Superfood Instant Pot Oatmeal is made with fresh fruit, veggies, whole grain rolled oats, and more for a nutrient-rich, gluten-free breakfast. Quick to make, it can be served warm, or stored in the fridge for meal prep overnight oats! Stovetop and Slow Cooker Options, too.
Why You’ll Love This Instant Pot Oatmeal
Superfood oatmeal is basic oatmeal loaded with nutrient-dense superfoods! Unlike many store-bought oatmeal packets and snacks that are full of refined sugars and additives, this instant pot oatmeal is made with nothing but the good stuff. It’s packed full of budget-friendly fruits and vegetables and is loaded with healthy fats, complex carbs, fiber, and nutrients to keep you fueled. Even better, the flavor resembles that of Hummingbird cake for a breakfast you’ll look forward to digging into!
Unlike stovetop oatmeal recipes that take quite a long time to boil and simmer or microwave options that tend to explode, this Instant Pot oatmeal cooks quickly, cleans easily, and tastes incredible. Plus, it’s great to make in bulk to feed a crowd or enjoy throughout the week! To summarize, this superfood Instant Pot oatmeal is:
- Gluten-free, dairy-free, and customizable to fit your needs
- Great for feeding a big family or hungry crew
- Perfect for meal prep
- Budget-friendly, filling, and full of nutrients
Instant Pot Oatmeal Superfood Ingredients
Say goodbye to bland, boring oats! This recipe is packed full of all the good stuff. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Non-Dairy Milk – Almond, coconut, or oat milk is used to help cook the oats.
- Water – Combined with the water, this helps prevent the oats from burning in the bottom of the pot.
- Gluten-Free Rolled Oats – We highly recommend rolled oats for this Instant Pot oatmeal recipe as quick oats will become too mushy and steel-cut oats won’t fluff and thicken up as we want.
- Apple – Chop up your favorite apple for added sweetness and texture.
- Carrot or Zucchini – Veggies in oatmeal?! Yep! We won’t tell if you don’t. Use either carrots or zucchini, and shred them up small to add extra nutrients and bulk. We promise you can’t taste it!
- Walnuts – Chop them into pieces for a little extra crunch and heart-healthy omega fats. Any other type of nut you have on hand can be used, too!
- Flaxseed or Chia Seed – Nutrient powerhouses, these seeds are tiny but mighty, helping to thicken the oatmeal, add fiber, and pack in even more healthy fats.
- Cinnamon – Just a dash helps add a little extra sweetness.
- Sea Salt – Used to enhance the rest of the ingredients.
- Dried Fruit – Technically optional, we love to include raisins or goji berries for natural sweetness and texture.
- Optional Toppings and Mix-Ins – Add all your favorite toppings like fresh blueberries, cream, and coconut milk!
More Toppings and Add-Ins
Feel free to mix and match all your favorite ingredients to make this Instant Pot oatmeal your own! For example, some of our favorite options include:
- Honey or Maple Syrup
- Extra Chopped Nuts or Nut Butter
- Cacao Nibs
- Unsweetened Coconut Flakes
- Vegan Protein Powder
What Is the Ratio of Water to Oats?
To cook your oatmeal and prevent it from burning, you’ll need a ratio of 1:2. Simply put, you’ll need twice as much liquid as oats. For example, for this Instant Pot oatmeal recipe, we use 3 cups of liquid for every 1 ½ cups of gluten-free oats.
How to Make Instant Pot Oatmeal
Once you learn how to make oatmeal in the Instant Pot, you’ll never go back to other methods again! See how easy it is below.
- Combine. Grease the pot of a 6-quart Instant Pot. Then, add the milk and water followed by the remaining ingredients except for the dried fruit and any toppings
Note: Naturally refined coconut oil works well to prevent burning, but any cooking oil or butter you have on hand can be used.
- Cook. Lock the Instant Pot, and set the vent to closed. Then, select the MANUAL mode, and cook on high pressure before allowing the pot to natural release.
If using the quick-release method, let the oatmeal sit for 2-3 minutes on warm before stirring.
- Serve. Stir in any mix-ins, divide the oatmeal, and enjoy! Or, store it for later.
Pro Top: To ensure your oatmeal doesn’t burn, try using the pot-in-pot cooking method! To do so, pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot, and insert a trivet. Add the oats and milk to the bowl followed by the rest of the ingredients (except for the dried fruit and mix-ins). Lock and seal the lid on top, and cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Then, allow the pot to do a full natural pressure release. Add your remaining ingredients, and enjoy!
Important Note: Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you will likely need to cut the recipe in ½ to use the pot-in-pot method.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Don’t have an Instant Pot? No worries! We’ve got you covered with easy alternative cooking methods instead.
Stovetop Option: Bring the milk to a soft boil in a large saucepan. Stir in all the ingredients except for the mix-ins and toppings. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the liquid is absorbed and the oats are thoroughly cooked. Add any remaining ingredients before serving.
Slow Cooker Option: Add all of the ingredients except for the mix-ins and toppings to your slow cooker, mixing to combine. Set the slow cooker on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Stir halfway (or every hour) through cooking, and add more liquid as needed in the last hour of cooking. Once cooked and your desired consistency is reached, add the rest of your ingredients, and serve.
Note: Every slow cooker will require slightly different cooking times. So, keep an eye on your oats as they cook!
More of Our Favorite
Gluten-Free Oatmeal Recipes
Looking for even more ways to enjoy gluten-free oats? Take a look at more easy recipes below!
Common Questions
If your oatmeal is burning it could be due to several different reasons. First, be sure to add enough liquid. You want the oats fully submerged. Remember you can always let it warm to thicken later! Second, add any higher sugar ingredients, like fruit pieces, last. Finally, if you want to be extra careful to prevent any burning, swap the milk out for water instead.
When stored in airtight containers, leftovers will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
Just pot them in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, and they’re good to go! You can also enjoy them cold.
Superfood Instant Pot Oatmeal (Gluten-Free)
- Total Time: 0 hours
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Instant Pot Oatmeal is packed full of superfoods & ready in minutes for a nutritious, gluten-free breakfast perfect for busy mornings!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups almond or coconut milk
- 1 ½ cups water (see notes to avoid burning milk)
- 1 ½ cup gluten-free rolled oats
- ½ cup chopped apple
- 1 large carrot or zucchini, shredded or julienned
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
- ¼ cup ground flaxseed or chia seed
- ½ to 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- Pinch sea salt
- ⅓ cup raisins or other chopped dried fruit, optional
- Optional mix-ins – ¼ cup maple syrup or coconut sugar and 1 serving protein powder
- Optional toppings – fresh blueberries and coconut milk to drizzle.
Instructions
INSTANT POT METHOD:
- Spray the inner pot of a 6 quart Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray. Add the water and milk into the oiled Instant Pot. Whisk in the oats, apple, carrot, walnuts, flaxseed, cinnamon and salt.
- Lock the Instant Pot lid and set the vent to closed. Select MANUAL mode and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Allow a natural release for 12-15 minutes. (see notes)
- Once cooked stir in optional mix-ins.
- Serve warm in bowls topped with berries or meal prep by spooning oatmeal into mason jars or glass containers. Store in the fridge, sealed, for up to a week.
STOVE TOP OPTION:
- Place the milk in a large saucepan and bring to a soft boil.
- Stir all ingredients (minus mix-ins and toppings) into the milk.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot and cook for 20 -25 minutes or until the oats have absorbed the milk and are thoroughly cooked. Stir in optional mix-ins.
- Serve warm in bowls topped with berries or meal prep by spooning oatmeal into mason jars or glass containers. Store in the fridge, sealed, for up to a week.
SLOW COOKER OPTION:
- Follow similar instructions to that of slow cooker savory oatmeal.
- Place all ingredients (minus mix-ins and toppings) in a slow cooker or instant pot slow cooker option.
- Mix all together and set on HIGH for 3 hours or LOW for 5 hours. Could be more or less depending on the slow cooker. (If using a slow cooker that automatically shifts to warm after 5 hours, set the oats to cook overnight.)
- Halfway through cooking, stir the oats.
- Add ¼ cup more milk to thin out the oats (to create more of a porridge-like texture) the last hour of cooking. Add optional mix-ins once oatmeal is done cooking.
- Serve warm in bowls topped with berries or meal prep by spooning oatmeal into mason jars or glass containers. Store in the fridge, sealed, for up to a week.
Notes
Coconut Milk – Use coconut milk from the refrigerated section not the canned version.
Cooking Tips – For thicker oatmeal, cook for 6-7 minutes and quick release the pressure.
Alternative Method – See blog post for Pot in Pot method. Use this method if oatmeal is burning on the bottom of the Instant Pot.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 4-7 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 253
- Sugar: 6.6 g
- Sodium: 100.4 mg
- Fat: 11.8 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.9 g
- Carbohydrates: 28.7 g
- Fiber: 5.6 g
- Protein: 5.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Mine burnt
Sorry to hear that Vada. Did you use the pot in pot method? Some instant pots burn more easily unless they use the pot in pot method. Those instructions are in the blog post if you need it! I copied it below.
To ensure your oatmeal doesn’t burn, try using the pot-in-pot cooking method! To do so, pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot, and insert a trivet. Add the oats and milk to the bowl followed by the rest of the ingredients (except for the dried fruit and mix-ins). Lock and seal the lid on top, and cook on manual high pressure for 10 minutes. Then, allow the pot to do a full natural pressure release. Add your remaining ingredients, and enjoy!
Important Note: Depending on the size of your Instant Pot, you will likely need to cut the recipe in ½ to use the pot-in-pot method.
Have you done this with quick cut steel cut oats?
I have not! But you could try it in the pot in pot method so it doesn’t burn. Maybe 5 minutes?
Thank you. How do yo6m do pot in pot ?
Pot in pot method is in the blog post but happy to send it to you via email! You’d have to reduce the amount you make though. Or you can just try it, as is, at 5 minutes. Just make sure there is enough liquid.
Symantec
Ohhhh, this was so yummy! And the plus is that it is super good for you! I used regular milk and no walnuts. Made breakfast for four days! I just add a little milk before I heat it up. Sharing it with my boss! Thanks for the recipe!
I’m so glad! Thanks for update Jenni!
Wow, this is so easy to make the super food to store it in pot. Great reading and recipe. Thank you for sharing this amazing article.
You’re welcome!
I just made the recipe on my stovetop. I would have made it in my instant pot,but could not find a bowl that would fit for the pot in pot method.
The oatmeal was really good
Glad it worked out on the stove! Thanks for feedback penny
This recipe is wonderful! SO tasty (coming from someone who is not an oatmeal fan), super easy to make on school mornings, and BONUS, My *EXTREMELY PICKY* kids LOVE it and came back for seconds. This is going to be a staple in our house from now on. SO glad I came across this recipe! (Cant wait to see if I actually have some energy today) Thank you!
Yaay!! Sounds like this was a definite hit for you Nikky! You’re welcome!!
Wonderful way to meal prep breakfast for a couple days in advance!! I made this and cooked only the almond milk, apples, carrot shavings, cinnamon, ground flax seed and hemp hearts. The last 5 minutes of cooking, I added the raisins & cranberries, will add the honey, walnuts, and blueberries after I warm the oatmeal in the microwave. I am not a fan of cold oatmeal but warmed up and then adding the final toppings, this is delicious!!!! I used some 16 oz Ball wide mouth jars to have extra room for adding extra toppings and to be able to stir well after warmed. My husband ate a jar of it last night after it was prepped and enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
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Hello
How many and what size jars will one batch fill?
I used an 8 ounce mason jar and it filled about 4-5. Hope that helps!
Can this be prepared in an electric pressure cooker instead of Instant Pot? I have the Cuisinart Electric Pressure Cooker.
https://www.cuisinart.com/shopping/appliances/specialty_appliances/cpc-600
Well, phooey! Mine burned pretty much immediately in the InstantPot. 🙁 I followed the tips you suggested. Any other tips? I had old fashioned oats on hand and used those. Do you think that would be the difference?
Luckily, it’s still edible and the flavor is good! Just a little mushy since I wasn’t sure what to do after it said “burn “. I just hit cancel and let it sit for a while.
Please help! I’d love to try it again.
Oh so sorry about that. Did you use non dairy milk and rolled oats? quick oats and milk tend to burn. You could also use pot in pot method with a pyrex dish/bowl placed on the trivet. I’ll update recipe. Let me know exactly what you use and I’ll be sure to help you get this right! it’s soo good! 🙂
I used almond milk, and old fashioned oats.
Next time I’ll try rolled oats. I will definitely trynit again becasue I love the recipe! I could do stove top too, but I love my IP. 🙂
Oh goodness. Well, I see a few things I might have done wrong. I added my scoop of protein before cooking which likely made it thicker, and I also added the cream before cooking. Whoops! Failure to read ALL of the instructions first! lol
Oh no worries. I just updated, you didn’t miss it. I think the biggest thing is using the rolled oats and adding cream last. Stove top is super easy too. Keep me posted on how it goes second round Andrea!
Hi!
Just a quick question. This recipe makes 5 servings if I’m reading correctly. I want to use this recipe to meal prep my breakfasts but I’m wondering if it remains safe to eat in the fridge until the 5th day? I assume so from your post but just want to make sure!
Thanks
Yep, it should be fine for 5 day, no prob. If you are using coconut milk or almond milk drinking milk. If you are using canned coconut milk, it might go bad faster, but 5 days should work fine! Hope that helps!
Love this oatmeal recipe!! Different from my usual, which makes it so great! Plus a good dose of veggies!
Never would have thought to use the instant pot – so hearty and perfect for breakfast!
This is perfect – I needed a new way to mix up how I prep my oatmeal, especially coming into fall soon and hopefully some cooler weather!
It’s a good “comfort” breakfast!
Lindsay, your recipes are always spot-on! The gorgeous photography is such a treat. Can’t wait to try this one!
This sounds great! I love those oats and always keep some on hand! I am going to prep some for breakfasts for the rest of the week.
Now THIS is my kind of breakfast! These oats and all the add ins are fabulous!
Is there nutrition info on this somewhere? We are keto and would love to try this!! Sounds amazing
Sorry about that. Just updated it! Hope it helps!
This recipe does not work. I followed the “burn” instructions to prevent problems and still the Instant Pot refused to cook, giving me a “burn” message. I then added more milk and 3 cups of water to the same result. Consider other recipes.
Hi there! So sorry to hear this. We’ve made it several times without burning. What type of milk did you use?
I just made mine on the stove top and I had no issues at all 🙂
Looks yummy, but “better my wife skills.” Really? How about better your cooking skills. Hope to try this soon.
Love this recipe! Any idea on how to prevent the Instant Pot from stating “burn” and the oatmeal burning on the bottom? I must have done something wrong…
I found that this was not enough liquid for my instant pot.
Did you use 3 cups? Quick oats or regular oats? I’ll make notes in the recipe. I Would add in three cups of coconut milk in first and then the oatmeal mixture on top, then barely mix. This was noted from a reader above. Adjust to 7 minutes for quick oats.
I make these weekly and love them! Portion control has helped me stay on track with my return to healthy living post baby. Thanks for the great recipe. PS – to avoid the oatmeal sticking to the bottom of my instant pot I put three cups of coconut milk in first and then the oatmeal mixture on top – just basely mixing it! Also – I had quick oats so adjusted the cooking time to 7mins!
Oh wonderful! So glad to they help and thanks for the cooking tip!
This looks amazing! A few questions if you don’t mind. Would I be able to leave the cream out? Will it make it too think? And may I use regular milk to get more protein?
for sure! I need to make note of that. You can use regular cream or even yogurt in place of the coconut cream. Or just use more milk. Should work! Keep me posted.
This looks so perfect! I can’t have coconut so what would be a good alternative? Especially for the coconut cream since I don’t want to skip that creamy add-in. Thank you!
Can you have regular cream/dairy? That works too! It’s delish!
This looks so good! But can I use steel cut instead of rolled oats?
I think so! You might need a little more milk and pressure cook it for 2-3 minutes longer. Keep me posted!
You know how to make oatmeal look gorgeous! This is yet another reason to pull out my Instant Pot.
Variety in breakfast options are always SUPER important! I love that you’ve provided this amazing superfood instant pot oatmeal that has TONS of amazing ingredients. I’m thinking about making a similar recipe!
Oh keep me posted Cassie! I bet yours is fab
I love the individual servings! I want this for breakfast tomorrow!!
omg, so pretty and so dang healthy! I adore Bob and all his amazing grains, this is a must make!
Bob is the best! agreed!
This oat combo is UNREAL!
Meal prep just got SO much easier…and yummier, of course!
These look absolutely heavenly!!
YES! A great breakfast!
Your photo of this recipe first caught my attention on Instagram, so super pretty. I love all the good things going on in this!
Oh thanks friend! I think you’d love this too!
I have so many questions… does he not get sweaty? Does he just keep a week of clothes at the office? NINE miles in that cold?! Kiwi is either a super hear or batshit crazy. LOL!
haha yes, we take clothes to work monday. He is crazy. And he doesn’t sweat because it’s all down hill and cold. I pick him up at 5pm.
Ahhh man, this looks so good! I love oatmeal in the wintertime.
me too!
I love oatmeal and am always looking for new ways to make it. LOVE this superfood version.
Let me know if you try it Julia!
This is one powerful breakfast!
You make oatmeal look sexy! Love the carrot ribbons in there. So smart!
This looks delish! It looks like the perfect breakfast 🙂
THIS IS SO EPIC!
This is like a super superfood recipe! I mean, it’s loaded with the super stuff! 🙂 Love!
You are SUPER right 😉
I’m not the biggest fan of oatmeal to be honest, but this just looks amazing! I will definitely try and and probably forever change my mind about oatmeal 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
This might be a silly question, but can this be made with something other than oats? I don’t eat grains, but this looks so yummy! I can eat quinoa if you think that would work. Or maybe chia seeds?
Not silly at all! You can easily do it. In slow cooker or instant pot? Try it with quinoa, like this. https://www.cottercrunch.com/coconut-cream-pumpkin-quinoa-porridge-vegan/
Thank you!! I have an instant pot, but I’ll do it on the slow cooker setting with the instructions from your other recipe. I’m finally making it this weekend so I’ll let you know how it turns out!!
Who knew oatmeal could be so pretty?! Can’t wait to try this as a great breakfast before school for my menagerie!
yea! keep me posted Melanie!
Nine miles??? Isn’t it cold there? He definitely needs this when he gets to work!
yep, it was 12F one morning. ACK!
Oatmeal in jars will never be last year. NEVER. I’m slowly coming around this whole instant pot thing…this just looks and sounds to amazing not to try!
OMG you must try it Deryn. You will love!
I make my own oat milk at home! Would this recipe be okay with that?
Absolutely, Danielle! The oatmeal can be made with any type of nut milk, and homemade is even better!
I’m totally inspired to try this and meal plan it for breakfasts!
Yay! So glad Jen
This is such an amazing recipe! Can’t wait to try it!
Let me know if you do Gina!
Loving this breakfast Idea! I make overnight oats for my hubby every night and this might be a good way to switch things up a bit!
What is the nutritional breakdown?
Sorry about that. Looks like my nutritional info was deleted. I’ll update it tonight! But to summarize the calories with coconut cream added are close to 300 per serving and 14 g fat. 33g carbs and 6 G protein
Now this is a reason for me to consider getting an instant pot! It looks delicious.
Oh you so should! Though this also works well in slow cooker.
Love this breakfast meal prep! Looks so healthy and delicious! Can’t wait to try the pea protein powder!
You will love it Jess!
These look absolutely amazing and nutrient dense! I don’t have an Instant Pot, giving one away next weekend if only I could win one myself, but love that you added a stove top method so I can still make this super delicious looking recipe!
I adore morning glory muffins too! All the flavors of my favorite breakfast treat in oatmeal form seems too good to be true, and yet here it is!
Wouldn’t it be better, nutrient wise, to leave out all, but the oatmeal and liquid ingredients, until after it’s finished cooking?
Actually, those extra ingredients are nutrient dense, so they provide a lot of nourishment. But you are looking for the lighter version, you can totally just skip on some of the extra superfoods. Hope that makes sense steve.
Nine miles?? Holy crap! (I’d need to retire! Lol!) He definitely needs more than a banana and a coffee! This oatmeal will totally do the trick! Looks amazing!
We share a car too but neither of us is running to work in the cold! Your husband absolutely needs this to re-energize him. So do my boys, such a great idea!
Seriously, this sounds amazing and packed full of so much goodness!