Overnight Apple Cinnamon Crockpot Oatmeal

Crockpot oatmeal just might be the easiest way to wake up to a warm, cozy, and healthy breakfast waiting for you. This overnight apple cinnamon version is packed with hearty steel cut oats, fresh apples, and just enough sweetness to feel like a treat without the fuss.

Pin

The backstory.

This recipe came from the need for an easy, no-fuss breakfast that's ready right when you wake up. Toss everything into the crock pot the night before, and by morning, you've got warm, cozy oatmeal that feels like a win before the day even starts.

It's a must make.

Slow cooker oatmeal makes it easy to start the day with something warm, filling, and ready to go.

• Wake up to breakfast already done. No cooking, no stirring, no standing over the stove - just scoop and go.
• Warm, cozy flavor everyone loves. It's got that classic apple and cinnamon combo that feels like comfort food first thing in the morning.
• Hearty enough to keep you going. Steel cut oats make this breakfast stick with you, so no one's asking for snacks an hour later.
• Great for busy weeks. Make a batch once and reheat throughout the week for quick, easy mornings- save this recipe!

Let's talk flavor and texture.

Every spoonful is soft, creamy, and just a little chewy thanks to the steel cut oats. Apples cook down until tender, blending right into the oatmeal while still giving you little bursts of flavor. Brown sugar, cinnamon, and a hint of nutmeg bring that warm apple pie vibe, and a splash of milk or drizzle of maple syrup on top takes it over the top.

What you'll need.

Crockpot apple oatmeal keeps things easy with simple ingredients.

• Steel cut oats: The best choice for the slow cooker - they hold their texture and won't turn mushy like rolled oats or old fashioned oats.
• Water: Helps everything cook evenly over those long hours.
• Milk: Adds creaminess - any kind works, including almond milk for a dairy-free option.
• Granny Smith apples: Tart and sturdy, perfect for balancing the sweetness.
• Raisins: Optional, but they add little pops of sweetness throughout.
• Brown sugar: Brings a rich, warm sweetness that pairs perfectly with apples.
• Vanilla extract: Rounds everything out with a subtle warmth.
• Ground cinnamon: The key to that classic cinnamon oatmeal flavor.
• Nutmeg: Adds a cozy depth that gives it that apple pie feel.
• Salt: Helps balance and enhance all the flavors.
• Optional toppings: Chopped nuts, maple syrup, extra milk, or apple butter for even more flavor.

For exact ingredient quantities, please see the recipe card below!

How to make slow cooker apple oatmeal.

Here's an overview on how to make this slow cooker recipe apple oatmeal. See the recipe card below for complete instructions. Enjoy!

1. Add the oats, water, milk, apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt to the crock pot and stir well.
2. Cover and cook overnight on LOW for 7 to 8 hours until the oats are tender and creamy.
3. Stir in the vanilla once cooking is done, adding a splash of milk if needed.
4. Give everything a good stir, then serve a warm breakfast with your favorite toppings.

Make it your way.

This slow cooker oatmeal is one of those recipes that's easy to make your own.

• Swap in a sweeter apple like Honeycrisp for a slightly different flavor.
• Use almond milk or another dairy-free option to keep it vegan.
• Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts during the last hour for extra texture.
• Drizzle maple syrup on top instead of using all brown sugar for a different sweetness.
• Add a tablespoon of butter at the end for a richer finish.
• Use old fashioned oats or instant oats instead of steel cut oats; steel cut cooked oats hold up much better when making slow cooker oatmeal, but you can use regular in a pinch.
• Add fresh or frozen berries for extra flavor, color, and fiber on your own bowl.
• Stir in dried cranberries or raisins for added texture and sweetness.

How to serve it.

Pin

Slow cooker oatmeal is best served warm and cozy, straight from the slow cooker with plenty of options for customizing each bowl.

• Top with chopped walnuts for a crunch or a drizzle of maple syrup for added sweetness.
• Pair with fresh fruit or yogurt for a balanced breakfast.
• Spoon on a little apple butter or extra diced apples if you're leaning into those apple pie flavors.
• I love to meal prep this at the beginning of the week because it is delicious even as leftover oatmeal. Pack into containers for an easy grab-and-go breakfast.
• Top with a splash of coconut milk, soy milk, oat milk or milk of your choice when serving.
• Top with a sprinkle of chocolate chips for a little extra indulgence.

Kori's tips.

• Stick with steel cut oats - rolled oats or fashioned rolled oats won't hold up during long cooking time.
• Keep an eye on your cooker oatmeal if your crock pot runs hot - check around the 6 ½ hour mark.
• Give your slow cooker oatmeal a good stir in the morning before serving.
• Add a splash of milk when reheating to bring back the creamy texture.
• Grease the crock pot well or use a liner to make cleanup easier.

📌 Be sure to save this pin to Pinterest for later!

Pin