Easy Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apple & Cranberries: A Cozy Fall Breakfast Solution
Experience the ultimate breakfast convenience with creamy slow cooker steel cut oats, infused with a delightful fall twist. This effortlessly delicious morning meal can be prepped the night before, promising a warm, hearty, and healthy breakfast ready to greet you when you wake up! Say goodbye to rushed mornings and hello to nourishing comfort.
This post is in partnership with Bob’s Red Mill.
Today, we’re embracing the magic of the slow cooker to create the world’s easiest and most satisfying breakfast! It’s been a while since we featured a slow cooker recipe, but for good reason – this one is a game-changer for busy mornings, especially during the colder months.
When it comes to weekday breakfasts, many of us prioritize those precious extra minutes of sleep. Coffee often takes precedence, and preparing a substantial meal can feel like a chore. However, the appeal of a warm, comforting breakfast is undeniable, particularly as the days grow shorter and the air gets crisp. Think back to college days, especially in places like upstate New York, where a hot breakfast was practically essential to combat the chill.
The challenge has always been striking a balance: more sleep versus a nutritious, hot meal. Most people are willing to dedicate about 15 minutes to breakfast prep – and that’s often the absolute limit. Old habits die hard, and the desire for efficiency remains strong, especially before a busy day.
Why Choose Steel Cut Oats for Your Morning Meal?
Despite their superior chewy texture and nutty flavor – qualities many find far more appealing than regular rolled oats – steel cut oats (often called Irish oats) have traditionally been overlooked for weekday breakfasts. Their coarser texture typically demands around 30 minutes of stovetop cooking, including frequent stirring, making them too time-consuming for a typical morning routine. This is precisely where the slow cooker becomes an indispensable kitchen tool.
Steel cut oats offer a wealth of nutritional benefits, providing a rich source of fiber, protein, and essential minerals. Their unique processing – whole oat groats cut into smaller pieces rather than rolled flat – contributes to a lower glycemic index, meaning they release energy more slowly, keeping you feeling full and satisfied for longer. This sustained energy release is ideal for starting your day on the right foot, preventing mid-morning energy crashes. They are also incredibly versatile, serving as a blank canvas for a variety of flavors and toppings, making them a healthy and delicious foundation for any breakfast.
The Magic of Overnight Slow Cooker Oats
Slow cooker steel cut oats are an absolute lifesaver for anyone pressed for time in the morning, like my husband, Connor, who often starts his workday before dawn. The “set it and forget it” convenience of a crockpot means you can simply combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker insert the night before, give it a quick stir, and wake up to perfectly cooked, ready-to-eat steel cut oats. This minimal effort – just a couple of minutes before bed – yields a big payoff.
This method doesn’t just save time; it transforms steel cut oats into a consistently creamy, hearty, and flavorful dish. They’ll be ready faster than it takes to toast a slice of bread, offering a much more substantial and delicious start to your day. This recipe is perfect not only for individuals, couples, or families with differing weekday schedules but also ideal for holidays when you might stay up late and need a hassle-free breakfast solution for houseguests or family.
How to Make the Best Steel Cut Oats In a Slow Cooker
For this recipe, I always reach for Bob’s Red Mill steel cut oats. And no, that’s not just a brand preference – their oats actually won the World Porridge Making Championships in Scotland, proving their quality by beating the Scots at their own game! Their consistent texture and flavor are unmatched, making them the ideal choice for a perfectly cooked bowl of oatmeal.
The oats are cooked in unsweetened almond milk, which contributes to a wonderfully creamy and flavorful final product. While I might not drink almond milk on its own, it’s fantastic for cooking breakfast grains. Feel free to use other plant-based milks like oat or soy milk, or even a combination of water and regular dairy milk if that’s your preference. The key is to use a liquid that imparts flavor and creaminess without overwhelming the delicate taste of the oats and fruits.
Essential Tips for Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats Success:
After extensive experimentation and research, I’ve gathered a few crucial tricks for mastering steel cut oats in the slow cooker. These aren’t complicated, but they make a significant difference in achieving perfect results every time:
- Prevent Sticking: Always give your slow cooker insert a light coating of cooking spray or butter. This simple step is vital to prevent the oats from sticking to the bottom and sides, as slow cookers can vary greatly in how they distribute heat.
- Choose the Right Size Slow Cooker: For recipes using just 1 cup of steel cut oats (yielding 4 servings), it’s best to use a smaller 2-quart or 4-quart slow cooker. If you only have a larger 6-quart capacity slow cooker, you’ll need to double the recipe. Using too small a quantity in a large slow cooker can lead to the oats drying out, crisping up, or browning excessively around the edges due to increased surface area exposure to heat.
- Don’t Fear the Skin: As the oats cook, a thin surface skin may form on top. This is completely normal! Simply give the oatmeal a few good stirs before serving, and the skin will easily integrate, making the oats creamy and smooth, as if it was never there.
- Know Your Appliance: Not all slow cookers are created equal. Some run hotter than others. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, you might need to slightly reduce the cooking time. If possible, a quick stir or two during the cooking process can also help ensure even cooking and prevent sticking, especially if cooking for an extended period.
- Consider the Bain Marie Method: For particularly hot-running slow cookers, or if you want an extra layer of protection against sticking and burning, consider the “bain marie” (water bath) method. This involves placing the slow cooker insert, filled with oats and liquid, inside a larger slow cooker or pot filled with water. This indirect heat method provides a gentler, more even cooking environment.
For those curious, this All-Clad slow cooker is the one I personally use and highly recommend. It has consistently delivered excellent results, and its “keep warm” function is an absolute lifesaver for staggered morning routines or busy gatherings.
Customizing Your Steel Cut Oatmeal & Toppings
To truly embrace the autumn season, I’ve infused these slow cooker steel cut oats with classic fall flavors. The recipe calls for chopped Granny Smith apples – their tartness holds up beautifully during cooking and provides a lovely counterpoint to the sweetness. Fresh cranberries add bursts of bright, tangy flavor, complementing the sweeter cooked apple perfectly. A touch of pure maple syrup and a blend of warm fall spices complete this cozy profile.
A note on spices: I’ve included cardamom in this recipe because of my personal fondness for its unique, aromatic qualities in baked goods and breakfast dishes. It adds a subtle, intriguing depth. However, if cardamom isn’t your preferred spice, feel free to omit it entirely. Classic cinnamon is always a winner, and you could also experiment with a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for even more fall flair.
The beauty of oatmeal lies in its versatility, especially when it comes to toppings! Here are some ideas to make your bowl truly your own:
- Fresh Fruit: Beyond apples and cranberries, consider sliced bananas, seasonal berries, or poached pears.
- Dried Fruit: Raisins, dried cranberries, chopped dates, apricots, or figs can add natural sweetness and chewiness.
- Nuts & Seeds: A sprinkle of chopped almonds, walnuts, pecans, chia seeds, flax seeds, or hemp hearts adds healthy fats, protein, and a satisfying crunch.
- Sweeteners: A drizzle of extra maple syrup, honey, a spoonful of brown sugar, or a sugar substitute like stevia.
- Nut Butters: A dollop of almond butter, peanut butter, or cashew butter provides extra creaminess and protein.
- Dairy/Dairy Alternatives: A splash of extra milk (almond, oat, dairy), a spoonful of Greek yogurt, or coconut cream for added richness.
- Spices: A final dusting of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice blend.
Experiment with different combinations to discover your favorite fall-inspired bowl!
Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apple and Cranberries
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Equipment
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All-Clad 4 Quart Slow Cooker
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Cooking Spray
Ingredients
- 1 cup (175 g) Bob’s Red Mill Steel Cut Oats *do not substitute quick-cooking steel cut or rolled oats
- 1 large Granny Smith apple cored and diced
- ½ cup (50 g) fresh cranberries
- 3 tablespoons (45 mL) pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground cardamom optional
- 2 pinches kosher salt
- 4½ cups (36 oz) unsweetened almond milk plus more for serving
Optional Toppings:
- chopped or julienned apple
- almond slices/chopped almonds
- dried cranberries
- turbinado sugar or pure maple syrup
- ground cinnamon for sprinkling
Instructions
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Spray a 2-quart or 4-quart slow cooker insert lightly with cooking spray. If you are using a larger volume slow cooker, be sure to double the recipe quantity as this quantity will not cook properly in a 6-quart slow cooker. Slow cookers that run HOT might cause the cooking liquid to evaporate more quickly. This may result in slightly thicker skin or crust developing on the surface of the oats (see notes below) or sides of the insert. When in doubt, reduce the cook time and adjust as necessary.
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Combine the steel cut oats, diced apple, cranberries, maple syrup, vanilla extract, cinnamon, cardamom, salt, and almond milk. Stir to mix thoroughly. Cover and cook on low heat for 6 hours (for firmer oats) to 8 hours (softer oats with the slightest chew), stirring once or twice if possible (if cooking overnight, you can skip this step). As the oats are cooking a thin, dark colored skin may form on top of the oats and they will look slightly dry at first glance. Don’t worry. Go ahead and stir the oats well until they are creamy and smooth, the skin will be absorbed and incorporated by stirring. If you prefer looser oats, stir in an additional ½ cup (120 mL) or more of almond milk. Serve hot and garnish with toppings as desired.
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Leftover oats can be stored in a container in the refrigerator. I always add a generous splash or milk or water before reheating – it loosens the oatmeal and improves the texture tremendously!
Tips for Success:
- If you’re slow cooker runs hot, this bain marie slow cooker method is worth checking out and trying!
Storage and Reheating for Easy Meal Prep
One of the fantastic benefits of this slow cooker steel cut oats recipe is its suitability for meal prepping. Leftover oats can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making them perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts throughout the week. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat individual portions in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
For best results and to restore that creamy texture, I always recommend adding a generous splash of milk (dairy or non-dairy) or water before reheating. This helps to loosen the oatmeal, rehydrate it, and significantly improve its texture, making it just as delicious as when it was freshly made.
A Final Word on Cozy Mornings
This slow cooker steel cut oats recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a promise of a smoother, more delicious morning. It’s about indulging in a warm, hearty, and nutritious breakfast without the early morning rush or extensive clean-up. Whether you’re preparing for a busy workday, hosting guests, or simply craving a comforting start to your day, these apple and cranberry oats offer the perfect solution. Embrace the convenience and savor the rich, wholesome flavors of fall with every spoonful. Give it a try, and transform your breakfast routine!
This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill. Thank you so much for supporting brands that I love and use in my kitchen!