A few weeks back, I disabled my Facebook newsfeed and subscribed to a print newspaper for the first time in years. Doing both felt remarkably good. It’s so nice to read the news without a bunch of inflammatory commentary, which – as we all know all too well – usually happens online. It’s also nice to know I’m getting my news from a reputable source, and to know I’m supporting the free press during this tumultuous time.

Instant Pot Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats recipe - Steel cut oats cook up perfectly creamy in the pressure cooker. This recipe also adds banana + walnuts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds for a serious omega-3 boost. Vegan; gluten-free.

Know what else is nice? The ritual of it. I’d forgotten about how relaxing it is to grab the paper out of the driveway (our 5-year-old always helps – nightgown, mermaid slippers, and all), sit down with a cup of coffee, and snap open the paper. Sure, there are some stories here and there that are tough for sensitive-ol’-me to stomach, but they’re pretty easy to pass over in print if I need to.

Last week, I found myself looking forward to Sunday morning way more than usual, because I knew there would be a bit fat Sunday paper waiting for us to read while we sipped our coffee. Yeah, it’s a little different with the kiddo right there wanting to “read” with me, but still. Loving it.

I’ve also found that these Banana-Walnut Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats fit right in alongside the coffee and newspaper. It’s such a simple breakfast to whip up, and I like the idea of nourishing my body while I feed my mind. (I know, that makes me sound like a dork. But I am a dork, so. 🙂 )

Instant Pot Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats recipe - Steel cut oats cook up perfectly creamy in the pressure cooker. This recipe also adds banana + walnuts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds for a serious omega-3 boost. Vegan; gluten-free.

I’ve been making steel cut oats in then Instant Pot for just about as long as I’ve owned one. So, you know, about 4 months or so. But I am in love with how steel-cut oats cook up in the pressure cooker – relatively fast, super creamy, perfect texture.

I thought I’d doctor up a batch with bananas for some natural sweetness, plus, for a nice dose of healthy goodness,  all of the plant-based omega-3-rich foods I had in my cupboard. Chia seeds, ground flaxseeds, and walnuts, baby. Done and done.

Instant Pot Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats recipe - Steel cut oats cook up perfectly creamy in the pressure cooker. This recipe also adds banana + walnuts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds for a serious omega-3 boost. Vegan; gluten-free.

I should note that I’ve never been a huge fan of walnuts (in some forms, they’re probably my least favorite food – and I wholeheartedly believe they should never go near a chocolate chip cookie). But when they’re chopped fine I can tolerate them – and sometimes I even toast up a few to add as a topper. In this recipe, I’m good with walnuts. Tiny ones.

Instant Pot Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats recipe - Steel cut oats cook up perfectly creamy in the pressure cooker. This recipe also adds banana + walnuts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds for a serious omega-3 boost. Vegan; gluten-free.

Creamy, healthy, full of omega-3s, and just darn tasty. Start spreading the news! (Sorry, sorry.)

4.50 from 4 votes

Instant Pot Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats

Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Author: Kare
Steel cut oats cook up perfectly creamy in the pressure cooker. This recipe adds banana + walnuts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds for a serious omega-3 boost.

Ingredients

  • 1 cup steel cut oats*
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
  • 1/4 cup walnuts (chopped fine)
  • 2 tablespoons ground flaxseeds (flaxseed meal)
  • 2 tablespoons chia seeds
  • 1 large ripe banana (mashed)
  • 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup**
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • Pinch salt

Topping ideas:

  • Chopped toasted walnuts
  • Banana slices
  • A sprinkle of ground cinnamon
  • Your favorite nut milk

Instructions

  • Add all ingredients (except toppings) to Instant Pot. Stir to combine. Place the lid on the pot and make sure the release valve is in the "sealing" position.
  • Use the manual button and set the timer at 10 minutes. Once the 10 minutes is up, quick-release by flipping the release valve to "venting."
  • Scoop oats into bowls and serve with optional toppers if desired.
  • Leftovers keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. I love keeping extras in the fridge for super-quick breakfasts.

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 1/2 cup, Calories: 332kcal, Carbohydrates: 48g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 12g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 78mg, Fiber: 11g, Sugar: 11g

Instant Pot Banana Walnut Steel Cut Oats recipe - Steel cut oats cook up perfectly creamy in the pressure cooker. This recipe also adds banana + walnuts, flaxseed meal, and chia seeds for a serious omega-3 boost. Vegan; gluten-free.

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