Creamy Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oatmeal {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker!}
This deliciously creamy coconut milk steel cut oatmeal is the perfect hearty breakfast and so easy to make in the Instant Pot (or slow cooker!).
I’ve long been a fan of steel cut oats; we’ve made this easy overnight, stovetop version for years and years. Because it only needs to be quickly heated up in the morning, it makes crazy, weekday mornings a breeze.
Enter the Instant Pot craze, and many of our breakfasts now consist of steel cut oats bubbling away in the Instant Pot.
I don’t have an official base recipe posted for Instant Pot steel cut oatmeal because it’s almost too simple: 1 cup steel cut oats + 2 cups water + pinch of salt + high pressure for 3-4 minutes + natural release.
I always double the above ratios for our family. Oatmeal is a great breakfast for our family, because the add-in options are endless and often very creative (not going to lie, I almost gagged the one time my child decided to add diced up hard-boiled eggs to his oatmeal; I think he did, too).
My disclaimer is that the overnight, stovetop steel cut oatmeal is still faster for weekday mornings than making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot.
Even though the Instant Pot is nearer to perfection than any other appliance I own, it still takes a fair amount of time for it to come to pressure and then to let the pressure naturally release after cooking.
For instance, if I’m making steel cut oats in the Instant Pot for a weekday morning, I have to get it all going about 40-ish minutes before the kids wake up in order for us to get to school on time.
That’s not necessarily a deal breaker, but definitely something to plan on. As a sidenote, I DO have this stellar overnight slow cooker oatmeal recipe that might appeal to non-IP owners: Overnight Maple and Brown Sugar Oatmeal.
Having said all that, I am firmly in the camp that if steel cut oatmeal is as delicious as this creamy coconut milk version, I’ll willingly do whatever it takes (even sacrificing precious sleep) to get it ready for breakfast.
This steel cut oatmeal is incredible! Super creamy and tender (with just the right amount of “chew”), cooking the steel cut oats in a blend of coconut milk + water must be the secret to perfect steel cut oatmeal.
I mean, the fact that we also shamelessly pile on mini chocolate chips, unsweetened coconut flakes and chopped almonds before we dig in doesn’t seem to hurt anything.
But because the coconut milk flavor is subtle and not overwhelming, you could totally skip the coconut/almond/chocolate toppings and go with your own favorite add-ins. I mean, I’ll be a little sad for you to miss out on the stellar combo, but I understand (kind of).
If you’re looking to change up your breakfast routine, add this to the rotation! The recipe includes notes for cooking the steel cut oatmeal in either the Instant Pot or the slow cooker!
Creamy Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oats {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker}
Ingredients
- 1 (13.5-ounce) can light or regular coconut milk
- Water, specific amount in directions below
- 2 cups steel cut oats
- Pinch of salt
- ¼ cup (53 g) brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
- For serving: milk, mini or regular chocolate chips, coconut flakes, chopped almonds
Instructions
- Instant Pot Directions: Grease the insert of the Instant Pot with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the can of coconut milk in a 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Add water to reach 4 cups. Pour the mixture into the Instant Pot. Stir in the steel cut oats and salt. Secure the lid and make 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 15-20 minutes before manually releasing the remaining pressure. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. Serve with additional milk and any extra add-ins (chocolate chips, coconut flakes, almonds).
- Slow Cooker Directions: Grease the insert of a 5- or 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Pour the can of coconut milk in a 4-cup liquid measuring cup. Add water to reach 4 cups. Pour the mixture into the slow cooker and add an additional 2 cups water (so that's 6 cups liquid total). Stir in the steel cut oats and salt. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-5 hours. Stir in the brown sugar and vanilla. Serve with additional milk and any extra add-ins (chocolate chips, coconut flakes, almonds).
Notes
Recommended Products
Recipe Source: from Mel’s Kitchen Cafe
124 Comments on “Creamy Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oatmeal {Instant Pot or Slow Cooker!}”
Have you ever tried this recipe with your standard overnight steel cut oats method? ie boiling the liquid then covering with a lid and letting it sit all night? Because I dont have an instant pot, I’m hoping to adapt this to a true overnight recipe. (I sleep more than 4 hours… most nights )
I haven’t tried that, Catherine. It’s a good idea…not sure how the coconut milk would fare overnight, though.
Amazing!! One of our family’s favorites. We often make it for large family gatherings – inexpensive, easy, and very delicious.
We love this recipe, is so delicious! We have started stirring in almond butter along with the brown sugar and vanilla at the end. It’s so filling and my kids love it, although they also add chocolate chips.
My family makes this as well after my sister introduce us and my cousin and we love it. I add blueberries, sliced almonds, shredded coconut, and sometimes chocolate chips. It is divine.
Do you think it would be fine to triple the recipe in the crockpot for a large group?
As long as the slow cooker is big enough, that should work great!
Hi can you cook oats w brown sugar and vanilla?
Hi Jessica, I’m not sure I understand your question? I’m sorry.
I cut the recipe in half as I’m the only one who likes steel cut oats. I am now wishing I’d made the whole recipe. YUM!
I served mine with chocolate chips, a handful of toasted walnuts, a bit of shredded coconut and a few dried cranberries. SO good!
The best…absolutely LOVE the chewy texture…might not use my other steel cut oats Instant Pot recipes…can this recipe be done in an over-night version?
I made this for my kids and they loved it! (With chocolate chips, coconut and almonds). We also stirred in Almond Joy creamer instead of regular milk. So good!!
Second day with my IP and I made this for breakfast. The whole family enjoyed it and I think my favorite part is the keep warm feature. The oats were still a good serving texture 2 hours after I made them, whereas if I’d made them on the stove it’d be a congealed mess 2 hours later and reheating on the stove takes finesse to avoid scorching. That might be more input about the value of the keep warm feature than the recipe, but truly this recipe was delicious.
For quick cooking steel cut oats, I’ve had success with this ratio: 2.5 cups liquid to 1 cup oats; 1 minute cook time with 15 minutes natural release.
So I don’t know how I messed this up after making this so many times but I cooked only 1 cup of steel cut oats, not 2 cups. I was wondering why it was so liquid-y and I’m not sure what to do now.
Amazing!!! I’m always going to make my oatmeal this way! So delicious!
I love this recipe so much! It might be my favorite oatmeal ever! Didn’t you used to have a raspberry cream steel cut oats recipe? I was hoping to try that one.
Yep, here you go! https://www.melskitchencafe.com/red-berry-risotto-oatmeal-2/
Would anyone be able to tell me how ma y servings this makes as written?
It serves about 6.
I still love this recipe. I’ve been making it off and on for a while now (maybe since it was posted?) and I have to say I LOVE IT!! The combo of almond/coconut/chocolate is always a win for me, but in this oatmeal it’s like dessert for breakfast.
Do you think I could cut this recipe in half? I’m single, so that is a lot of oatmeal for one person.
Yes!
Added some organic turkish dried figs from Trader Joe’s (sliced them) to the pot which gave this a perfect light sweetness without the other sugar and then a few bites of figs here and there, sooo good.
I also used coconut cream because that’s what I had.
This is basically dessert masquerading as breakfast.
My “oatmeal HATING” kids LOVED THIS!!! THANK YOU! Breakfast is such a challenge!
Hi Mel,
I’m currently making this in the instant pot, and I keep getting the “burn” screen. I opened the lid and stirred in an entire additional cup of water, but it’s still happening. Any ideas?
Darn, Jenny! Sorry to hear that. It sounds like a lot of the newer Instant Pots get the burn warning more than others. Someone else commented they used all water to avoid the burn error and it worked great (and then they stirred in milk or coconut milk to each serving).
Hello again! I thought I’d let you know that I think I figured out that I just wasn’t spraying the pot well enough. I haven’t gotten the burn signal since I’ve sprayed a little more. So it was user error. 🙂
This oatmeal was delicious. I usually make my Steel Oatmeal overnight in Slow Cooker. Never thought about adding coconut milk along with ingredients you used. It was fantastic and now I like Steel Oatmeal
I’m not a big coconut milk fan, can I just use regular milk?
Yes, I think so.
I used 13.5 oz. whole milk and the rest water to make 4 cups of liquid and it just wasn’t the same…the coconut milk has a very mild flavor and gives a great mouth-feel…it’s the only way I’ll make it from now on! I did not use any added sugar or vanilla and it still was wonderful…nor did I spray the insert pot…it did take quite awhile to come to pressure tho!
I made this as written, and it was too thick for my taste. This time I did 3 cups liquid and 1 cup oats (and 2T. brown sugar). I liked it much better. Kids gobbled it up with some mini chocolate chips on top. I like using coconut milk, it’s a great idea!
This is delicious and just the right amount of sweetness! Made great leftovers after doubling it at our birthday family reunion!
I make this around once a week and heat up the leftovers . It is perfect.
Delicious! Thank You. I added some real maple syrup and a little cream and some cinnamon.
i’m pretty sure I’ve reviewed this before. But I just can’t help myself. This is the best way to eat steel cut oats. I love them!! I like to make them more coconuty by adding some coconut extract with the vanilla extract. Yum!
My kids and I loved this! I was out of coconut milk, so subbed a can of coconut cream from Trader Joes – super decadent. 🙂 This one is definitely going in our regular rotation. Thank you!
Oh yum!
I also forgot to ask about cutting the recipe in half. There are only 2 of us and that would be alot of oatmeal. How much milk and water would I need? Thanks in advance for your help.
You can cut all the ingredients in half for a halved recipe.
For half of the recipe, do you still cook it at 4 minutes in the instant pot? Thank you!
Yes, I would.
I’ve never used coconut milk. Can you tell me what brand you used? Canned is better than what comes in a carton?
Canned coconut milk is thicker with a more silky texture (and stronger coconut flavor) than coconut milk in the carton. I use a lot of brands: Trader Joe’s, Thai Kitchen, etc.
I’ve read through the comments and am intrigued by the delayef cooking. How does the cooking time translate? Do I still do 4 min with 10 min natural release? Or because the oats sat and soaked overnight do they cook for less time when the delay starts?
I just did it last night with the 4 minute cook time. Turned out well.
Planning to make this for company. Do you think it will double well in the Instant Pot?
My guess is yes, but I haven’t tried it myself so I can’t say 100% for sure.
I’ve doubled it like a charm!
Just in case anyone else wants to do whole oat groats, here’s what I did. The same amount of coconut milk and water, but only 1.5 cups of oat groats. Manual for 30 minutes (you might like less or more, just a preference). Then I topped with coconut oil, fresh strawberries and penzey’s Pie spice. Super yummy! Thanks Mel!
I have been making a similar version of oatmeal. I call it almond Joy oatmeal. I add sweetened coconut, chopped almonds and dates and chocolate chips. So crunchy. Yum! I usually cook Coach’s Oats from Costco. Great texture, but so quick!
This was a great recipe and very versatile! Made just enough for my family of 4 with some left over. Used the canned coconut milk and the Silk coconut milk. Added apples and some cinnamon. I cooked mine a little longer to get a softer texture. Seriously an easy way to start the morning. Cannot wait to try other variations on this theme!
This oatmeal is amazing! I have made it two weeks in a row. I re-heat it in the microwave with a little bit of milk. Favorite toppings are unsweetened coconut flakes, banana and raisins. The second time I made it, I forgot to do the manual release and it sat in the Instant Pot for about 40 minutes. Luckily it came out just fine. Thanks for helping make my mornings easier!
Oops, forgot to fill in my name on the previous comment! 🙂
Really easy and really tasty!
Delicious! (Even though I was out of vanilla.) My first foray into steel cut oats. Thanks for holding my hand through it.
I love this recipe and have made it several times now. I used cinnamon chips and sliced roasted almonds, it was awesome. Then we added blueberries and W O W. Great breakfast, thanks Mel for the recipe.
This has easily become my favorite oatmeal recipe. Even without the toppings it is sweet and so delicious. My kids like it, too. I’ve added a tsp of coconut extract along with the vanilla before and it really ups the coconut flavor. This is a regular breakfast at our house!
Unfortunately, this recipe did not translate well from page to pot for me. The Quaker Oats Steel Cut Oats had a strong flavor that didn’t resonate with my family’s taste buds; and the oatmeal was very thick. The coconut nut flakes and almonds didn’t add the flavor this dish needed. I’m working through the leftovers with a lot of maple syrup and extra milk. I will say that fresh strawberries mixed into my reheated oatmeal is boosting its palatabilty factor.
Darn, sorry you didn’t love it, Tory!
Tory – The quacker steel cut oats are more like “flakes” rather than the typical “steel cut oat bits.” They are not as good and cool up thick and mushy (and kinda gross in my opinion). Try the ‘real’ steel cut oats and I bet you’ll have more success!!
Best oatmeal ever!
Would it turn out the same if you get it ready to go the night before and then set the delay timer?
I haven’t tried that but someone else did in the comments and said it worked great!
Thank you for this recipe! Breakfast has been hard since I went gluten free. I can only eat so many eggs and I hate mushy oatmeal. I made it exactly as written with all the toppings and it was perfect
So happy to hear that, Natalie!
Just finished eating this for breakfast!!!!! My favorite oatmeal recipe yet!!! Delicious!!!
Yay!
I’m finally leaving you a comment! We have been faithful followers of your blog for several years now. Every recipe we try from your site is always a “keeper”! In fact, my husband often asks, “Is this Mel’s? If so, it will be delicious!” And he is always right! Thank you for all that you do! I would love to try your Creamy Coconut Milk Steel Cut Oats. (We just tried your Overnight Maple & Brown Sugar Oatmeal – yet another winner!) How would you adjust the times if you wanted to make it in a slow cooker overnight that doesn’t have a timer?
I made this tonight. It was supper AND dessert! I can’t wait to eat the leftovers tomorrow!
Haha, love that!
My instant pot has a very strong smell of beans so I’m hesitant to use it for anything but meat and beans. Does everything turn out ok even if you have that problem? These look amazing and I’d love to give them a try but I’m a little hesitant because of that.
Mine had a strong meat odor. I poured in 2 cups of vinegar and used the steam function, setting it for 4 min. I pulled the ring out afterwards to air dry and the smell almost completely disappeared. Only a faint scent left!
Thank you so much for the tip!
Amanda, I have one ring for non-smelly stuff (I make yogurt regularly) and one for all the rest (like garlicky meats and hard-boiled eggs, etc.) This makes a huge difference for me, because it’s mostly the ring that retains the odor.
I do the same as you, Sheree…and it was worth the cost of an extra ring for sure!
Made it. Loved it. Next time I would reduce the sugar. I usually don’t sweeten my oats, but I wanted to follow the recipe as is the first go round. I only had time to slice up a few strawberries, but it was amazing. So yummy! I think this might be my new favorite breakfast, which is saying a lot because I do love my daily green smoothie ;).
Thanks for letting me know!
I made this just this morning. To speed up the time I prepped it in the instant pot the night before by simply heating up my liquids. I added them to the steel oats in pot and sealed it to stand overnight. The whole process was done in 20 minutes. I was going to a quick release but the natural release came down really fast so I didn’t need to.
This is an excellent recipe. The next time I make it though I will add extra liquid simply because I like my oatmeal less thick. That is just a personal preference though.
I also think this could be used as a great base recipe. You can sub almond, rice, soy milk. Maybe even coconut milk in the carton but it won’t be as rich as using canned milk. We put a little sucanat, strawberries, and cream for toppings.
Thanks again for the recipe!!!
Thanks for your comment and feedback, Laurel!
Hi Mel,
You are my go-to recipe site for everything I cook. I’m no pro, but everything I make of yours turns out great! I’ve been a fan for a couple years now. I’m sure there are many other fans out there like myself who you don’t know about.
Anyway, my Walmart only had QUICK steel cut oats. Do you know the difference is as far as nutritional benefits? I guess I’ll see how it turns out! I’m going to try it with 9 grain cereal (Honeyville) one day too. We’ll see! Thanks for helping my family be happily and healthfully fed.
I’ve been using (Bob’s Red Mill) quick steel cut oats for a few years now. I prefer the taste of the regular s.c. oats, but these are a fraction of the cost and so quick to make! I can have them on the table in 20 minutes (including a few minutes toasting in butter before adding the water)
Thanks so much for your sweet comment, Megan! I don’t know the nutrition differences between quick cooking and regular steel cut oats, but I do think the liquid amounts will vary (as well as cooking time).
Had this for breakfast this morning and it was AMAZING! Even my picky 5 yr old liked it!
Yay!
Mel this looks wonderful! Thank you! Where do you get your coconut flakes that look so beautiful?
I think I picked those up at Trader Joes!
I cooked this today on the stovetop using 4 cups liquid, and it was delicious! Almond Joy in breakfast form! My whole family loved it!
Glad to hear that, JaNae! Thank you!
So excited to try this!! Question, if I use the delayed start method, will the coconut milk go rancid overnight?
I don’t know – I haven’t tried it. My guess is it should be ok, but I usually just get up early and get it going the morning of.
Can you use old fashioned oats?
I haven’t tried that adjustment with this particular recipe – the liquid amount and cooking time will probably be different.
Almond joy oatmeal! Sounds fabulous! Can’t wait to try it. 🙂
Yup, you sweeten it to YOUR personal tastes. That is the main reason I do not sweeten the weekly batch I make. Doing it without sweetener allows me to have it sweet or savory for each bowl I reheat.
Do you use the quick cook
ing oat?
No, I use traditional steel cut oats (not quick cooking).
Could you substitute syrup or honey for the brown sugar?
Yes, I think so!
Yup, you sweeten it to YOUR personal tastes. That is the main reason I do not sweeten the weekly batch I make. Doing it without sweetener allows my to have it sweet or savory for each bowl I reheat.
Fyi..great recipe. You can set up the instant pot with your steel cut oat recipe ingredients and set the timer function (delay start) and then wake up to the oats cooked to perfection! So awesome! Enjoy
Someone else mentioned that which has me kicking myself for not thinking of it! Thanks for the tip!
I’ve been making basically this same recipe for some years now, and we call it Singing Angel Oats (?!) Long story, but needless to say we LOVE it! So excited to make it in the instant pot. The biggest downfall of making it was my oatmeal would go from nothing to boiled over in 2.3 seconds. And I’m sure you know, there’s nothing worse than cleaning boiled over oatmeal off the range top.
Just the thought makes me want to cry. Worst job ever.
IP steel-cut oats….game changer! I leave 4 covered bowls in fridge and just add a bit of milk before warming in microwave in the morning (we empty nesters have space in or refrigerators!). My base recipe: 3C water, 1C oats, 1/4C b.sugar (eek!, I know), tbsp. butter, and pinch of salt…12min High Pressure, 12min Nat’l Release = 3-4 servings.
What a great way to have breakfast ready to go so fast, Sandra! Thanks for sharing!
I second the comment above about once you make it with coconut milk there’s no going back! I haven’t added chocolate chips, but am going to have to try it. I like mine with cooked diced apples, cinnamon, almonds, a pat of butter, and the coconut milk and brown sugar. The creamy coconut milk seriously is a game changer. So good!!
Oh, wow, that apple cinnamon variation sounds amazing!
This looks so yummy! I needed to find more breakfast ideas. Thank you! I’ll be trying it tomorrow. How does it do when reheated? And what’s the best way to do so?
Diane, can I put in my two cents? This is the only oatmeal that I love even better the next day! I think it reheats fabulously!
I agree with Ellen – it reheats really, really well!
Reheats well for me, I make a batch for the week, and portion it out and use the microwave with a little water or cashew milk to reheat it and anything else I might add to it, fruit, nuts, berries etc.
I love this steel cut oats recipe. Once you make it with coconut milk there is no going back. I also toast the unsweetened coconut in the pot before I add anything. Then reserve some for topping. I love coconut, but I like that it’s still not so coconut-y that that is all you taste.
Toasted coconut = super yummy! Great idea. 🙂
How about just cooking on top of stove? Just follow directions on box as far as cooking time?
Sure, that would be a good place to start.
So easy and so quick ! I made it immediately ! I’m eating while I’m writing this comment ! It’s delicious. Thank you Mel !!!!
Thank you, Carine!
I’m excited to try this. Have you added berries too?
No, but I bet you could!
Top with any fruit, berried nuts or seeds, along any spices you like to make it sweet or savory. I eat steel cut oats as a side for dinner (savory), with mushrooms or asparagus and different seasonings.
Definitely picking up some coconut milk so I can make this.
I love making steel cut oats in my IP. I always dump it all in the night before and use the timer setting so it’s ready in the morning.
Fabulous idea!