Cozy Fall Breakfast: Pressure Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats with Pecans & Maple Syrup
As the leaves begin to turn vibrant shades of red and gold, and a crisp coolness fills the air, there’s an undeniable shift in our cravings. Gone are the days of light summer meals; it’s time to embrace the warmth and comfort that autumn brings. For me, that means chunky sweaters, the comforting glow of a crackling fire, and, most importantly, hearty, cozy meals that nourish both body and soul. And what better way to kick off a chilly fall morning than with a bowl of warm, spiced oatmeal?
This post is sponsored by the Crock-Pot brand®.
While oatmeal is a staple in many households year-round, it truly shines during the cooler months. There’s something incredibly satisfying about a warm bowl of grains, especially when it’s infused with the quintessential flavors of fall. This particular recipe takes that comforting experience to an entirely new level, thanks to the magic of the pressure cooker. We’re talking about rich apple cinnamon oatmeal, cooked to perfection, then generously topped with crunchy toasted pecans and a sweet, golden drizzle of maple syrup. It’s a breakfast so inviting, so utterly delicious, that even the most reluctant morning riser will be tempted to leave the warmth of their covers.
Unlock Breakfast Speed: The Pressure Cooker Advantage
If you haven’t yet experienced the convenience and efficiency of a pressure cooker, now is the perfect time to jump on board! I can honestly say that my pressure cooker has revolutionized the way I approach meal preparation, especially on busy weeknights or for quick breakfasts. The Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker, in particular, is an absolute game-changer. It boasts the ability to cook meals up to 70% faster than traditional cooking methods, which means less time hovering over the stove and more time enjoying your delicious creations.
Initially, the idea of pressure cooking can feel a little intimidating. All those buttons and settings might seem overwhelming at first glance. However, the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker is designed with user-friendliness in mind. It features 8 built-in presets for a variety of popular dishes, taking all the guesswork out of the cooking process. Whether you’re making a tender roast, a hearty stew, or perfectly cooked grains like our apple cinnamon oatmeal, these presets ensure consistent results and make the learning curve incredibly smooth.
More Than Just a Pressure Cooker: Versatility for Every Meal
What truly sets the Express Crock Multi-Cooker apart is its remarkable versatility. It’s not simply a pressure cooker; it’s an all-in-one kitchen wizard that can also function as a slow cooker, a steamer, and even has a sauté setting. Imagine being able to brown ingredients directly in the pot before slow-cooking them to tender perfection, or steaming vegetables to complement your main dish. This multi-functional capability means fewer pots and pans to clean, and less clutter on your kitchen counter. It’s truly a magical appliance that simplifies cooking and expands your culinary horizons.
The Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker also comes in a range of sizes to suit any household need: a compact 4-quart for smaller families or individual meals, a popular 6-quart option perfect for most families, and a generous 8-quart size for entertaining or batch cooking. This flexibility ensures you can find the perfect model to fit your lifestyle and cooking needs.
Crafting the Perfect Pressure Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
This recipe for apple cinnamon oatmeal is designed for maximum flavor and minimal effort, making it ideal for those busy autumn mornings. Here are some key considerations and tips to ensure your oatmeal turns out perfectly every time:
Choosing the Right Oats: Steel Cut for the Win
When cooking oatmeal in a pressure cooker, the type of oats you use makes a significant difference. I highly recommend using **steel cut oats** for this recipe. Their heartier, chewier texture holds up beautifully under pressure, resulting in a delightfully toothsome and creamy oatmeal that’s never mushy or gummy. In contrast, old-fashioned rolled oats tend to become a bit too soft or even glue-like when pressure cooked. Steel cut oats are widely available in most grocery stores; look for them in the bulk section or alongside other specialty cereals. Their robust structure is key to achieving that ideal consistency for this comforting dish.
The Secret Ingredient: Apple Cider for Enhanced Flavor
After several tests, I had a moment of pure genius: using **apple cider** instead of plain water as the liquid base. This simple swap made an incredible difference, elevating the apple flavor to new heights and adding a nuanced sweetness that plain water simply can’t achieve. The cider infuses every spoonful with a deeper, more authentic apple taste that perfectly complements the cinnamon. While you’re certainly welcome to use water if apple cider isn’t available, I strongly encourage you to try the cider for a truly exceptional bowl of oatmeal. If using water, consider adding 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to provide a touch of sweetness and depth that the cider naturally offers.
Don’t Skip the Toasted Pecans!
Toasted nuts are a game-changer, and this recipe is no exception. While raw pecans are fine, taking a few minutes to **toast your pecans** will unlock a whole new dimension of rich, nutty flavor and a satisfying crunch. The heat brings out their natural oils, making them more fragrant and intensifying their taste. To toast them, simply stir the roughly chopped pecans in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they are lightly browned and incredibly aromatic. This small step makes a big impact on the overall enjoyment of your oatmeal bowls.
A Perfectly Spiced and Sweet Balance
The recipe calls for ½ to 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, allowing you to adjust the spice level to your personal preference. A touch of salt is also crucial, as it helps to balance the sweetness from the apple cider and maple syrup, and enhances all the other flavors. Finally, the shredded apple melts into the oatmeal as it cooks, providing pockets of soft fruitiness that are just divine.
Make-Ahead Magic: Enjoy All Week Long
One of the best features of this pressure cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal is how wonderfully it works as a make-ahead meal. Prepare a big batch on Sunday, and you’ll have a warm, satisfying breakfast ready to go for those busy weekday mornings. Simply portion out the cooked oatmeal into individual airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to a week. To reheat, add a splash of water, apple cider, or milk to your desired consistency, stir well, and microwave for 2-3 minutes until it’s hot and creamy again. This convenience means you can enjoy a wholesome, homemade breakfast even when you’re short on time, making your fall mornings just a little bit cozier and a lot less stressful.
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Ingredients
- 1 ½ cups steel cut oats (150 grams)
- 4 ½ cups quality apple cider or water (1 liter), see Notes
- ½ – 1 teaspoon cinnamon per your preference
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 large apple , peeled and shredded (core discarded)
For serving:
- ½ cup roughly chopped pecans (57 grams), toasted
- Maple syrup
- Additional apple slices , optional
Instructions
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Lightly grease the bowl of an electric pressure cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
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Add the steel cut oats, apple cider (or water), cinnamon, salt, and shredded apple to the prepared pressure cooker bowl. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
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Secure the lid on your pressure cooker, ensuring the vent is in the “seal” position. This is crucial for the pressure to build properly.
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Select the “Multigrain” function or set the cooker to high pressure and adjust the cooking time to 10 minutes. The cooker will take some time to come to pressure before the 10-minute countdown begins.
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Once the cooking time is up, allow the pressure cooker to natural release for 15 minutes. This gentle release helps the oats absorb remaining liquid and become perfectly creamy. After 15 minutes, manually release any remaining pressure and carefully open the lid away from your face.
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Stir the cooked oatmeal thoroughly. Serve warm in bowls, topped generously with the toasted pecans and a decadent drizzle of maple syrup. For extra freshness and flavor, you can also add a few additional apple slices.
Notes
- **Sweetness Adjustment:** If you opt to use water instead of apple cider, remember to add about 2 tablespoons of brown sugar to the cooking liquid for that essential touch of sweetness and depth of flavor.
- **Perfectly Toasted Nuts:** To truly enhance the flavor profile of your oatmeal, don’t skip toasting the pecans. Simply stir them in a dry pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until they become lightly browned and release a wonderful, fragrant aroma. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning!
- **Storing and Reheating Leftovers:** This oatmeal is fantastic for meal prepping! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. When you’re ready to enjoy, add a splash of water, apple cider, or milk to achieve your desired consistency, stir well, and microwave for 2-3 minutes, or heat gently on the stovetop, until thoroughly hot.
This pressure cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal is more than just a recipe; it’s an invitation to embrace the comfort and warmth of the fall season. With the incredible efficiency of the Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker, you can transform a simple grain into a gourmet breakfast that’s both healthy and utterly satisfying. The combination of chewy steel cut oats, fragrant apple cider, warm cinnamon, crunchy pecans, and sweet maple syrup creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will make every morning feel like a special occasion. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your pressure cooker, and get ready to indulge in the ultimate fall breakfast experience!
Disclosure: This recipe was created in partnership with the Crock-Pot® brand. Thank you for supporting partnerships with brands I love and believe in, which make Completely Delicious possible. All opinions are always 100% my own. To learn more about Crock-Pot and the new Crock-Pot Express Crock Multi-Cooker, you can visit their website here. You can also find them on facebook, instagram, and pinterest.