Instant Pot Oatmeal

Secret to Perfectly Creamy Oatmeal in Instant Pot (No Burn Alerts!)

We’ve unlocked a foolproof strategy to get creamy Instapot oatmeal—without triggering that dreaded BURN warning. First, brush the inner pot’s bottom with a thin layer of softened butter. This not only forms a protective seal but also infuses a buttery richness to the oats.

Next, adopt the layering technique: add your water, oats, and salt first, stir gently, then pour milk on top—but do not stir. This keeps the dairy from settling and scorching on the pot’s bottom. It’s a real game-changer for making porridge.

Oats to Liquid Ratio for Cooking Instant Pot Oatmeal

To make creamy oatmeal in your instapot, aim for 3 cups of liquid per 1 cup of rolled (old‑fashioned) oats—a tried-and-true 1:3 ratio delivers smooth results without risking the dreaded BURN alert.

If you're cooking oatmeal using only water, you’ll want to follow the classic 3:1 water-to-rolled oats ratio—about 3 cups of water for every 1 cup of oats, which ensures a smooth and creamy texture without needing milk.

Oatmeal Flavor Inspiration

• Banana Nut: Stir in ripe banana slices, chopped walnuts, and a dash of cinnamon for a cozy, fall-inspired breakfast.
• Chocolate Peanut Butter: Mix in creamy peanut butter, a spoonful of cocoa powder or chocolate chips, and a drizzle of honey.
• Apple Cinnamon Walnut: Stir in chopped apples, cinnamon and walnuts along with the Quaker oats. Refer to our instant pot apple cinnamon oatmeal recipe.
• Maple Brown Sugar Pecan: A classic sweet treat—blend maple syrup and brown sugar with chopped toasted pecans and a hint of cinnamon.
• Strawberries & Cream: Fold in fresh chopped strawberries, a splash of heavy cream (or coconut milk for a lighter alternative), and a bit of honey for a fresh berry twist.
• Pina Colada: Stir in diced pineapple, shredded coconut, and a dash of coconut milk for a summery porridge bowl.
• Black Forest Cake: Transform your pressure cooker oatmeal into dessert by adding chopped cherries, cocoa powder, a touch of sweetener, and a swirl of whipped cream.
• Birthday Cake: Celebrate every morning—blend in a bit of sugar, a splash of vanilla, and colorful sprinkles.
• Pumpkin Spice: Perfect for Fall —add pumpkin puree, pumpkin pie spice (or cinnamon and nutmeg), a bit of brown sugar, and a splash of cream.

Step 1 - Brush the bottom of the stainless steel inner pot with a thin layer of softened butter.

Step 2 - Mix in the rolled oats, water and salt.

Step 3 & 4 - Pour milk on top but don't stir. Close the pressure cooker and cook for 7 minutes and let it warm for 10 minutes.

Recipe tips

• Swap in coconut oil for butter.
• Stick with rolled (old-fashioned) Quaker oats, not steel-cut or quick oats:
• Never skip the salt.
• Double the recipe without changing cooking time.
• This instapot oats recipe has been tested in both 3-quart and 8-quart instant pots.
• Use gluten free certified oats to make it gluten free.

More good oatmeal recipes

These creative oatmeal recipes take breakfast to the next level with convenience, indulgence, and comfort.

• With air fryer oatmeal, you get the most foolproof, hands-free method to make breakfast—just pop the bowl into the air fryer, and you have perfectly cooked oats in air fryer.
• The carrot cake oatmeal recipe transforms classic dessert flavors—carrot cake with cream cheese frosting—into a nutritious breakfast.
• Oatmeal smoothie recipe feels like sipping on a rich, creamy chocolate milkshake, yet it's made with wholesome Quaker rolled oats.
• Our oven-baked oatmeal is a snap to prepare and perfect for mornings when you want something cozy and effortless.