Do you love warm, comforting breakfasts? This crockpot oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day. With the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon wafting through your kitchen, it feels like you’re enjoying a slice of apple pie!
Solves rushed morning chaos by providing a warm, easy breakfast that cooks unattended, reduces stove time, supports picky eaters, and uses simple, wholesome ingredients.
I’ve always struggled to find breakfasts that fit my diabetic needs and also please my family’s gluten allergies. This recipe solves that by using old-fashioned oats, which won’t turn mushy in the slow cooker. Plus, the waiting is the hardest part because you’ll be tempted to sneak a spoonful before it’s done!
What’s great about this slow cooker oatmeal is how easy it is. You can prep it in just 10 minutes and let it go for 6 to 8 hours. That means waking up to a hot breakfast is totally effortless! You can make a big batch, so it’s great for meal prep or feeding everyone in the morning, too.
If you enjoy apple flavors in your breakfast, you’ll love this recipe. If you’re looking for another tasty oatmeal option, check out my Apple Oatmeal Bake!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Warm and Cozy Flavors : This oatmeal brings that sweet apple pie vibe right to your breakfast table. The spiced notes of cinnamon and nutmeg create a truly inviting dish.
- Effortless Preparation : Just set it and forget it. The slow cooker does all the work for you, so you can wake up to a warm, hearty meal without any fuss.
- Customizable** : Throw in your favorite nuts or dried fruits to match your mood or dietary needs. It’s a simple way to keep things fresh and interesting.
- Storage Options : You can easily refrigerate or freeze leftovers. Whether you want a quick breakfast or meal prep, it has you covered for days to come.
Easy Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cool Time:
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A delicious and healthy crockpot recipe combining apples and cinnamon for a warm breakfast.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1.51/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/41/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 medium apples, cored and sliced into bite-sized pieces
- 1 cup dried cranberries or raisins
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats, uncooked
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1/41/2 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Start by greasing the inside of your crockpot well. The smell of cooking spray will kick in as you coat it, which helps prevent any sticking later. A well-greased pot makes serving easy, so do not skip this step!
- Add the Fruit: Layer your chopped apples at the bottom of the crockpot. As you place them in, the sweet aroma should fill the air, hinting at the goodness to come. Stacking them evenly is key for consistent cooking, so take your time here.
- Pour in the Oats: Sprinkle the oats gently over the apples without stirring. You will notice how the oats look cozy resting on top of the fruit. This method helps them cook evenly and prevents mushiness; just let them sit there like a comfy blanket!
- Add the Liquids: Pour your chosen liquid evenly over everything. You should hear a little splash as it hits the ingredients, mixing the flavors as it sinks in. Getting enough liquid is crucial for the crockpot to work its magic, so make sure there is enough!
- Spice it Up: Sprinkle cinnamon over the top before closing the lid. You will catch that warm, spicy scent right away, which signals that it is almost time to eat. Just a dash is all you need to bring out the apple flavor!
- Set the Cooker: Cover the crockpot and set it to cook for about six to eight hours. When you check back, the oatmeal should be creamy and the apples tender. Avoid lifting the lid too often, as it lets heat escape which can prolong cooking time.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the cooking time’s up, give it a gentle stir before serving. The blend of apple and cinnamon will greet you as you dish it out. Remember, it is best enjoyed fresh, so take care not to let it sit too long before savoring!
Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Can be frozen in individual servings; thaw overnight before reheating.
- Expert Tips: If you notice your oatmeal comes out too dry, adding a half cup of apple juice or water upon reheating should help restore moisture. When choosing apples, opt for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a firmer texture that holds up better during cooking and won’t get mushy. If your oats seem undercooked, checking the slow cooker at the 6-hour mark on your first attempt can help you gauge doneness accurately. To avoid sticking issues, greasing the crockpot with nonstick spray at the start can make serving a lot easier. For a chunkier texture, adhering to old-fashioned oats rather than quicker varieties will yield better results and prevent mushiness.
- Reheating Instructions: Reheat in a microwave on high for 1-2 minutes or in a pot over low heat until warmed through.
- Serving Suggestions: Top with a splash of warm milk or cream. Add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. Serve with a handful of toasted nuts for crunch.
- Recipe Variations: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup. Add chopped nuts for added texture. Include a pinch of ginger or cloves for additional warmth.
- Ingredient Notes: Use old-fashioned oats for the best texture. Grease the crockpot well to prevent sticking. Do not stir after adding the oats on top.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 335
- Sugar: 35g
- Sodium: 79mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 61g
- Fiber: 6g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Recipe Tips
- If you notice your oatmeal comes out too dry, adding a half cup of apple juice or water upon reheating should help restore moisture.
- When choosing apples, opt for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a firmer texture that holds up better during cooking and won’t get mushy.
- If your oats seem undercooked, checking the slow cooker at the 6-hour mark on your first attempt can help you gauge doneness accurately.
- For sticking issues, greasing the crockpot with nonstick spray at the start can make serving a lot easier.
- If you’d like a chunkier texture, adhering to old-fashioned oats rather than quicker varieties will yield better results and prevent mushiness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this crockpot oatmeal with a splash of warm milk or cream for a comforting start to your day. Add a drizzle of maple syrup and a handful of toasted nuts to enhance the breakfast experience.
This oatmeal also works well as a base for baked goods, snacks, or overnight oats recipes. It can be enjoyed alongside yogurt, with fresh fruits, or in smoothie bowls.
Recipe variations
- You can use maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a sweeter finish. Just use 2 tablespoons of syrup to match the sweetness.
- Add 1 teaspoon of ground ginger or ½ teaspoon of ground cloves to introduce warmth and depth to the oatmeal.
- Either dried cranberries or raisins can be included. You can also swap them for chopped dried apricots for a different fruit flavor.
- To scale the recipe, use 3 cups of oats and 6 cups of liquid (water and apple juice) for a larger batch.
Save This Recipe!
How to Store?
To keep your crockpot oatmeal fresh, follow these storage tips:
Refrigeration: Store oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it covered well.
Freezing: Portion oatmeal into individual servings and place in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Warm oatmeal in a saucepan or microwave. Add a splash of water or apple juice to restore moisture.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Banana Oatmeal Bars
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Protein Balls
- Banana Oatmeal Muffins
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal
If you enjoyed this crockpot oatmeal or any other recipe on my blog, please leave a ⭐ star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. I appreciate taking time to read about this recipe, thank you!
