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.
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!
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
- 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
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!
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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.
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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
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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!
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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!
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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!
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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.
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Now THIS is my kind of breakfast! These oats and all the add ins are fabulous!
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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!
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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!