving
*Nutrition values are estimated and may vary depending on ingredient brands, portion sizes, and preparation methods.