Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Introduction

Start your day with a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal. This easy, hands-off recipe combines tender apples and warm spices with hearty steel-cut oats for a nutritious breakfast that cooks while you sleep.

Ingredients

• 1 cup steel-cut oats (160 g)
• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (about 300 g)
• 4 cups water (960 ml)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 g)
• 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (optional) (30 g)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. Toss them in a medium bowl with the ground cinnamon and brown sugar until they are evenly coated.
2. Step 2: Pour the steel-cut oats into the slow cooker. Add the cinnamon-coated apples on top. Pour in the water, then gently stir in the vanilla extract and salt to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7-8 hours, preferably overnight. Avoid opening the lid frequently to keep the heat consistent.
4. Step 4: Once cooking is complete, stir the oatmeal well. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it. Adjust the sweetness with more brown sugar or maple syrup if you like.
5. Step 5: Serve warm topped with chopped nuts, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a splash of cold milk. Optional toppings like yogurt or toasted coconut add extra flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a naturally sweeter oatmeal.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves along with the cinnamon for a warmly spiced twist.
• Stir in a handful of dried fruit, such as raisins or cranberries, before cooking for added texture and sweetness.
• For a creamier texture, replace half the water with milk or a milk alternative.
• If you prefer a chunkier oatmeal, add the apples halfway through cooking instead of at the beginning.

Storage

Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or water to return it to your desired consistency.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats?

Rolled oats will cook faster and have a softer texture, so if substituting, reduce the cooking time significantly and check the texture early to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients, but peeled apples create a smoother texture and milder taste.

Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 64 reviews

• Author: Lila
• Total Time: 7 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a comforting and hearty breakfast made with steel-cut oats, fresh apples, and warm cinnamon. Slowly cooked overnight in a slow cooker, it boasts a creamy texture and rich flavor, perfect for a cozy morning meal. Topped with nuts or seeds and a drizzle of honey, this recipe is both nutritious and delicious.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Oatmeal Base

• 1 cup steel-cut oats (160 g)
• 4 cups water (960 ml)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (5 ml)
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (1.5 g)

Apple Cinnamon Mixture

• 2 medium apples, peeled and chopped (about 300 g)
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon (4 g)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (50 g)

Toppings (Optional)

• 1/4 cup chopped nuts or seeds (30 g)
• Honey or maple syrup, for drizzling
• A splash of cold milk
• Yogurt or toasted coconut

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Instructions

1. Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1/2-inch pieces. In a medium bowl, toss the apple pieces with ground cinnamon and brown sugar, coating them evenly to infuse flavor.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the steel-cut oats to the slow cooker. Layer the cinnamon-coated apples on top of the oats. Pour in the water, then gently stir in the vanilla extract and salt to combine all ingredients without disturbing the layering too much.
3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, ideally overnight. It’s important to avoid frequently opening the lid to maintain consistent heat and ensure the oats cook evenly.
4. Final Stir and Adjustments: After cooking, stir the oatmeal thoroughly to combine the ingredients smoothly. If the texture is too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it up. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding more brown sugar or maple syrup if desired.
5. Serve and Garnish: Serve the oatmeal warm, topped with your choice of chopped nuts or seeds, a drizzle of honey or maple syrup, and a splash of cold milk. Optionally, add yogurt or toasted coconut for extra texture and flavor.

Notes

• Using steel-cut oats provides a chewy texture and nutty flavor that pairs wonderfully with apples and cinnamon.
• Cooking the oatmeal overnight in a slow cooker saves morning prep time and results in creamy, perfectly cooked oatmeal.
• To make this recipe vegan, substitute honey with maple syrup and use plant-based milk.
• For added texture, toast the nuts or seeds before sprinkling them on top.
• Adjust sweetness according to your preference; remember the apples add natural sweetness as well.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours 30 minutes
• Category: Breakfast
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: slow cooker oatmeal, apple cinnamon oatmeal, steel-cut oats recipe, healthy breakfast, slow cooker breakfast