Instant Pot® Pumpkin and Cranberry Steel Cut Oatmeal

Warm up your mornings with this cozy, flavorful oatmeal that combines the sweetness of pumpkin and the tartness of cranberries. Ready in no time thanks to the Instant Pot, it’s a perfect nutritious start to your day.

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TIME18 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

Instant Pot® Pumpkin and Cranberry Steel Cut Oatmeal

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

1 cup steel-cut oats 2 teaspoons pumpkin pie spice 1 pinch salt 2 cups water 1 cup skim milk ¾ cup pumpkin puree ½ cup dried cranberries 2 tablespoons honey, or to taste ¼ cup chopped walnuts (Optional) 2 tablespoons brown sugar (Optional)

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by adding the oats to your Instant Pot along with the pumpkin pie spice and a pinch of salt. Pour in the water, milk, pumpkin puree, and cranberries, then give everything a gentle stir to combine. Secure the lid and set the pot to high pressure for 3 minutes. It will take about 10 to 15 minutes for the pressure to come up. Once the cooking time is done, let it sit on the “keep warm” setting for another 5 minutes. Carefully release the pressure using the quick-release method, then open the lid. Stir in the honey, spoon the oatmeal into bowls, and top each with walnuts and a sprinkle of brown sugar. Enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Rinse the steel cut oats before cooking to remove any dust and improve texture.
- Use fresh or frozen cranberries for the best tartness; dried cranberries can be sweeter and change the flavor balance.
- If you prefer a creamier consistency, stir in a splash of milk or cream after cooking.

Why you’ll love it

This dish combines the warm flavors of pumpkin and tart cranberries, making it a cozy and nutritious breakfast option. It’s quick to prepare thanks to the Instant Pot®, and steel cut oats provide a hearty texture that keeps you full longer.

Serving ideas

Serve warm with a drizzle of maple syrup or honey for extra sweetness. Top with chopped nuts or a spoonful of yogurt for added texture and protein. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or apples also pairs well.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a little water or milk to loosen the oatmeal if needed. You can also freeze portions for up to 2 months.