If you’re looking for a foolproof and comforting breakfast to wake up to, slow cooker oats might become your new favorite morning treat. With minimal prep time and a long, gentle simmer, you’ll find each bowl infused with sweet apple and warming cinnamon flavors—like having a slice of apple pie before you even start the day.
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 2 small apples, peeled and diced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- 3 cups water
- 1 cup milk (dairy or non-dairy)
- Optional toppings: chopped walnuts, extra cinnamon, drizzle of honey
Instructions
Begin by coating the inside of your slow cooker with a bit of nonstick spray or butter to prevent the oats from sticking. Then, add the steel-cut oats, diced apples, brown sugar (or sweetener of your choice), cinnamon, nutmeg, and a tiny pinch of salt. Stir well to combine the dry ingredients with the fruit.
Next, pour in the water and milk. Give the mixture another good stir, cover, and set the slow cooker on low heat for 6–8 hours (or overnight). For a quicker cook time, you can also set it on high for about 3–4 hours. Stir the oats once or twice if you’re around, but don’t worry if you can’t; that low, slow heat does all the work for you.
Once the oats reach a creamy texture and the apples have softened, turn off the heat. Stir them again before ladling into bowls. Top your Cozy Apple-Cinnamon Pie Slow Cooker Oats with a handful of chopped walnuts for crunch, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Besides being a delightful comfort food, this recipe is great for busy folks who crave a hot, homemade breakfast with minimal morning prep. Variations are endless: swap out apples for pears, add raisins or dried cranberries for extra chew, and use your favorite type of milk to accommodate dietary preferences.
Whether you’re feeding a family or meal-prepping for the week, these slow cooker oats make starting the day with a warm, satisfying bowl of goodness both achievable and delicious.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.