After perfecting our Instant Pot steel cut oats recipe, this banana bread-inspired flavor was begging to be made. It’s like banana bread but without the effort and with tons of wholesome nutrition.
And when made in the Instant Pot, it’s hands off and couldn’t be easier. Just 1 pot and 7 ingredients required. Let us show you how it’s done!
Ripe banana is sliced and cooked in with the oats to infuse them with natural sweetness and banana in every bite. Dairy-free milk helps keep the texture extra creamy. And vanilla, walnuts, brown sugar, and more sliced bananas complete the banana bread flavor! What’s not to love?
For more protein, staying power, and creamy goodness, you can optionally top these oats with a swirl of nut butter. Almond butter or peanut butter would be delicious, but if you have Cinnamon Snickerdoodle nut butter from Ground Up PDX, use that. Woah, next-level deliciousness!
We hope you love these banana bread steel cut oats! They’re:
Creamy
Comforting
Banana-infused
Perfectly sweet
Quick & easy
& SO delicious!
They’re the perfect cozy breakfast for when you’re craving banana bread but want to nourish your body with something more wholesome. They can also be made ahead and enjoyed throughout the week (just skip the toppings until ready to serve)!
More Steel Cut Oat Recipes
- How to Make Perfect Steel Cut Oats
- Cranberry Pumpkin Steel Cut Oats
- Caramelized Pear Steel Cut Oats
- Cozy Turmeric Porridge (1 Pot!)
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistbaker on Instagram. Cheers, friends!
Note: Recipe updated 2/23/21 for quicker cook time!
Banana Bread Steel Cut Oats (Instant Pot Friendly!)
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats (ensure gluten-free, if needed)
- 1 cup water
- 1 ½ cups dairy-free milk (we prefer almond, cashew, oat, or coconut milk)
- 1 healthy pinch sea salt
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon, plus more for garnish
- 1 medium ripe banana, sliced (add more for extra banana flavor)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
TOPPINGS
- 2 Tbsp toasted or raw walnuts
- 1 medium banana, sliced
- 1-2 Tbsp organic brown sugar, coconut sugar, or maple syrup (if sugar-free, omit or sub stevia or monk fruit to taste)
- 1-2 Tbsp nut butter (optional // we like almond butter or peanut butter and love Ground Up PDX Cinnamon Snickerdoodle Nut Butter)
Instructions
INSTANT POT
- Add steel cut oats, water, dairy-free milk, salt, cinnamon, and sliced banana to the Instant Pot and stir to combine (see notes below for stovetop method). Pressure cook on high for 4-6 minutes (it will take about 8 minutes for the Instant Pot to pressurize before cooking begins). Select 4 minutes for tender oats, and 6 minutes for even more porridgy oats with less bite.
- If serving with toasted walnuts (optional), prepare at this time by placing walnuts in a skillet (we prefer cast iron) over medium-low heat and toasting for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally and paying close attention to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once the Instant Pot timer goes off, allow to naturally release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure. Carefully remove lid once steam has fully escaped. Add vanilla (optional), and stir to combine. Use a wooden spoon to mash the bananas if you prefer smaller bites of banana.
- Enjoy with toppings of choice. We recommend toasted or raw walnuts, cinnamon, sliced banana, and organic brown sugar or maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice). Nut butter is an extra delicious touch (optional).
- Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding more liquid, if needed, to thin.
STOVETOP
- Add steel cut oats to a medium saucepan and top with 1 cup (240 ml) each of water and dairy-free milk (or, if making more or less, use a 2:1 liquid:oats ratio).
- Add salt, cinnamon, and sliced banana and bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes or until the water is mostly absorbed and the oats are tender.
- If serving with toasted walnuts (optional), prepare at this time by placing walnuts in a skillet (we prefer cast iron) over medium-low heat and toasting for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally and paying close attention to ensure they don’t burn.
- Once the oats are tender, remove from heat, add vanilla (optional), and stir to combine. Use a wooden spoon to mash the bananas if you prefer smaller bites of banana.
- Enjoy with toppings of choice. We recommend toasted or raw walnuts, cinnamon, sliced banana, and organic brown sugar or maple syrup (or other sweetener of choice). Nut butter is an extra delicious touch (optional).
- Store cooled leftovers in the refrigerator up to 3-4 days or in the freezer up to 1 month. Reheat on the stovetop, stirring frequently and adding more liquid, if needed, to thin.
Mireille says
I made it this morning and it was wonderful! I really enjoyed the banana flavor. Tasted like banana bread oatmeal! The only thing I did differently was to use unsweetened soy milk and no sugar on top. I added toasted walnuts, almond butter, and strawberry chia Smash jam so it tasted like an Elvis PB&J.
Lovely! Thanks so much for sharing, Mireille! xo
Elisabeth says
Hi!
This is a recipe I definitely have to try. It sounds delicious! Do I have to adjust anything to make it in an 8 quart instant pot?
Hi Elisabeth, nope! All measurements and times are the same regardless of the size of instant pot. Let us know what you think if you give it a try!
Cathy says
Delicious! Followed the recipe with a free exceptions (does anyone on the internet follow a recipe without a little tweaking?). I turned on the sauté and used a little butter to toast the oats before adding the other ingredients. After toasting the oats, I followed the recipe as it is written. If one wished to try toasting the oats without dairy, using a neutral oil like avocado or Grapeseed would probably work (I’m just thinking it’d be less expensive then the dairy free options – though there are some good ones out there!).
P.S. For what it’s worth, I used regular milk and it turned out great. Also, I only toast the oats for a minute or so, just until they start to become fragrant.
Sounds delicious. We’re so glad you enjoyed them, Cathy! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Jen says
Delicious! Followed all ingredients (except no added sweetener-no need!) and put in rice cooker. Came out perfect-topped with blueberries and walnuts.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Jen! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Lydia M says
Why does using Instant Pot not require soaking overnight the steel cut oats, as instructed for cooking on stove to remove phytic acid (and improve digestibility?
Hi Lydia, soaking is an optional step with oats. However, pressure cooking does remove more of it. Hope that helps!
DV says
Made this today using 2% milk, everything else as directed. Cooked 5 minutes, and they were perfect. Soft but still with a little bite, not mushy. So delicious! Thank you!
Yay! Thanks for the great review, DV!
Louisa says
Hello!
This recipe sounds sooooo cool, would love to try it!
If I’m using rolled oats and making this on the stovetop, do I still keep the same amount of liquid as in the original recipe?
Thanks!
Louisa
Hi Louisa, for the stovetop you’ll use 1 cup (240 ml) each of water and dairy-free milk (or, if making more or less than the default number of servings, use a 2:1 liquid:oats ratio). You can find stovetop instructions beneath the Instant Pot instructions. Hope you love it!
Thomas Swainson says
It just burnt to the bottom of the instant pot and the burn notice came on!
With starchy items, do not stir, put fluid in first, then place the oats on top. Only stir once compelte otherwise you’ll get thr burn notice like I did and a Sunday breakfast ruined.
Hi Thomas, we’re sorry to hear that was your experience! What type of milk were you using? We find thicker milks can cause a burn warning.
Dayna says
Delicious! I made just one portion and accidentally used a full banana, it was amazing! I didn’t even need maple syrup, I think the extra banana made it sweet enough. I also doubled the cinnamon. It legit tastes like banana bread! My roommates were super disappointed when they came downstairs to no banana bread awaiting, lol
Woohoo! Glad it smelled so convincing ;) Thanks so much for the wonderful review, Dayna!
Danielle says
This was so easy and so tasty!! I had all the ingredients on hand and was able to make a nice Christmas breakfast for myself while I’m stuck at home this year. Thank you!!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Danielle! Hugs to you! xoxo
Christin says
This was my first time using steel cut oats and this recipe is a winner! My husband loved it! I doubled it since I figured my kids would enjoy it, too. Thank you!
We’re so glad to hear it was a hit with the whole family, Christin! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Jennifer says
This oatmeal rules!! Totally delicious, perfect texture and sweetness. Made it on the stove top. Thank you!!
Yay! So glad you enjoy it, Jennifer! xoxo
Kaitlyn says
Is it possible to sub rolled oats and if so how would I do that?
Hi Kaitlyn, that should work! Rolled oats typically only take 2 minutes on high pressure.
Aimee says
OH MY! This is delicious! Needed a big switch up to my oatmeal, tried a few different ones, this one is the winner! Drool worthy! Added cinnamon candied pecans and almonds on top. So good!
Thanks, Aimee!
Angie says
This is an easy and delicious recipe! Love the flavor with the banana!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Angie! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Pavitra Pujary says
Absolutely delicious! My new favorite breakfast recipe! Thank you so much!! xx
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoy it, Pavitra. Thanks so much for the lovely review! xo
Baiba says
Dear Dana,
It’s fabulous, porridge of the year!
Xoxo
Whoop!
Kristin Sankovich says
We made this exactly as directed with sprouted steel cut oats and it was the most delicious oatmeal I’ve ever had! Instant pot cook time was fine. Super creamy with a tiny chew, added protein powder and flax, and topped with toasted walnuts, honey and peanut butter and more milk. Will double next time to have leftovers!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing, Kristin!! We just tested it today with an even shorter cook time and it worked well (adding that update soon).
Paige says
So good!!! Didn’t need any sugar or maple syrup, it’s the only oatmeal recipe I’ve ever tried where I’ve felt that way.
Amazing! Thanks so much for sharing, Paige! xo
Isabella says
Delicious! It really does taste like banana bread. It tends to leave a burnt-on stain on the bottom of the inner pot of my (3.5-quart) Instant Pot, any suggestions? Love the Instant Pot recipes!
We’re so glad you enjoy it, Isabella! Baking soda works wonders for removing stains.
Diane says
Normally when I cook steel cut oats in the instant pot I include a cut up apple. I use 3 cups water and cook on high for 3 minutes with a natural release. So I had my doubts when your recipe called for 20 minutes. However, says I, maybe I’ll learn something here. It smelled absolutely delicious as it cooked. What I learned was that 20 minutes is way to long. I think there must have been a typo in your directions. I gave this three stars because I’ll try it again at 3 minutes. Like I said, it smelled wonderful.
Hi Diane, we had success at 20 minutes, but other readers have reported it working at 3-5 minutes.
MD says
Tried doubling in the Instant Pot – overheated. Making this exactly as instructed, in the amounts instructed, comes out perfectly. Doubling for some reason makes the Instant Pot overheat.
That machine works well, but its sensitivity is infuriating!
Thank you for an otherwise great recipe that my one-year-old inhales :)
Bummer on the double batch. The Instant Pot can be quite temperamental. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Stephanie. F B says
It was so delicious! I topped my kiddos off with a splash of syrup and a few chocolate chips and they were in heaven. I ate it plain. Thanks!
I made it with soy milk, it was the only milk i had on hand.
Yay! We’re so glad everyone enjoyed it. Thanks for sharing, Stephanie!
Sage says
I made this totally as is , added walnuts and wholenut peanut butter as suggested ….a-mazing ! I used a brand of oats id never had before and they were just perfect – so although you can get dort cheap oats, i would say its worth that extra £1 to upgrade. Off to make more thank you!
Amazing! We’re so glad you enjoyed it! xo
Susie says
This is so good and smells like a dream! I made it as directed with oat milk and topped with pecans. Bonus: my 4 and 6 year olds loved it too. Thank you!
So amazing! Thanks for sharing, Susie!
Rachel says
SO GOOD. Such a delicious and nutritious breakfast. My husband and I are currently eating this and watching the ice thaw. Thank you for all the wonderful recipes. I pretty much make 1 a day.
Amazing! Thanks for sharing, Rachel!
Sandra says
This is the perfect breakfast recipe! I can start it before my workout, and it’s ready when I am. I’ve also made it the night before and reheated with a little almond milk.
The first time I made it exactly as written-the second time I used a chopped apple, and topped it with a second apple sautéed in a little water with cinnamon and served it topped with the apple and a generous spoonful of your Super Chunky Coconut Granola and a drizzle of maple syrup. It tasted like apple crisp for breakfast!
Incredible! Love that topping idea. xo!
Wasima Siddiqui says
I made this for breakfast today and the whole family appreciated it including my toddler. It was the perfect breakfast on a cold winter morning – warm and cozy. This is definitely going to be my breakfast for a good number of days. Oh and it definitely smells and almost tastes like a delicious banana bread. Thanks again Dana!
Yesssss! Thanks for sharing, Wasima!
Lucie Lemeltier says
It was delicious ! Nothing to changed. Once finished, I remade another one for the following day 😍😍 So creamy 🤩🤩
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Lucie. Thanks so much for the lovely review!
VICKY says
Great bowl of oats! I had to add more liquid tho, if I can next time I might soak the oats overnight, I feel it would make it even more delicious. Thanks for this treat!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Vicky! Thanks so much for sharing! xo
Kathy says
Can this be prepared in a slow cooker?
I think so! Probably cook on low for at least a couple hours? Let us know if you try!
Annana says
Thanks for yet another fantastic recipe idea! I didn’t have steel-cut oats so I just made this with rolled oats. It was banana bread in a bowl, warm and comforting! I added nuts and a dash of maple syrup. Just delicious!
Yay! We’re so glad you enjoyed it =) Thanks for sharing! xo
Caroline says
This recipe hits ALL the nails on the head! Adding the extra toppings is a must. Toasting the walnuts brought out a whole new flavor! Thanks so much- this will be a staple recipe in our house each week!
Lovely, thanks for sharing, Caroline!
Lauren Hier says
This was delightful. Warm, comforting, and no complaints from the kids!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Lauren! xo
AbbyT says
LOVE this combination! Followed the recipe almost exactly and wouldn’t change a thing. I prefer my steel cut oats to get creamy, so I appreciate recipes with a slight increase in liquid & longer cook time. (Did the water and unsweetened coconut milk in the posted amounts.) Such a great hands off breakfast to toss together before hopping in the shower! I did use a frozen banana because we keep them on-hand for smoothies etc., turned out perfectly tasty. Toasted the nuts in the oven because I’m lazy – – toasting really takes the flavor over the top, I’ll do that way more often. Thank you for posting, saving forevah!
Whoop! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Abby! Thanks so much for the lovely review! xo
Marie-Josée Guillot says
Absolument délicieux! Chaud, crémeux, goûteux et réconfortant! Merci!
Becca says
Hi Dana, I love the sound of this recipe however…one concern which has put me off steel cut oats is 1 out of 3 times (maybe more) I’ll be enjoying a bowl and then all of a sudden theres an awful crunch which completely puts me off eatting the rest of the oats, I find the culprit and it’s a random hard piece of oat…is there anyway to prevent this? I’ve googled so many times but no one seems to have posted anything so maybe it’s just me whos unfortunate enough to experience this, but thought if anyone has a solution it would be you :)
If you know what I’m talking about and how to prevent it I cannot wait to try this recipe!!! Thanks in advance, Becca
Hi Becca! I’d say make sure your oats are fresh. And be sure to sort out any visible debris that may be causing the crunch. Otherwise, I’d say adequate soak and cook time will help ensure all oats are thoroughly cooked. The benefit of this method of cooking in the Instant Pot is it will help ensure they’re thoroughly cooked thanks to the pressure. Hope that helps!
Becca says
Thank you so much Dana, it does and I actually know what your talking about “the visable debris” as I’ve seen bits floating that look rough when oats start to boil but never thought that would be the cause. With your advise I’m going to give steel cut oats another go because they are delicious and been missing them all winter 😥 will rate the recipe once made as always 😊 thanks again for all that you do x
Sounds great, Becca!
Wendy says
Yum! Smelled so amazing and tasted awesome! I added chia seeds slivered almonds and doubled the vanilla. So good thank u!!
Ooo – delish! Thanks for the lovely review, Wendy. We’re so glad you enjoyed! xo
Jessica Butler says
Hey there! Long time subscriber and this looks delicious :) Quick question: could I use a frozen banana in the instant pot instead of a fresh one? The frozen one I have is super ripe but I almost feel like in the instant pot it should cook pretty quickly. Have you tried or think it may work? Thanks and let me know!
Hi Jessica, we haven’t tried it, but do think a frozen banana would work. Let us know how it goes!
AbbyT says
Hey Jessica, I did it today, Totally worked! Do it, it’s yum. :)
Jessica Butler says
Did it this AM too and totally worked for me as well. Yum :)
Thanks for sharing, Jessica!
jerry grewal says
I think your cooking time is way off. I used to cook for close to that time but i read an article that said to set cook time to 4min (this doesnt include pressurizing and depressurizing time. Works much better. otherwise will try this out
Interesting! Thanks for sharing, Jerry.
Anne says
Just made these with coconut milk and omitted the sweetener entirely. They are delicious!!
Lovely! Thanks for sharing, Anne! xo
Elsie A Missen says
I followed the directions and got a burn signal soon after it can to full pressure . I was able to salvage most of it since I stopped it before it totally burned. what do you think happened.
Oh no! Sorry to hear that, Elsie. Is it possible the silicone ring wasn’t sealing properly? Was there any steam coming out the sides?
Arvie says
Hi!
I’m so old school ~ I don’t use an Instant Pot, I use a crock pot instead! Would you have any recommendations for making this in my slow cooker?
Thank you so much ~~
Hi Arvie, we haven’t experimented with this recipe in a slow cooker. But we think it sounds promising! Let us know if you try it!
Anna says
Oh my gosh… this looks dreamy. I can’t wait to make it. If I use a stove top pressure cooker do I follow the same instructions as the instapot? Will be making this recipe this weekend.
We think so! Though we haven’t tried it that way. Let us know how it goes!
Dee Hughes says
Hi – Thoughts on making this in the slow-cooker? I don’t have an Insta-Pot, but love the idea of a set-it-and-forget-it steel-cut oats recipe :)
We haven’t experimented with steel cut oats in a slow cooker, but it sounds promising! Let us know if you try it!
Byron says
Can we use regular milk instead of non dairy? Or powdered milk?
Regular milk should be fine. Let us know how it goes!
Kitkat says
Got a burn signal about 10 minutes in. Was able to get it open on time! Still creamy and still yummy! Just won’t do so long next time. Thanks for another warm and filling recipe nonetheless!
Sorry that happened! What type of milk did you use? We wonder if it was thicker?
Kitkat says
Used almond milk and a little of oat milk. And added about 1/4 cup extra water. Next time I’ll do less time. Weird!
Deanna says
I make steel cut oats in the instant pot several times each week and only pressure cook for 6 minutes. I’m not seeing anything different in this recipe that would require more time. Do you think that would be okay? (and thanks for the flavor variation – yum!)
We’d say go for it! Let us know how it turns out.
Deanna says
Made it this morning using water instead of milk which is my norm, added the vanilla as suggested and pressure cooked for the 6 minutes as I also normally do. I let naturally pressure release for 10 minutes, until I came back from walking the dog then manually released remaining pressure. Great flavor additions to my morning steel cut oats. Success!
We’re so glad it turned out well! Thanks for sharing, Deanna!
Rosie says
Hello.
I usually combine oats, water, cinnamon and chia seeds in the instant pot at night and delay start it for the next morning. Would it work for this recipe or would the banana and milk go bad?
Hi Rosie, We think it would pose food safety issues, unfortunately. Sounds super practical though!
Naomi says
One trick I love is to use the delay starts with the slow cooker feature on the instant pot for steel cut oats. Just with the water, salt and spices. Then finish with fruit, milk/substitute in the morning, either with a quick pressure cook, or the sauté function. Makes it quick!
Awesome! Thanks for sharing, Naomi!
Toni says
Can I remove the water and use all non-dairy milk for extra creaminess?
It may cause a burn warning, especially with a thicker milk like coconut. But let us know if you try it!
Toni says
Yay! It did not burn. I used cashew milk. ‘so yummy and creamy.
Thanks!
Thanks for sharing, Toni!!
Marc says
Why 20 minutes under pressure? I make steel cut oats in the pressure cooker all the time, according to the recipe book that came with my instant pot, and it takes 3 minutes (3 parts oats to 1 part plant milk).
Hi Marc, we found that amount of time produced creamy oats. But if you typically cook for a shorter amount of time with success, we’d say give that a try!
Nancy says
Question: I normally cook 1 cup steel cut oats with 2 1/2 cups liquid for 4 minutes at high pressure. 20 minutes sounds really long. Why are you cooking them for 20 minutes?
Hi Nancy, we found that amount of time produced creamy oats. But if you typically cook for a shorter amount of time with success, we’d say give that a try!
Malak Kudaimi says
Hello! Wonderful recipe! Can we make these with rolled oats instead? How would the cooking time change?
Hi Malak, yes, that should work! Rolled oats typically only take 2 minutes on high pressure. You can refer to this recipe for further guidance. Hope that helps!