Name: Crockpot Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ¼ cup brown sugar; ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional); ¼ tsp salt; 1 cup steel-cut oats; 1 cup water; 1 tbsp butter (optional); 1 tsp ground cinnamon; 1 tsp vanilla extract; 2 medium apples, peeled and diced; 3 cups milk

This Crockpot Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon blends creamy oats with tender apples and warm spices, slow-cooked overnight. Perfect for a cozy breakfast, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that delivers a hearty, aromatic start to your day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot oatmeal with apples and cinnamon is a warm, comforting breakfast that’s ready to greet you on a crisp day as it cooks overnight. The slow cooker transforms oats into a creamy delight, infused with the sweet-tart flavor of apples and the cozy warmth of cinnamon—perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. It’s packed with fiber and nutrients, budget-friendly, and endlessly customizable with toppings like nuts or honey. The hands-off prep saves time, and the irresistible aroma makes it a family favorite, with leftovers that reheat beautifully for a quick meal.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Use Steel-Cut Oats: Opt for steel-cut for the best texture; rolled oats work but cook faster.

Grease the Pot: Coat the crockpot with butter or spray to prevent sticking.
Stir Occasionally: Stir midway if possible to avoid a crusty layer, especially with steel-cut oats.
Adjust Liquid: Add more milk or water if it thickens too much overnight.

Check Doneness: Oats should be soft but not mushy; adjust cooking time if needed.
Low and Slow: Cook on low for the creamiest, most flavorful results.
Cool Before Storing: Let it cool slightly to avoid condensation in storage.

Add Toppings Fresh: Stir in nuts or fruit after cooking for texture and freshness.

Yield: 6 servings

Crockpot Oatmeal with Apples and Cinnamon

Creamy crockpot oatmeal with apples and cinnamon, perfect for a cozy breakfast.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

¼ cup brown sugar

¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
¼ tsp salt
1 cup steel-cut oats

1 cup water
1 tbsp butter (optional)
1 tsp ground cinnamon

1 tsp vanilla extract
2 medium apples, peeled and diced
3 cups milk

Instructions

Prep the Crockpot: Grease the slow cooker with butter (if using) to keep oatmeal from sticking.
Add Oats: Pour steel-cut oats into the crockpot for that hearty base—perfect for overnight!
Layer Apples: Toss in diced apples, spreading them evenly over the oats.

Mix the Liquids: In a bowl, combine milk, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, salt, and nutmeg (if using).
Pour Over Oats: Gently pour the liquid mixture over the oats and apples, stirring lightly.
Cook Overnight: Cover and cook on low for 7-8 hours, waking up to a delicious aroma on August 10!

Check Consistency: Stir and add a splash of milk or water if it’s too thick—oats should be creamy.
Taste and Adjust: Sample and add more sugar or cinnamon if you’d like a sweeter kick.
Rest a Bit: Let the oatmeal sit for 10 minutes to thicken slightly before serving.

Serve Warm: Scoop into bowls and top with nuts, fruit, or a drizzle of honey—enjoy your cozy breakfast!

Notes

Steel-cut oats are best for overnight cooking; adjust time for rolled or quick oats.
Stir midway if awake to prevent a crusty top, though it’s not essential.

Add extra liquid when reheating to restore creaminess.
Store leftovers promptly to maintain freshness.
This recipe can be adapted for gluten-free or dairy-free diets with swaps.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 243Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 3gCholesterol 15mgSodium 175mgCarbohydrates 40gFiber 4gSugar 20gProtein 8g

The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Steel-Cut Oats (1 cup): Provide a hearty, chewy texture; use 2 cups if using rolled oats.

Apples (2 medium): Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, peeled and diced for sweet-tart flavor.
Milk (3 cups): Whole milk adds creaminess; almond or oat milk works for dairy-free.
Water (1 cup): Balances the milk for perfect consistency; adjust as needed.

Brown Sugar (¼ cup): Adds a warm, molasses-like sweetness; adjust to taste.
Cinnamon (1 tsp): Ground cinnamon infuses a classic, spicy warmth.
Vanilla Extract (1 tsp): Adds a sweet, aromatic note to the oatmeal.

Salt (¼ tsp): Enhances all flavors without overpowering.
Butter (1 tbsp, optional): Melted, for greasing and a rich flavor boost.
Nutmeg (¼ tsp, optional): Adds a subtle, nutty depth.

Variations and Substitutions

Oat Swap: Use rolled oats (reduce cooking time to 4-6 hours) or quick oats (3-4 hours).
Milk Alternatives: Substitute with coconut milk or soy milk for a different richness.
Sweetener Swap: Replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or agave.

Fruit Options: Add pears, berries, or raisins for a fruity twist.
Spice Variations: Include allspice or ginger for a spiced variation.
Protein Boost: Stir in chia seeds or flaxseeds for added nutrition.

Gluten-Free: Ensure oats are certified gluten-free if needed.
Creamy Twist: Add a dollop of yogurt or cream after cooking.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat with milk or water.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 2 months; thaw in fridge before reheating.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of liquid if needed.