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Warm, cozy, and perfectly spiced, these apple cinnamon steel cut oats are the ultimate comfort breakfast. Made with hearty steel cut oats, sweet apples, and a hint of cinnamon, this recipe delivers a creamy, flavorful bowl of goodness in a fraction of the time.
This recipe takes the classic apple cinnamon oatmeal and makes it quicker and easier using a pressure cooker without the long stovetop wait. The oats cook perfectly without the need for constant stirring, resulting in a creamy texture with just the right amount of chew.
It’s ideal for busy mornings, meal prep, craving something warm on a chilly day, or when you want a comforting breakfast that tastes like dessert but is packed with fiber and nutrients. You will also love to try cottage cheese almond flour pancakes, Greek yogurt banana split, and no-bake, pumpkin spice energy bites for breakfast.
Table of Contents
Recipe Overview
Flavor Profile: Warm, cozy, and naturally sweet with hints of cinnamon, caramelized apples, and nutty steel-cut oats
Texture: Creamy and slightly chewy, the perfect balance of soft oats and tender apple chunks
Method: Pressure cooker for quick, hands-off cooking
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Occasion: Ideal for a wholesome breakfast, meal prep, or a warm snack on a chilly day
Nutrition: Packed with fiber, whole grains, and natural sweetness for a filling, hearty start to your day
Ingredients
- Butter
- Steel cut oats
- Cups water
- Milk of choice
- Apple
- Coconut sugar or light brown sugar
- Vanilla extract
- Ground cinnamon
- Salt
How to Make Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
Select the Sauté mode and add the butter to melt it.
Once melted, add the peeled and cubed apple and sauté for a few minutes.
Add the steel cut oats and continue to sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly toasted and nutty.
Stir in the water, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
Switch to High Pressure mode and set for 10 minutes.
When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then finish with a quick release.
Once the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Stir the oats, then cover and let them sit 5–10 minutes to thicken.
Serve apple cinnamon steel cut oats warm with extra milk, nuts, or a sprinkle of sugar on top if desired.
Serving Suggestions
These hearty apple cinnamon steel cut oats are incredibly versatile, and you can enjoy it in many delicious ways.
Serve warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon and extra apple slices for a natural sweetness boost. To make it extra creamy, add a splash of milk or cream with a sprinkle of brown sugar.
For a crunchy texture, top with chopped nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds. A sprinkle of granola also works beautifully.
You can also drizzle with honey, maple syrup, or a sprinkle of brown sugar or coconut sugar for extra indulgence.
Variations and Substitutes
Dairy-Free: Swap almond, oat, or coconut milk for regular milk and use coconut oil instead of butter.
Sugar-free: Skip the sugar entirely or use a natural sweetener such as honey or stevia.
Different Fruits: Substitute peaches, pears, or berries for the apples.
Spice It Up: Try adding cardamom, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice for a fall-inspired twist.
Sweeter Oats: Add honey, maple syrup, or extra brown sugar to taste.
Extra Creaminess: Stir in a splash of coconut cream or heavy cream after cooking.
Extra Crunch: When I reheat my steal cut oats, I add freshly dished apples and milk on simmer. The crunch is so good and the apples slightly cook. So delicious and highly recommend.
Recipe Tips
Toast the oats: Sautéing the oats before pressure cooking deepens their flavor and creates a rich, nutty base.
Dice apples evenly: Cut the apples into small, uniform cubes so they soften nicely into the oats during cooking without turning mushy.
Don’t rush the resting time: After cooking, let the oats sit covered for 5–10 minutes. This helps them thicken naturally and develop a creamier texture.
Don’t over-stir: After cooking, gently fold the oats to keep the apple pieces intact.
Customize thickness: If your oatmeal is too thick, add a splash of warm milk to reach your preferred consistency.
Avoid quick-release too soon: Allowing a 10-minute natural release prevents messy splatters and ensures even cooking.
Add toppings right before serving: Wait until serving to add nuts, fresh fruit, or granola to keep them crunchy and vibrant.
Make it ahead: Double the recipe for meal prep, but keep the liquid ratio the same.
Storage Tips
Refrigerator: Store cooked oats leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Freezer: Portion oats into small freezer-safe containers or silicone muffin cups. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Add a splash of milk or water and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir to bring back the creamy texture.
Grab and Go: Cook a double batch, portion oats into jars or meal-prep containers, and refrigerate or freeze portions for quick, grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. Just add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy consistency, top, and enjoy.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, steel cut oats need a different cooking time and liquid ratio. Rolled oats will become mushy in the pressure cooker.
Make sure you stir well before sealing the lid and avoid stirring once the oats start cooking under pressure.
I don’t recommend. Leaving steel cut oats on warm mode for too long can cause scorching or drying out. Instead, cook them ahead of time, let them cool completely, and store them in the fridge. Reheat when needed.
For creamier, thicker oats: Let them sit longer after cooking, or reduce the liquid slightly.
For looser, softer oats: Stir in extra hot milk or water after pressure cooking until the desired consistency.
Yes, but it’s best to keep a mix of water and milk. Using all milk can cause foaming and may increase the risk of burning or sticking more to the pot. If you want it richer, increase milk by half and reduce water by the same amount.
Coconut sugar and brown sugar add a caramel-like flavor. Maple syrup or honey brings natural sweetness, but works beautifully too. Add them after cooking for more control over sweetness.
More Delicious Recipes For Breakfast
Pressure Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Steel cut oats
- 1¾ cups Water
- 1 cups Milk of choice
- 1 Large apple, peeled, cored, and diced
- 2 tablespoons Coconut sugar, or light brown sugar
- ⅛ teaspoon Vanilla extract
- 1½ teaspoons Ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Select the Sauté mode and add the butter to melt it.
- Once melted, add the peeled and cubed apple and sauté for a few minutes.
- Add the steel-cut oats and continue to sauté for 3–4 minutes until lightly toasted and nutty.
- Stir in the water, milk, sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Mix well.
- Switch to High Pressure mode and set for 10 minutes.
- When the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes, then finish with a quick release.
- Once the valve drops, carefully remove the lid. Stir the oats, then cover and let them sit 5–10 minutes to thicken.
- Serve warm with extra milk, nuts, or a sprinkle of sugar on top if desired.
