Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal

Heartwarming Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal: Your Perfect Morning Comfort Food

Discover the ultimate cozy breakfast with this incredibly easy Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal recipe. Imagine waking up to the comforting aroma of cinnamon and sweet apples, all infused into perfectly tender oats. This crockpot sensation is designed for busy mornings, offering a hands-off approach to a wholesome, delicious meal. Whether you prefer the chewy texture of old-fashioned rolled oats or the hearty bite of steel-cut oats, this recipe adapts beautifully, delivering a dish reminiscent of your favorite apple pie, but in a healthier, breakfast-friendly format. Get ready to transform your breakfast routine and enjoy a nourishing start to your day with minimal effort.

Honey drizzled over slow cooker crockpot apple oatmeal in a bowl with pecans, highlighting a cozy breakfast experience.
A delicious bowl of slow cooker apple oatmeal, garnished with a drizzle of honey and crunchy pecans, promising a delightful start to the day.

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Benefits of Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal

Embracing a slow cooker for your morning oatmeal is a true revelation, especially for those seeking convenience without compromising on flavor or nutrition. The gentle, consistent heat of a Crockpot works wonders, transforming fresh apples into soft, tender pieces that melt effortlessly into creamy oats. This method allows the comforting cinnamon and sweet apple flavors to meld beautifully over several hours, creating a deeply aromatic and rich breakfast experience that fills your home with a welcoming scent.

Unlike stovetop cooking, which demands constant attention and stirring to prevent sticking and scorching, the slow cooker offers a completely hands-off approach. You can simply combine all your ingredients the night before, set the slow cooker to the desired setting, and wake up to a warm, perfectly cooked, and ready-to-eat breakfast. This not only saves precious morning minutes but also ensures a consistently creamy texture, free from burnt spots or undercooked oats, making it ideal for busy families, students, or anyone looking to simplify their morning routine and enjoy a nutritious, satisfying meal.

Furthermore, slow cooking is an excellent method for preparing a large batch of oatmeal. This means you can enjoy delicious, healthy breakfasts throughout the week with minimal fuss, making meal prepping incredibly efficient. It’s also a fantastic way to ensure everyone in the family gets a wholesome start, whether they’re heading to school or work. The even heat distribution and prolonged cooking time ensure that even hearty steel-cut oats become wonderfully tender, absorbing all the delightful flavors you’ve added.

Separate bowls containing rolled oats, milk, sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla extract, illustrating the key ingredients.
Key ingredients like rolled oats, milk, sweetener, cinnamon, and vanilla extract are neatly arranged, ready for assembly.

Choosing the Right Oats for Your Crockpot Oatmeal

The type of oats you select significantly influences the final texture and cooking duration of your slow cooker apple oatmeal. For this specific recipe, the most suitable choices are **old-fashioned rolled oats** or **steel-cut oats**. Both varieties are robust enough to withstand the prolonged cooking process, effectively absorbing liquids and flavors to create a hearty, satisfying breakfast.

  • Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats undergo a steaming and flattening process, which gives them a softer texture and a relatively quicker cooking time compared to their steel-cut counterparts. When used in a slow cooker, rolled oats yield a creamy, yet still pleasantly chewy, oatmeal that is universally appealing. If your preference leans towards a smoother, more comforting consistency that still holds its structure, rolled oats are an excellent option. They generally require less cooking time, making them ideal for shorter slow cooker cycles.
  • Steel-Cut Oats: Also widely recognized as Irish oats, these are whole oat groats that have been simply cut into two or three smaller pieces, rather than rolled flat. This minimal processing ensures they retain a chewier texture and a distinctively nutty flavor. Steel-cut oats demand a longer cooking period and absorb a greater volume of liquid, resulting in an incredibly robust and satisfying oatmeal with a substantial bite. They are perfectly suited for those who appreciate a more fibrous and hearty breakfast with a pronounced textural presence.

Important Note: It is crucial to steer clear of quick-cooking or instant oats for this slow cooker preparation. These types of oats are extensively processed to achieve rapid cooking and will inevitably break down into an unappetizing, mushy consistency if subjected to the extended cooking times required by a Crockpot. For optimal results and a truly delightful slow cooker apple oatmeal experience, always choose either old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats.

Selecting the Perfect Apples for Flavor and Texture

The apples are undeniably the star component of this Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal, and making an informed choice about which varieties to use can transform your breakfast from merely good to truly exceptional. While nearly any apple can technically be incorporated, certain types are particularly well-suited for cooking, offering a desirable balance of sweetness, tartness, and structural integrity.

For an ideal blend of flavors and textures, I highly recommend using a combination of **Gala** and **Honeycrisp** apples. Honeycrisp apples are celebrated for their distinctive crispness and beautifully balanced flavor profile, providing a delightful sweetness complemented by a subtle hint of tartness. When these are combined with the milder, predominantly sweet characteristics of Gala apples, the result is a wonderfully complex and well-rounded apple flavor that permeates every spoonful of oatmeal.

However, your culinary exploration shouldn’t be limited to these specific varieties! Feel free to experiment with other apples to discover exciting new flavor dimensions. Blending different apple types is an excellent strategy to achieve a multifaceted taste experience. For example:

  • For a sweeter profile, reminiscent of warm apple cider: Consider using Red Delicious, Fuji, or Golden Delicious apples. These varieties tend to break down easily during cooking and impart a rich, mellow sweetness.
  • For a bolder, tangier kick: Granny Smith apples are an outstanding choice. Their pronounced tartness provides a fantastic contrast to the sweetness of the other ingredients and helps the apple pieces retain some shape, preventing them from becoming too mushy.
  • For a perfectly balanced flavor: Pink Lady, Braeburn, or even more Honeycrisp can offer an excellent equilibrium of sweet and tart, ensuring your oatmeal is flavorful without being overwhelmingly sugary.

Ultimately, your favorite eating apples are often a great starting point for experimentation. Aim for a mix if possible to add complexity and depth to your dish. For those interested in the nutritional aspects, you can learn more about the amazing health benefits and nutrition of apples.

Gala and Honeycrisp apples on a flat surface, showcasing fresh ingredients for oatmeal.
A vibrant selection of Gala and Honeycrisp apples, showcasing fresh, quality ingredients perfect for enhancing your slow cooker oatmeal.

To Peel or Not to Peel? Preparing Your Apples

When preparing apples for your slow cooker oatmeal, the decision of whether to peel them or not is entirely a matter of personal preference and desired outcome. Both methods will yield delicious results, but there are distinct advantages and considerations for each approach:

  • Keeping the Skin On: Apple skins are a nutritional powerhouse, laden with dietary fiber, essential vitamins, and powerful antioxidants. By leaving the skin on, you significantly boost the health benefits of your oatmeal and contribute to a slightly chewier, more rustic texture. During the slow cooking process, apple skins soften considerably, becoming tender enough to blend seamlessly into the dish without being tough or unpleasant. If your goal is to maximize the nutritional value and you appreciate a little extra texture in your oatmeal, keeping the skins on is an excellent choice. Just ensure you wash the apples meticulously before dicing.
  • Peeling the Skin Off: If you prefer a completely smooth, uniform texture in your oatmeal, or if you’re catering to individuals (especially children or picky eaters) who might object to the presence of apple skins, peeling them is a perfectly valid and popular option. Peeling ensures that the apple pieces will almost melt into the oats, creating an exceptionally tender and creamy consistency that some find more appealing. This method provides a very refined and soft apple component within the oatmeal.

Regardless of your decision to peel or not, it is absolutely essential to **core the apples and meticulously remove any seeds**. Apple seeds contain small amounts of compounds that can be toxic if consumed in large quantities, and the fibrous core is simply unpalatable. Once cored, dice your apples into small, uniform pieces, ideally about 1/2-inch to 1-inch cubes. This ensures even cooking, allows the apples to become perfectly tender, and facilitates their even distribution throughout the oatmeal, so every spoonful delivers that wonderful apple flavor.

How to Make Delicious Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal

Preparing this comforting slow cooker apple oatmeal is surprisingly simple, making it a perfect recipe for busy individuals or anyone craving a wholesome, hands-off breakfast. The beauty of the slow cooker lies in its ability to transform simple ingredients into a flavorful, tender meal with minimal effort. Follow these straightforward steps to create a delightful breakfast that tastes just like a warm slice of apple pie.

  1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by lightly spraying the inside of your slow cooker pot with cooking oil or a non-stick cooking spray. This vital step helps to prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the bottom and sides during the prolonged cooking process, which will make cleanup significantly easier once your breakfast is ready.
  2. Combine All Ingredients: Carefully add all of your core ingredients directly into the prepared slow cooker. This includes your chosen oats (either old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats), your preferred milk (dairy milk or a non-dairy alternative like almond milk works wonderfully), the diced and cored apples, ground cinnamon, your selected sweetener (such as sugar, maple syrup, honey, or a sugar substitute like erythritol), and the vanilla extract.
  3. Stir Thoroughly: Once all ingredients are in the pot, give everything a good, thorough stir. Ensure that the oats are fully submerged in the liquid and that the apple pieces are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This even distribution is key for consistent cooking and ensures that every spoonful is infused with the delightful apple-cinnamon flavor.
  4. Set and Cook: Securely place the lid on your slow cooker. Set the appliance to the appropriate temperature and duration based on the type of oats you are using. Refer to the “Ideal Cook Times” section below for specific recommendations. Now, let the slow cooker work its magic! There is no need to lift the lid or stir the oatmeal during the cooking process, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time.
  5. Adjust and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and give the oatmeal a final stir. Taste the oatmeal and, if desired, add more sweetener to adjust to your personal preference. If the oatmeal appears too thick for your liking, you can easily thin it out by stirring in a splash of additional milk or water until it reaches your desired creamy consistency. Serve your warm, comforting slow cooker apple oatmeal immediately, topped with your favorite garnishes.
Diced apples, sweetener, cinnamon, and rolled oats combined in a Crockpot slow cooker, ready for cooking.
All the delicious ingredients, including diced apples, sweetener, cinnamon, and rolled oats, are combined in the slow cooker, ready for the magic to happen.
Uncooked apple oatmeal mixture resting in a Crockpot slow cooker before starting the cooking process.
The uncooked apple oatmeal mixture, perfectly prepped and awaiting the slow cooking process in the Crockpot.

Ideal Cook Times for Rolled and Steel Cut Oats

Achieving the perfect consistency for your slow cooker apple oatmeal largely hinges on the type of oats you’re using and your individual preference for texture. Since slow cookers can vary in their heat output and efficiency, the times provided below serve as general guidelines. It’s always a good idea to check for doneness towards the end of the suggested cooking window and adjust as necessary.

  • For Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats, having been partially processed, cook relatively quickly and yield a wonderfully creamy and tender result.
    • On High Setting: Cook for approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.
    • On Low Setting: Cook for about 4 to 5 hours.
  • For Steel-Cut Oats: These heartier, less processed oats require a more extended cooking period to become tender and absorb sufficient liquid, resulting in a delightfully chewier, more substantial oatmeal.
    • On High Setting: Cook for 3 to 4 hours.
    • On Low Setting: Cook for 6 to 8 hours.

Tips for Achieving Perfectly Cooked Oatmeal:

  • Monitor Your Slow Cooker: Each slow cooker model can operate at slightly different temperatures. If you know your slow cooker runs hotter or cooler, adjust the cooking time accordingly. The first time you make this recipe, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically to understand how your appliance performs.
  • Desired Consistency: If you prefer a particularly thick oatmeal, you may need to extend the cooking time by an additional 30-60 minutes, checking the texture every so often. For a thinner consistency, simply stir in an extra splash of warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) or water after the oatmeal has finished cooking until it reaches your preferred level of creaminess.
  • Overnight Cooking Considerations: When cooking overnight, especially with steel-cut oats on a low setting, if your slow cooker has a “warm” function that activates automatically after cooking, this can be very beneficial in preventing overcooking. Alternatively, consider using an external timer if your appliance doesn’t have a built-in one.
  • Prevent Sticking: Always ensure a thin and even layer of cooking spray or butter is applied to the slow cooker insert. This is crucial for preventing the oatmeal from sticking to the bottom, especially during longer cooking cycles, and makes cleanup much easier.
Cooked apple oatmeal served directly from a Crockpot slow cooker, showcasing its readiness.
The perfectly cooked apple oatmeal, warm and inviting, ready to be served directly from the Crockpot slow cooker.

Elevate Your Oatmeal: Toppings and Creative Add-Ins

While Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal is incredibly flavorful and satisfying on its own, adding a variety of toppings and mix-ins can truly transform it into an even more exciting, personalized, and nutritionally rich breakfast experience. Don’t be shy about getting creative and customizing your bowl with different textures, flavors, and nutritional boosts!

Crunchy Textures:

  • Nuts: A generous sprinkle of chopped pecans, walnuts, slivered almonds, or crunchy cashews adds a delightful crunch, healthy fats, and a boost of protein.
  • Seeds: Incorporate chia seeds, ground flax seeds, or hemp hearts for added omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and a subtle textural element.
  • Granola: A handful of your favorite crunchy granola not only provides extra texture but also introduces additional flavors and a satisfying sweetness.
  • Toasted Coconut Flakes: For a hint of tropical flavor and a lovely toasted crunch, sprinkle some unsweetened coconut flakes.

Creamy & Smooth Additions:

  • Yogurt: A dollop of Greek yogurt (plain or vanilla) or a spoonful of your favorite plain yogurt adds a creamy tang and a significant protein boost.
  • Nut Butters: A generous swirl of almond butter, peanut butter, cashew butter, or even sunbutter contributes richness, healthy fats, and extra protein, making your oatmeal even more filling.
  • Extra Milk/Cream: If you prefer a looser, creamier oatmeal, stir in a splash of warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) or a bit of cream after cooking to achieve your desired consistency.

Freshness & Flavor Boosts:

  • Fresh Apples: For a delightful contrast in texture, add thinly sliced or finely diced raw apples just before serving, offering a crisp bite and fresh apple flavor.
  • Other Fresh Fruits: Complement the apple with slices of banana, fresh blueberries, raspberries, sliced peaches, or even a handful of pomegranate arils for vibrant color and flavor.
  • Dried Fruit: Stir in a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, or apricots after the oatmeal has cooked. They add concentrated sweetness and a chewy texture.
  • A Touch More Sweetness: Enhance the sweetness to your liking with a drizzle of honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or a sprinkle of brown sugar or coconut sugar.
  • Spices: A dash of extra cinnamon, a pinch of nutmeg, a sprinkle of allspice, or a blend of pumpkin pie spice can further amplify the cozy, warm flavors, especially during colder months.
Slow cooker crockpot apple oatmeal in a bowl, generously topped with crunchy pecans.
A perfectly portioned serving of slow cooker apple oatmeal, beautifully presented in a bowl and topped with a generous sprinkle of crunchy pecans.

Storing and Freezing Your Apple Oatmeal

One of the most practical advantages of preparing slow cooker apple oatmeal is its excellent suitability for meal prepping. You can easily make a generous batch, allowing you to enjoy healthy, delicious breakfasts throughout the week or freeze individual portions for even quicker meals down the line.

How to Store Leftovers

Once your slow cooker apple oatmeal has completely cooled to room temperature, transfer any leftover portions into clean, airtight containers. These containers can then be stored in the refrigerator for **3 to 4 days**. When you’re ready to enjoy a portion, simply reheat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, or gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat. It’s often beneficial to add a splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or water during reheating to restore its creamy texture, as oatmeal tends to thicken as it cools and rests.

Freezer-Friendly Tips

For longer-term storage, apple oatmeal freezes exceptionally well, providing a convenient grab-and-go option for future breakfasts. Allow the cooked oatmeal to cool completely before portioning it. You can use freezer-safe containers, individual freezer bags, or even muffin tins for perfectly portioned servings. If using muffin tins, freeze the oatmeal until solid, then pop out the individual “oatmeal pucks” and transfer them to a larger freezer bag for compact storage.

Frozen oatmeal can be tightly covered and sealed for up to **6 months**. To reheat, simply transfer a frozen portion to the refrigerator overnight to thaw. Once thawed, warm it up in the microwave or on the stovetop, again adding a little liquid to bring it back to a smooth, creamy consistency. Freezing in individual portions is particularly convenient for busy schedules, as you only take out what you need, minimizing waste and simplifying your morning routine to just a few minutes of reheating.

Health Benefits of Homemade Apple Oatmeal

Beyond its comforting flavor and delightful aroma, slow cooker apple oatmeal is a nutritional powerhouse, making it an outstanding choice for a healthy and energizing breakfast. Both oats and apples, along with the aromatic spices, contribute a wealth of benefits to your morning meal, setting a positive tone for the rest of your day.

  • Rich in Fiber: Oats are an exceptional source of dietary fiber, particularly soluble fiber known as beta-glucan. This specific type of fiber is scientifically proven to help lower harmful LDL cholesterol levels, stabilize blood sugar, and promote a lasting feeling of fullness, which can significantly aid in weight management. Apples further contribute to your daily fiber intake, supporting optimal digestive health and regularity.
  • Sustained Energy Release: The complex carbohydrates found in oats are digested slowly, providing a steady and sustained release of energy throughout your morning. This helps to prevent the sharp spikes and subsequent crashes in blood sugar that often follow breakfasts high in simple sugars. As a result, you’ll feel more satisfied, focused, and energized, ready to tackle your tasks without mid-morning slumps.
  • Packed with Essential Nutrients: Oats are a robust source of numerous essential vitamins and minerals, including manganese, phosphorus, magnesium, copper, iron, and zinc, all vital for various bodily functions. Apples add a healthy dose of vitamins C and K, as well as potassium, which is important for heart health and fluid balance.
  • Potent Antioxidant Properties: Apples, especially when their skins are left on, are rich in powerful antioxidants like quercetin and catechins. These compounds help combat oxidative stress in the body, which can contribute to reducing the risk of chronic diseases. Cinnamon, a key spice in this recipe, also boasts significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, further enhancing the nutritional value of your breakfast.
  • Supports Heart Health: The synergistic combination of soluble fiber from oats, along with the antioxidants present in apples and cinnamon, collectively contributes to improved cardiovascular health. Regular consumption of these ingredients can help maintain healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

By preparing your apple oatmeal at home, you also gain complete control over the amount and type of sweetener used, allowing you to craft a delicious and healthy breakfast that is perfectly tailored to your individual dietary needs and preferences. It’s a simple, customizable way to nourish your body from the inside out.

Troubleshooting Common Oatmeal Issues

Even with a straightforward slow cooker recipe, occasionally things might not turn out exactly as expected. Don’t worry, most common issues with apple oatmeal are easy to fix! Here are some troubleshooting tips to ensure your breakfast is always perfect:

  • Oatmeal is Too Thick: This is a frequent occurrence, especially if your slow cooker runs a bit hotter than average, or if the oats absorbed more liquid than anticipated. To rectify this, simply stir in additional warm milk (dairy or non-dairy) or water, adding it one tablespoon at a time, until the oatmeal achieves your desired creamy, smooth consistency.
  • Oatmeal is Too Thin or Watery: If your oatmeal ends up thinner than you prefer, there are a few effective solutions. You can continue cooking it on the ‘Low’ setting with the lid slightly ajar for an additional 30-60 minutes to allow more of the excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, for a quick fix, stir in a tablespoon or two of chia seeds or ground flax seeds; these ingredients are excellent at absorbing liquid and will naturally thicken the mixture if allowed to sit for about 10-15 minutes.
  • Oats Are Still Too Chewy (Rolled Oats): If your old-fashioned rolled oats haven’t achieved the tender, creamy texture you desire, they likely just need a bit more time. Continue cooking on the ‘Low’ setting for another 30 minutes to an hour. Ensure your slow cooker lid is properly sealed to maintain a consistent cooking temperature.
  • Apples Aren’t Soft Enough: For perfectly tender apple pieces, ensure they are diced into small, uniform cubes (approximately 1/2 inch) before adding them to the slow cooker. If they remain too firm after the main cooking time, you can either allow the slow cooker to run for an additional 30 minutes, or for a quicker solution, scoop out the apples, gently sauté them on the stovetop with a splash of water until tender, then return them to the oatmeal.
  • Oatmeal is Burnt or Sticking to the Pot: This issue typically arises if the slow cooker insert wasn’t adequately greased or if the oatmeal cooked for too long on a high setting. Always liberally spray the inner pot with cooking oil or coat it with butter before adding ingredients. If a bottom layer has unfortunately stuck, gently scrape away the burnt portions and serve the remaining, unburnt oatmeal. For future batches, consider slightly reducing the cooking time or switching to a lower heat setting.
  • Lack of Flavor: If your oatmeal tastes a bit bland, don’t hesitate to adjust the seasonings to your preference. After cooking, add an extra pinch of cinnamon, a dash of nutmeg, more sweetener to taste, or an additional splash of vanilla extract. Surprisingly, a tiny pinch of salt can also dramatically enhance the sweetness and overall depth of flavor in your oatmeal.

More Delightful Apple Recipes

If you’re a true connoisseur of the sweet and incredibly versatile apple, you’ll undoubtedly enjoy exploring these other delicious and inspiring apple-centric dishes:

  • Starbucks Copycat Caramel Apple Cider
  • Homemade Cranberry Sauce with Apples
  • Sugar-Free Apple Pie
  • Sugar-Free Apple Crisp
  • Easy Instant Pot Apple Sauce
  • Sugar-Free Apple Butter
  • Slow Cooker Baked Apples
  • Southern Fried Apples

More Convenient Slow Cooker Recipes

Unlock the full potential of your slow cooker with these effortless and flavorful meals, perfect for any day of the week, from hearty dinners to comforting soups:

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Fajitas
  • Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
  • Slow Cooker Chicken and Rice
  • Slow Cooker Turkey Breast
  • Slow Cooker Chili Mac and Cheese
  • Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili
  • Pulled Pork Sliders
  • Slow Cooker Cheeseburger Soup
  • Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
  • Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
  • Sweet Potato Oatmeal (Slow Cooker Friendly)

For those who prefer a quicker cooking method, be sure to check out our Instant Pot Apple Steel Cut Oats recipe. It delivers similar apple-pie flavors in a fraction of the time, perfect for a speedy morning!

Complete your breakfast feast by pairing this delightful slow cooker apple oatmeal with hearty Fried Potatoes and Onions or a satisfying Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole for a truly robust morning meal.

Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal (Steel Cut or Rolled Oats)

A bowl of slow cooker apple oatmeal with pecans, ready to be served.

This heartwarming Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal recipe is the epitome of comfort and convenience. Made with fresh apples, aromatic cinnamon, and your choice of old-fashioned rolled oats or steel-cut oats, it delivers a delicious breakfast that tastes remarkably like apple pie. Perfect for busy mornings, this hands-off method ensures a creamy, flavorful start to your day.

Recipe by Brandi Crawford

  • Course: Breakfast
  • Cuisine: American
  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time (Rolled Oats): 2 – 2.5 hrs (High) / 4 – 5 hrs (Low)
  • Cook Time (Steel Cut Oats): 3 – 4 hrs (High) / 6 – 8 hrs (Low)
  • Servings: 4 servings
  • Calories: 146 kcal per serving

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

Ingredients

  • 1 cup oatmeal (Old-fashioned rolled oats or steel cut oats)
  • 2 cups milk (Any milk is suitable; almond milk is a popular choice)
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 2 apples (Medium-sized, diced and cored; a mix of Gala and Honeycrisp is highly recommended for best flavor)
  • 2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar (Adjust quantity to your personal taste preference)
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon (Ground)
  • Cooking oil (For greasing the slow cooker)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Slow Cooker: Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker insert with cooking oil or non-stick spray to prevent the oatmeal from sticking during cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients: Add all the ingredients—oatmeal, milk, diced apples, cinnamon, sweetener, and vanilla extract—directly into the prepared slow cooker.
  3. Stir Well: Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure they are well combined and the oats are fully submerged in the liquid.
  4. Cook Rolled Oats: If using rolled oats, cook on the HIGH setting for 2 to 2.5 hours, or on the LOW setting for 4 to 5 hours.
  5. Cook Steel-Cut Oats: If using steel-cut oats, cook on the HIGH setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the LOW setting for 6 to 8 hours.
  6. Adjust Cook Time: Please note that cooking times may vary slightly based on your specific slow cooker model and your desired oatmeal consistency. For thicker oatmeal, you may need to extend the cooking time slightly.
  7. Taste and Serve: Once the oatmeal is cooked, taste it and add any additional sweetener if necessary to suit your preference. If the oatmeal is too thick, thin it out by stirring in a splash of extra milk or water until it reaches your desired creamy texture. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

Notes

While this recipe can be adapted for stovetop cooking, for remarkably soft and tender apples, it is highly recommended to cook them separately first before combining them with the oatmeal according to package instructions. Feel free to use any varieties of apples you particularly enjoy in this recipe for a personalized flavor.

Nutrition Information

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

  • Serving Size: 0.5 cup
  • Calories: 146 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 23g
  • Protein: 4g
  • Fat: 3g

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