Made with fresh fruit, veggies, whole grain rolled oats, and more, this Superfood Instant Pot Oatmeal is naturally gluten free and full of nutrients for a quick breakfast that will keep you full for hours. Make it in minutes for a warm meal or store it in the fridge for overnight oats! Stove Top and Slow Cooker Options.
This Breakfast Might Be Jarring
I’ll admit that the creation of this instant pot oatmeal was largely due to selfish reasons. You see, my husband is an early morning runner and needs a lot of fuel to recover. Luckily, my meal prep game is on point when it comes to lunches and dinners. However, breakfast tends to be more of a struggle. Of course, there are always easy recipes like Superfood Spirulina Smoothies and Coconut Almond Protein Bars, but sometimes we all need something warmer and comforting, especially as the weather begins to cool.
So, not wanting to get up before the sun to cook a meal or resort to packaged products, I got to work brainstorming the perfect recipe. I knew it had to contain high quality carb sources such as Bob’s gluten free rolled oats, plenty of nutrients, and be super easy to prepare ahead of time. Clearly, my work was cut out for me, but I think I nailed it with this combo. A little twist on the classic apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe! In all honesty, it was inspired by those microwaveable instant oatmeal packets you find in the grocery store. The only difference is that I removed the added sugar, added fruit and vegetables, and made it easy to prep ahead of time and take on the go.
Turns out those slight alterations were actually life-changing, especially if you work out early, are married to someone who does like me, or just need something fast as the kids run out the door to school! Not only can this oatmeal be packed in jars for easy transportation, but it can also be scooped into a bowl and served warm or cold to suit your needs. All you have to do is add your toppings of choice, and dig in!
Instant Pot Oatmeal Ingredients
One of the best things about oatmeal is that it can be customized to fit all your dietary needs and taste bud preferences. From savory oatmeal to sweet options, and everything in between, feel free to experiment with your own ingredients. However, to get started, I kept things simple with the following items for an instant pot oatmeal recipe that resembles Hummingbird cake.
Non Dairy Milk – I prefer to use almond or coconut milk, but any drinking milk you have on hand will work just fine. Plus, it adds a good dose of calcium to your breakfast!
Gluten Free Rolled Oats – For the best results, I recommend using gluten free rolled oats. Whole or steel-cut oats require longer cooking times and will have a much different texture than rolled varieties.
Carrot or Zucchini – In addition to using up the rest of your summer produce, adding carrots and/or zucchini is an easy way to sneak in extra nutrients and fiber without altering the flavor of the oatmeal. The neutral taste of the veggies blends perfectly with the apple cinnamon oatmeal flavors. I won’t tell the kids if you don’t!
Apple – Personally, I like to use red apples for a sweeter taste, but green can be included instead if that’s what you prefer.
Dried Fruit – Any dried fruit you have on hand such as raisins will taste great and help to add some sweetness, but if you really want to create a superfood oatmeal try including goji berries!
Nutrition Tip: Goji berries contain 11% of the daily recommended value for iron along with 501% of the daily recommended value of vitamin A!
Flaxseed – Flaxseed is used to add a slightly nutty flavor and healthy fats, but chia seeds can be used in their place.
How to Make Oatmeal (Fast, Slow, and Filling!)
Instant Pot
To start, pour water and milk into an oiled or buttered Instant Pot. Then, add the oats and prepared ingredients, making sure to mix the ingredients together until they are well combined.
Note: Naturally refined coconut oil works well to prevent burning, but any cooking oil or butter you have on hand can be used.
Mix in Option 1 – Shredded apple, zucchini, carrot, and walnuts
Next, set the Instant Pot on the manual pressure cook mode for 4 minutes before letting it naturally release. Or, let it cook for 7 minutes, and use the quick-release method.
Pro-Tip: If using the quick release method, let the oatmeal sit for 2-3 minutes on warm before stirring.
To finish, mix in your sweetener of choice, add your favorite toppings, scoop the oatmeal into jars or a bowl, and enjoy or save for later!
Mix in option 2 – Thin strips of carrot, goji berries, chopped nuts and apple! -
Stovetop
Place the milk in a large saucepan, and bring it to a soft boil. Then, add all of the oatmeal ingredients to the pan, making sure to mix them well. Reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot for 20-25 minutes.
Note: You’ll know the oatmeal is ready when all of the liquid has been absorbed.
Slow Cooker
Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker, stir well, and let them cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5 hours. Whichever version you choose, make sure to stir the oats halfway through cooking.
Pro-Tip: To create more of a porridge-like consistency, add ¼ cup of milk to the oatmeal during the last hour of cooking. es!
Superfood Oatmeal Toppings
As if this apple cinnamon oatmeal wasn’t already packed full of nourishing ingredients, I like to bulk it up even more by adding fun toppings! Not only do these add-ins create an Instagram-worthy breakfast, but they also add tons of texture and flavor to this dish. Some of my favorite additions include honey, chopped nuts, extra dried berries, cacao nibs, coconut flakes, and protein powder!
Common Questions about Homemade Instant Oatmeal
For the best results and easy meals, I recommend dividing your oatmeal into single-serving portions and storing it in airtight containers such as mason jars.
When kept in the refrigerator, this recipe will stay fresh for up to 4-6 days.
Yes! Just pop it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, and it’s good to go.
Yes, I recommend using the slow-release option, and be sure to check it! If it is not thick enough for your liking, just leave the instant pot on warm to let the oat thicken!
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 sugary ingredients like fruit pieces last. Finally, if you want to be extra careful to prevent any burning swap the milk out for water.
More of Our Favorite
Oatmeal Recipes
Instant Pot Oatmeal Meal Prep Recipe (Stove Top Option)
- Total Time: 25
- Yield: 5 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Make this healthy Instant Pot Oatmeal ahead of time for gluten free meals perfect for easy breakfasts, post-workout fuel, and more! Stove top and slow cooker options.
Ingredients
- oil or butter for coating pot
- 1 1/2 cups almond milk or coconut milk (drinking milk)
- 1 1/2 cups water (see notes to avoid burning milk)
- 1 1/2 cup gluten free rolled oats
- 1/2 to 2/3 cup chopped apple
- 1 large carrot or zucchini (shredded into shavings or julienne sliced)
- Optional dried fruit : 1/3 cup raisins or goji berries
- 1/2 cup chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup flaxseed or chia seed
- 1/2 to 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- Pinch of sea salt
- Optional sweetener: 1/4 cup maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar
- Cream or coconut milk for serving
- 1 serving (scoop) protein powder
- fresh blueberries
Instructions
- Pour the total 3 cups of water and non-dairy milk into the oiled instant pot (coconut oil works well). Then, add the oats and prepped ingredients (minus sweetener and toppings) in the Instant Pot. Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Place the Instant pot on manual pressure cook for 4 minutes. Then natural release. For thicker oatmeal, set it on manual pressure cook for 7 minutes, and use quick release. If using quick release let the oatmeal sit for 2-3 minutes on warm before opening and stirring.
- Once cooked, mix in honey, optional cream, berries, and protein, if desired.
- Spoon into 6-7 small 1 cup mason jars or 5 medium bowls. Top with extra blueberries and a splash of milk.
STOVE TOP OPTION:
- Place the milk in large saucepan. Bring it to a soft boil.
- Place all ingredients (minus toppings and sweetener) in the pot.
- Reduce the heat to low, and cover the pot for 20 -25 minutes or until the oats have absorbed the milk and are thoroughly cooked. Mix in sweetener and protein if desired.
- Spoon into jars or bowls. Then, add toppings.
SLOW COOKER OPTION:
- Follow similar instructions to that of slow cooker savory oatmeal.
- Place all ingredients (minus protein and toppings) in slow cooker or instant pot slow cooker option.
- Mix all together and set on high 3 hrs or low for 5. Could be more or less depending on the slow cooker.
- Stir the oats in the slow cooker half way through the cooking time. The flax seed will help bind everything together and thicken it up like steel cut oats.
- Add 1/4 cup more milk to thin out the oats (to create more of a porridge) the last hour of cooking. Mix in protein last if using it.
- Spoon superfood oatmeal into jars or bowls. Add toppings of choice (listed above).
- If using an automatic slow cooker that shifts to warm after 5 hours, set the oats to cook overnight.
Notes
INSTANT POT NOTES – To prevent burning use the pot in pot method. Place trivet or steamer rack inside the inner pot of Instant Pot. Add in 1 cup of water to the inner pot. Place a large (oven safe) bowl on top, proceed with regular instructions (mixing everything in the bowl), and natural release.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Pressure Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size:
- Calories: 287
- Sugar: 7.9 g
- Sodium: 120.5 mg
- Fat: 14.1 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.1 g
- Carbohydrates: 32.1 g
- Fiber: 6.4 g
- Protein: 6.6 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: gluten free, instant pot oatmeal, superfoods, oatmeal, breakfast, meal prep, apple cinnamon oatmeal, vegan, dairy free.
I like to keep this recipe on hand in my fridge at all times for a no-fuss breakfast that I know will keep me fueled for whatever the day brings. Do you have any favorite make-ahead breakfast recipes? Let me know in the comments below!
Cheers,
LC
