
Make ahead Instant Pot cinnamon oatmeal for easy, delicious and healthy start to the day! Just add some milk and your desired toppings.
Ok I'm going to just admit it. I was one of those people who would try to eat a healthy breakfast and starting reaching for the instant oatmeal. You know those Quaker instant oatmeal packets that are pre-seasoned and you just add water or milk?? They were good for awhile but then I had fresh oatmeal at the cafeteria work and it didn't have the same taste or texture as the instant oatmeal packet. I was super confused, like the fresh oatmeal was so so good! What was the difference!?
Could it really be that the instant oatmeal packets, although high in convenience, was lacking in something!? So of course I had to figure this out. I went and bought the oatmeal that comes in a canister, being very careful not to get the one that says "Instant." I went home and made myself some oatmeal according to the package directions. It was just ok. Missing the flavor of those pre-flavored packets! But the texture was so amazing! So I kept trying to get the perfect oatmeal, there were lots of trials!

Since one of my favorite flavors from the Instant oatmeal packets was the cinnamon ones. I decided to go for a cinnamon flavor too. I added in cinnamon, brown sugar and vanilla for a really nice, warm flavor. Since this "discovery" of mine, I haven't gone back to those packets. lol!
I have played around with the recipe here and there. And especially once I bought an Instant Pot, I knew I needed to figure out how to quickly and easily get oatmeal made.
My go-to recipe for Instant Pot Cinnamon Oatmeal
Bonus 2 in 1 Recipe
Rolled Oats and Steel Cut Oats Recipe
I've got a bonus recipe in this one for you! So I actually love both rolled oats and steel cut oats, just depends on the day for me. Only difference between the 2 recipes is the amount of water needed to cook the oatmeal and the time to cook. Other than that, the recipes and measurements are identical! So bookmark this one and try both of these Instant Pot Cinnamon oatmeal recipes!
Favorite Toppings
So I love to have this oatmeal warmed with milk. My kids favorite mix in is peanut butter and nutella. Yes its decadent, but its just a tiny bit of nutella!
My favorite is mixing in fruits, like blueberries, strawberries or bananas. I also love added in different textures like granola and cacoa nibs. Both provide amazing crunch.
Looking for more easy and healthy breakfast options?
📖 Recipe

Instant Pot Cinnamon Oatmeal
Ingredients
For Steel Cut Oats
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 3 cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- cooking spray
For Rolled Oats
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 2½ cups water
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar optional
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- cooking spray
Instructions
- Spray the inside pot of your Instant Pot with cooking spray. Add all of the ingredients to the pot, stir. Close Instant Pot lid and seal.
For Rolled Oats
- Set to manual/pressure cook for 4 minutes on high. Let the pressure release naturally. Remove the cinnamon stick, allow the oatmeal to cool before enjoying or store in the refrigerator for the next morning.
For Steel Cut Oats
- Set to manual/pressure cook for 6 minutes on high. Let the pressure release naturally. Remove the cinnamon stick, allow the oatmeal to cool before enjoying or store in the refrigerator for the next morning.
Gabriela Herrera
What a wonderful recipe. I am all about simplicity and this one is a must tomorrow morning.
Jill Patel
Yes exactly Gabriela! That's what I've learned, if its simple then I will keep going back to the recipe! That's what this is!
Amy
ooooo 2 recipe sin one! A real bonus! I do love my oats too and I normally have the rolled oats but have never actually tried steel cut oats. Love the recipe too, especially the inclusion of the cinnamon stick. I can already imagine the flavours. Going to make a batch on the weekend.
Jill Patel
I like to switch up the oatmeals, so its not the same texture. But even I can't choose between them!
Alexandra
We love oats and this is such a delicious way to enjoy them - a great start to the day!
Jill Patel
Thanks Alexandra! Yes so simple and easy!
Kay
I love overnight oats, the cinnamon adds a lovely warming spice flavour.
Jill Patel
The cinnamon is a great flavor booster!
Amanda Marie
Really great recipe, always glad to find more excuses to use my instapot
Jill Patel
I know what you mean! I love being able to put everything in the instant pot and just walking away.
Sunrita
What a healthy and easy way to start the morning. A bit of spice to add flavour is such a great idea
Jill Patel
Thanks Sunrita! Its a great flavor, perfect way to start the morning!