Hearty steel cut oats are SO easy (and fast) in the Instant Pot, and this Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats recipe is healthy and so delicious!

If you are in the market for super hearty and healthy breakfasts that come together quickly…and most importantly…super deliciously, this Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats recipe is here for you. 

Close up of white bowl filled with Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats with sliced bananas and milk.

Modeled after this popular Creamy Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oats recipe, this banana bread version is crazy good. Although I haven’t tried it in the slow cooker like I have the coconut milk recipe, I think it stands a good chance of working (for you non-IPers out there). 

Steel cut oats are one of my favorite things to make in the Instant Pot. Thicker and chewier than regular ol’ rolled oats, steel cut oats take 30 minutes of simmering on the stovetop, but in the Instant Pot, they cook in just 4 minutes. Holla! 

Spoonful of Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats.

Now I know that the time controversy with the Instant Pot is a valid battle. Adding in the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure, cook, and then naturally release pressure may make the total time about equal for steel cut oats (stovetop vs. Instant Pot).

But I will fight to the death that you can’t beat the hands-off functionality of the Instant Pot. As in, no steel cut oats bubbling and boiling over on the stove or burning on the bottom of the pan causing one (who shall remain nameless) to say bad words. You can set it and forget it! And for some reason, that just makes the steel cut oatmeal taste better. #truth

Steel cut oats being poured into an Instant Pot.

This banana bread steel cut oatmeal is so delicious. Not only can you (and should you!) top the creamy cooked oatmeal with sliced bananas, there are also mashed bananas added to the oats before cooking. You know, for that wonderful little banana bread vibe. 

The bananas add creaminess and a little boost of natural sweetness.

Honey being drizzled over bowl of Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats.

And while I don’t like nuts in all the things, these Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats are fantastic with the nutty crunch of a few toasted pecans (or almonds or whatever). P.S. this oatmeal is also insane with a little dollop of Nutella. Just sayin’.

I have a feeling this recipe would be pretty adaptable to a bunch of different fruit add-ins if you are banana averse or just looking for a way to change things up.

What about peaches? Apples? Strawberries? Each would add a different flavor and texture, but I’m liking the idea of endless variability. Well, endless may be a stretch. I’m not sure grape or kiwi oatmeal should be a thing, but hey, if you feel like living on the edge and trying it, let me know how it goes. 🙂

White bowl filled with Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats with sliced bananas and milk.
White bowl filled with Instant Pot banana bread steel cut oats with sliced bananas and milk.

Instant Pot Banana Bread Steel Cut Oats

4.70 stars (161 ratings)

Ingredients

  • 2 cups milk, almond milk, dairy milk, etc
  • 2 cups water (see note)
  • 2 to 3 mashed/pureed bananas, about 1 cup
  • 2 cups steel cut oats
  • Pinch of salt
  • ¼ cup brown sugar, or honey
  • ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
  • For serving: sliced bananas, chopped toasted nuts, honey for drizzling

Instructions 

  • Grease the insert of a 6-quart Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray.
  • Add the milk, water, mashed bananas, oats and salt to the pot and give the mixture a good stir.
  • Secure the lid making sure the valve is sealed. Select the Manual or Pressure Cook button and dial up or down to 4 minutes. The IP will start automatically. When finished cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure (otherwise the oatmeal may spurt through the valve if pressure is released too soon). Stir in the brown sugar (or honey) and vanilla.
  • Serve warm with additional milk (if desired), sliced bananas, chopped nuts or extra honey/brown sugar. The oatmeal will thicken considerably as it cools.

Notes

Consistency: you can increase the liquid (milk or water) if you like a thinner consistency to steel cut oats.
Slow Cooker: I haven’t made this steel cut oats recipe in the slow cooker, but it should convert pretty well based on this similar Creamy Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe.
Burn Warning on Instant Pot: If you are getting the burn warning when cooking, you can help/fix that by adding more water. You can add up to another cup of water with good results (the oats will look runnier after cooking but will thicken as they cool).
Serving: 1 Serving, Calories: 326kcal, Carbohydrates: 57g, Protein: 12g, Fat: 7g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 8mg, Sodium: 42mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 18g

Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe