Name: Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 teaspoons baking powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup milk; 1/4 cup vegetable oil or melted butter; 1 large egg; 1 teaspoon vanilla extract; Chocolate chips; Blueberries; Chopped nuts; Cinnamon sugar

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If you’re craving a delightful breakfast treat but don’t want to heat up your kitchen or wait long, this Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe is your new best friend. Imagine soft, moist, and perfectly fluffy muffins that are whipped up quickly and cooked with steam inside your Instant Pot, giving them an incredibly tender crumb without any oven fuss. They’re ideal for small batches, quick breakfasts, or just a comforting snack that feels homemade and special every time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a step-by-step process of making small round cakes. First, a white bowl holds dry ingredients with a whisk resting on the edge, and below it, another white bowl has a light brown wet mix with a whisk inside. Next, a blue silicone mold filled with light brown batter is placed on a white marbled surface, with a woman's hand holding a spoon to scoop batter into the mold. Then a stack of blue molds with metal jar lids sits on a wire rack, the molds appearing empty. After that, the filled blue mold is set inside a black air fryer or oven, showing the batter baking. Finally, small golden brown cakes are placed on a black wire rack over the white marbled surface, arranged in three rows, looking perfectly round and slightly risen photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to creating muffins with that irresistible softness and gentle rise. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the flour providing structure, the baking powder delivering a light lift, or the vanilla extract adding that warm, inviting aroma.

All-purpose flour (1 1/2 cups): Gives the muffins their body and tender crumb.
Granulated sugar (1/2 cup): Adds just the right amount of sweetness.
Baking powder (2 teaspoons): Ensures the muffins rise fluffy and light.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the flavors perfectly.
Milk (1/2 cup): Keeps the muffins moist and tender.
Vegetable oil or melted butter (1/4 cup): Adds richness and softness.
Large egg (1): Binds ingredients and adds structure.
Vanilla extract (1 teaspoon): Brings a comforting depth of flavor.
Optional add-ins: Chocolate chips, blueberries, chopped nuts, or cinnamon sugar—to personalize your muffins and add bursts of flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe

Step 1: Mix the Dry Ingredients

Start by whisking together your flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt in a large bowl. This ensures an even distribution of the leavening agents and seasoning, which is crucial for your muffins to rise beautifully and develop balanced flavor.

Step 2: Combine the Wet Ingredients

In another bowl, whisk together the milk, vegetable oil or melted butter, egg, and vanilla extract until everything is smoothly combined. This mixture adds moisture, fat, and richness—key factors that make the muffins so soft and tender.

Step 3: Gently Fold Together

Add the wet ingredients into the bowl of dry ingredients, mixing just until combined. It’s important not to overmix here to avoid tough muffins; a few lumps are perfectly fine. This step is where your batter starts to come to life.

Step 4: Add Your Favorite Flavors

Fold in any optional extras like chocolate chips, blueberries, or nuts. These little bursts of texture and taste elevate your Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe from simply good to absolutely crave-worthy.

Step 5: Prepare the Instant Pot

Pour 1 cup of water into the Instant Pot’s inner liner and place the trivet to keep your muffins raised above the water. This setup allows the muffins to steam gently, producing their lovely moist texture without drying out.

Step 6: Fill and Cook

Line your silicone muffin cups with batter, filling each about three-quarters full. Arrange them on the trivet inside the Instant Pot. Secure the lid, seal the valve, and set the pot to cook on high pressure for 12 minutes. After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure carefully.

Step 7: Cool and Enjoy

Remove the muffins and allow them to cool slightly before you dig in. This little rest helps them set just right and makes them easier to handle. Trust me, the smell alone will make waiting very worthwhile!

How to Serve Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe

Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

Top your muffins with a light dusting of powdered sugar, a smear of honey butter, or even a drizzle of maple syrup for a sweet finish that complements their soft texture and rich flavor perfectly.

Side Dishes

These muffins pair wonderfully with fresh fruit, yogurt, or a hot cup of coffee or tea to create a balanced and satisfying breakfast that’ll get your day started right.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, turn your Instant Pot Muffins into mini breakfast sandwiches by slicing them open and filling with cream cheese and fruit jam. You can also serve them with a side of homemade whipped cream and fresh berries for an elegant brunch treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Instant Pot Muffins keep well at room temperature for up to two days if stored in an airtight container, but refrigerating them extends freshness up to five days. Just make sure to let them cool completely before sealing to avoid sogginess.

Freezing

If you want to enjoy these muffins later, freeze them wrapped individually in plastic wrap and stored in a freezer-safe bag for up to three months. This way, you have quick access to a homemade breakfast any time.

Reheating

To reheat, pop a muffin in the microwave for about 20 to 30 seconds or warm it gently in a toaster oven. This softens them back to that newly-baked fluffiness, making every bite taste fresh.

FAQs

Can I use paper liners instead of silicone muffin cups?

Paper liners alone won’t hold up well in the Instant Pot’s steaming method—they need the support that silicone cups provide to keep their shape and prevent sogginess during cooking.

Will these muffins work with gluten-free flour?

Absolutely! Just make sure your gluten-free flour blend contains xanthan gum or another binder to mimic the texture of all-purpose flour, and keep an eye on moisture levels since gluten-free flours can absorb liquids differently.

Can I double the recipe for more muffins?

You can double the batter, but it may be best to cook the muffins in batches to ensure even cooking. Overcrowding the Instant Pot can affect how well the muffins steam and rise.

What are some other flavor ideas for these Instant Pot Muffins?

Try adding lemon zest and poppy seeds for brightness, shredded coconut and pineapple for a tropical twist, or pumpkin puree with warm spices in the fall—endless variations make this recipe super versatile!

How do I know when the muffins are done cooking in the Instant Pot?

The cooking times provided are ideal for standard-sized muffins using silicone cups. After the pressure cooking and natural release, you can use a toothpick to check doneness—it should come out clean or with just a few moist crumbs attached.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making your own cozy breakfast muffins without the oven’s heat or hassle, and this Instant Pot Muffins: Easy No-Oven Steam-Baked Fluffy Breakfast Treats Recipe delivers that in spades. Whether you’re a busy morning warrior or just seeking a comforting snack, these muffins offer warmth, flavor, and effortless charm every single time. Give them a try—you might just find your new favorite way to start the day!