Effortless Overnight Breakfast: Delicious Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats Recipe
Seeking the ultimate way to prepare steel cut oats? Look no further than your trusty slow cooker! Our cinnamon apple steel cut oats crockpot recipe is the epitome of “set it and forget it.” Simply combine fresh apples, wholesome milk, aromatic spices, and hearty steel cut oatmeal in your crockpot, then let it simmer overnight. Wake up to a comforting, hot breakfast that fills your home with the delightful scent of apple pie, all without a single gram of added sugar!
While some may associate beige foods with blandness, this apple cinnamon steel cut oats crockpot recipe proves that appearances can be deceiving. Though its color palette might be less vibrant than some of our other dishes, it’s a nutritional powerhouse, brimming with dietary fiber and beneficial phytonutrients. But the goodness doesn’t stop there.
Slow cooker steel cut oats consistently deliver a wonderfully **creamy texture** while still retaining a satisfying, slightly **chewy bite**. The generous inclusion of **sweet apples and warm cinnamon** infuses every spoonful with rich flavor, making **no added sugar** entirely unnecessary. This natural sweetness ensures a guilt-free indulgence.
Imagine waking up to the inviting aroma of apple crisp wafting through your home. Even if you’re not typically a morning person, this enticing scent provides the perfect incentive to start your day. Rise and shine to a hearty, fragrant bowl of these delectable **apple oats**. It’s more than just breakfast; it’s an experience for your senses, offering warmth, comfort, and nutrition.
The slow cooker and steel cut oatmeal are a match made in culinary heaven. By preparing this dish the night before, you ensure a ready-to-eat breakfast with that perfect creamy yet toothsome texture awaiting you in the morning. Absolutely **no laborious stirring** is required, meaning you won’t need to sacrifice precious sleep to enjoy a wholesome, homemade meal. This effortless approach makes mornings significantly less stressful.
Simple, nourishing recipes like this apple cinnamon oatmeal are essential for those times when life gets hectic, whether you’re tired, unwell, or simply too busy for elaborate cooking. The thought of extensive grocery shopping and chopping multiple fruits and vegetables can be daunting. Having a collection of **easy, healthy breakfast ideas** to rely on can be a game-changer, helping to reduce morning stress and ensure you begin your day with a nutritious meal.
⭐ Benefits of Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apple
Curious why you should make cinnamon apple steel cut oats in your crockpot? We’ve touched upon the convenience, but let’s delve deeper into why this recipe will become a cherished part of your breakfast routine:
- No Laborious Stirring: The slow cooker eliminates the constant stirring often required for stovetop steel cut oats, which can take 30-45 minutes. This hands-off method is ideal for busy mornings, freeing you from kitchen duty while your breakfast cooks to perfection. It ensures the oats cook evenly without sticking to the bottom.
- Pleasing Texture: Unlike instant or even rolled oats, steel cut oatmeal boasts a distinctive, chewy texture, more akin to barley than a smooth porridge. This hearty texture provides a more satisfying eating experience, making breakfast feel substantial and enjoyable.
- Pantry Staple Recipe with Fresh Fruit: Apples are a remarkably versatile and long-lasting fresh fruit, making them a perfect pantry staple. Since they store well without needing freezing or drying, you can easily whip up this delicious recipe whenever the craving strikes, ensuring a fresh and wholesome meal is always within reach.
- Effortless Preparation: This recipe is designed for maximum ease. All ingredients go into the slow cooker in the evening, and by morning, your flavorful breakfast is hot and ready to serve. Minimal effort, maximum reward.
- Naturally Vegetarian and Gluten-Free (with adaptation): This recipe is inherently vegetarian. For those following a gluten-free diet, simply opt for certified gluten-free steel cut oats. To make it dairy-free and vegan, substitute butter with avocado or coconut oil, and use a calcium-fortified soy milk alternative for dairy milk. Keep in mind that almond and oat milks typically offer less protein than dairy or soy milk.
- Nutrient-Rich Start to Your Day: Steel cut oats are whole grains, packed with soluble fiber which is excellent for digestive health and can help manage cholesterol levels. Combined with the antioxidants and vitamins from apples and the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon, this breakfast provides a robust nutritional foundation for your day.
🛒 Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Steel Cut Oats
As promised, this delicious apple spice oatmeal recipe requires just a few straightforward ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Steel Cut Oatmeal: The star of our dish, providing a hearty, chewy texture.
- Butter: Essential for greasing the slow cooker and preventing sticking, adding a touch of richness.
- Water: Forms the base liquid for cooking the oats.
- 2% Milk: Adds creaminess and flavor. Feel free to adjust to your preferred fat percentage or use a dairy-free alternative.
- Peeled Apples: Fresh apples are crucial for natural sweetness and flavor.
- Cinnamon Stick: Infuses a subtle, warm cinnamon essence into the oats as they cook.
- Optional Oatmeal Toppings: Fresh fruit, dried fruit, nuts, or seeds to customize your bowl.
For the apples, while I have a personal bias towards Cortland apples for their excellent baking qualities and flavor retention, almost any apple variety suitable for baking will work beautifully in this recipe. Think Fuji, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for delicious results.
The cinnamon apple flavor in this recipe is designed to be pleasantly mild, creating a versatile base for a wide array of toppings. Recently, I’ve been enjoying the burst of freshness from pomegranate arils, the sweet chewiness of Medjool dates, and the satisfying crunch of walnuts on my oatmeal. For a more budget-friendly yet equally delicious option, banana slices and a dollop of peanut butter are always a fantastic choice.
If you’re an absolute apple enthusiast, consider elevating your breakfast further by adding a spoonful of warm, sautéed apples on top. It’s a wonderful way to utilize any extra apples you might have on hand and adds another layer of delightful apple flavor to your wholesome breakfast bowl.
Beyond the ingredients, having the right kitchen equipment will ensure a smooth cooking process. Here are the essential tools:
- Peeler for the apples: To quickly and efficiently prepare your fruit.
- Knife: For coring and chopping the apples into uniform pieces.
- Slow Cooker: The star appliance for this convenient overnight breakfast.
I personally use a large-capacity Crock-Pot oval slow cooker. While its generous size is fantastic for many recipes, I’ve learned from experience that oatmeal can sometimes stick to the sides of such a shape. This is a common issue with slow cookers, especially with creamy dishes.
Thoroughly greasing the sides and bottom of the cooker before adding your ingredients is crucial and **helps significantly prevent sticking**. The butter (or chosen cooking fat) is not an optional step here; it’s a necessary one for a perfect batch of oats!
For even better results and to minimize any potential sticking, I highly recommend using a **round-bottom slow cooker** if you have one available. My Crock-Pot Express Crock Programmable Multi-Cooker, which includes a slow cooker function, is ideal for this recipe. Its rounded shape promotes **evenly cooked oatmeal** with virtually no burning, ensuring every serving is consistently delicious.
➕ How to Make Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apple
It’s time to create these wonderful cinnamon apple steel cut oats! Remember to begin this simple recipe the night before you plan to enjoy your oatmeal for breakfast.
First, prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them. The size of the apple pieces impacts how much they break down during cooking. For a more saucy consistency, chop them smaller. For distinct apple chunks, keep them slightly larger.
Each medium apple can be cut into approximately 16 pieces, as demonstrated in our recipe video.
Next, take your butter and thoroughly grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker. This crucial step prevents the oatmeal from sticking. Once greased, leave any remaining butter at the bottom of the crockpot.
Now, add the chopped apples and the cinnamon stick to the prepared pot. Follow with the liquids (water and milk). Finally, add the steel cut oats. It’s important to add the oats last and gently stir them to ensure they are fully submerged, as placing them in first can increase their tendency to stick to the bottom.
Gently stir the oats once more, making sure they are completely below the liquid line. Cover your slow cooker securely and set it to cook on the low setting for approximately nine hours. Now, you can rest easy knowing a delicious breakfast awaits you. Good night!
In the morning, your kitchen will be filled with a delightful aroma. Remove the cinnamon stick from the cooked oatmeal and stir in the remaining milk to achieve your desired consistency. Divide the warm oatmeal evenly among four bowls, and then sprinkle with any additional toppings you desire. Enjoy your wholesome, homemade breakfast!
🥣 Other Heartwarming Oatmeal Recipes
When the weather turns chilly, there’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm, hearty meal to kickstart your day. After you’ve savored this delicious apple oatmeal, explore these other delightful hot oatmeal recipes that offer pure comfort:
- Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal: A unique take on oatmeal, baked to perfection in your air fryer.
- Baked Protein Oatmeal (with a Secret Ingredient!): A protein-packed option to keep you feeling full and energized.
- Low Calorie Baked Oats – No Added Sugar!: A guilt-free and flavorful choice for those watching their calorie intake.
- Proats Recipe: Egg White Oatmeal: Incorporating egg whites for an extra boost of protein and creaminess.
- Vegetable Oats (Huevos Rancheros with Avocado): A savory twist on oatmeal, inspired by classic huevos rancheros.
- Bacon Egg and Cheese Oatmeal Recipe – Simple and Delicious!: Another savory delight, perfect for those who prefer less sweetness in their breakfast.
Frequently Asked Questions About Steel Cut Oats
How are steel cut oats made?
Steel cut oats, also known as **Irish oatmeal**, are simply whole oat groats that have been minimally processed. They are created by chopping the entire oat groat into two to three distinct pieces. This minimal processing is what gives them their unique texture and slightly longer cooking time compared to other oat varieties. Because they are chopped rather than rolled, they retain more of their original shape and chewiness after cooking.
Which oats are the most nutritious: steel cut, rolled, or instant?
All three forms of oats – steel-cut, rolled (also known as old-fashioned rolled oats), and instant oats – are considered whole grains and offer excellent nutritional benefits. Fundamentally, they are all derived from the same grain, but they are processed differently, which impacts their cooking time and texture, not their core nutritional content. The methods of preparation primarily alter the **texture** of the finished oatmeal, while the **nutrients generally remain consistent** across all types.
Steel cut oats are coarsely chopped. Rolled oats are steamed and then flattened into thinner flakes. Instant oats undergo more steaming and are rolled even thinner than old-fashioned oats, allowing them to cook much faster.
One subtle difference to note is that steel cut oats typically have a slightly lower glycemic index compared to rolled oats. This means they can lead to a slower, more gradual rise in blood sugar, potentially making steel cut oats a more favorable choice for individuals managing their blood sugar levels, such as those with diabetes.
What spices go well in oatmeal?
The cinnamon in this cinnamon apple steel cut oats recipe provides a gentle warmth. If you prefer a more pronounced flavor or enjoy experimenting, don’t hesitate to enhance your oats with additional spices. Oatmeal is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of warm and aromatic spices. Here are some excellent suggestions to elevate your oatmeal beyond just cinnamon:
- Pumpkin pie spice (a blend of cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and allspice)
- Ground ginger (adds a zesty, warm kick)
- Nutmeg (offers a sweet, earthy aroma)
- Cloves (contributes a strong, sweet-spicy flavor)
- Cardamom (for an exotic, aromatic twist)
- Paprika (can be surprisingly good in savory oats dishes)
- Chili powder (perfect for savory oatmeal experiments)
- Cayenne powder (for a subtle heat, especially in savory preparations)
Beyond spices, consider incorporating other flavor enhancers like vanilla extract for a sweet aroma, cocoa powder for a chocolatey treat, or a spoonful of chia seeds for added texture and nutrition. Coconut flakes add a tropical note, and peanut powder offers a protein boost and nutty flavor. While this recipe is designed to be sugar-free, you can always add a touch of maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey for extra sweetness if desired (keeping in mind these are added sugars). A quick visit to your spice rack can truly transform a simple bowl of plain oatmeal into a remarkably delicious and flavorful meal.
Is it bad to eat oatmeal every day?
For the majority of individuals, consuming a reasonable portion of oatmeal daily is perfectly healthy and can even be beneficial. Oatmeal is a cornerstone of my own diet, and I attribute my excellent blood cholesterol levels, at least in part, to the soluble fiber it provides. This fiber, particularly beta-glucan, is well-known for its cholesterol-lowering effects and its ability to promote a healthy digestive system.
That being said, balance is key in any diet. It’s possible to overdo even the healthiest foods. If your oatmeal consumption is so high that it displaces a variety of other foods and the essential nutrients they provide from different food groups (like fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins), it might be time to scale back. A diverse diet ensures you’re getting a full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients.
Additionally, some individuals with diabetes might find that a lower-carbohydrate breakfast is more effective for managing their blood sugar, especially if oatmeal tends to cause challenges. In the future, I hope to see continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) become more widely available to everyone with diabetes. These devices offer invaluable real-time data, allowing individuals to truly understand how specific foods, including oatmeal, impact their unique metabolic responses.
Why am I hungry after eating oatmeal?
If you’re a regular reader, you’re likely familiar with the three key dietary components that contribute most effectively to satiety – that feeling of long-lasting fullness:
- Protein
- Fiber
- Fluid volume
Oatmeal is indeed rich in fiber and contains a good amount of fluid when prepared. However, it’s also a relatively energy-dense food, with just ¼ cup of dry oats typically supplying 150-170 calories. If you find yourself feeling hungry shortly after eating oatmeal, it’s often a sign that your meal could benefit from an increase in **protein and fluid volume**.
Incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and plain water are excellent strategies for boosting fluid intake without adding excessive calories. This apple spice oatmeal recipe already includes a generous amount of apples, providing substantial volume, so you’re off to a great start there! For protein, I’ve provided several suggestions in the recipe notes below. Don’t overlook them, as adding adequate protein is vital for sustained fullness and energy throughout your morning.
🍎 More Delicious Apple Recipes
If you enjoy simple, flavorful recipes featuring apples and warm spices, you’ve come to the right place! After you’ve enjoyed this delightful apples and oatmeal dish, be sure to explore these other fantastic ways to incorporate apples into your cooking:
- Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe: A wholesome and easy applesauce made right in your slow cooker, with no added sugar.
- Applesauce Overnight Oats (High Protein, No Added Sugar!): A convenient, make-ahead breakfast combining applesauce with a protein boost.
- Sugar Free Apple Crisp: Enjoy the classic dessert without the added sugar, perfect for a healthy treat.
- Apple Strawberry Smoothie: A refreshing and fruity smoothie packed with natural goodness.
- Air Fryer Granola (No Oil): Crispy, delicious granola made effortlessly in your air fryer, without any added oil.
- Dehydrated Cinnamon Apples: These crisp, flavorful dried apple pieces make an excellent snack or a perfect topping for your oatmeal!
Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats (Apple Crockpot Steel Cut Oats)
Summer Yule
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup steel-cut oatmeal, dry
- 1 cup water
- 2¾ cups milk, 2% (divided)
- 4 cups baking apples (I used 4 medium Cortland apples)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- dried fruits, fresh fruits, nuts, seeds (for topping, optional)
Instructions
- Start this recipe the night before you would like to have it for breakfast.
- Grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker with the butter. Leave the rest of the butter in the bottom of the pot.
- Peel, core, and chop your apples. I chopped each medium apple into about 16 pieces.
- Add the apples and cinnamon stick to the pot, then add the water, 2 cups of milk, and the oats.
- Gently stir the oats so that they are below the liquid line. (They are more likely to stick to the bottom of the pot if you put them in first. That is why I am having you put them in last and then gently stir.)
- Cover your slow cooker and let it cook on low for nine hours.
- In the morning, remove the cinnamon stick and stir in the last ¾ cup of milk. Divide the oatmeal between four bowls and top with optional toppings of your choosing.
Equipment
- Peeler
- Knife
- Slow Cooker
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). The calorie count on this dish does not include any optional toppers. For the record, I don’t think these apple cinnamon steel cut oats need any toppings to taste great.
Including toppings is more photogenic, but it is also much higher in calories. Adding some healthy toppings, as shown, is a good idea if you have higher energy needs (as some do in my household).
The one thing I would be sure to add to this dish, especially if you have a weight loss goal, is protein. Since oatmeal and apples are both relatively low in protein, I recommend adding a side of plain Greek yogurt to your meal. With a 5.3-ounce cup of low-fat, plain Greek yogurt, this meal remains under 500 calories and is more likely to leave you feeling satiated.
Some other ideas to add more protein to your meal include cottage cheese, plain skyr, hard-boiled eggs, or an egg white omelet. Low fat and non-fat dairy options are more protein dense than whole milk dairy products. That means you get more protein per calorie.
Nutrition information is for one serving of the recipe without additional toppings.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food x
Nutrition
Join our community! Subscribe for all of the latest and greatest recipes, and follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and YouTube!