Apple-Cinnamon Slow Cooker Steel-Cut Oatmeal Recipe

Gather the ingredients for this apple-cinnamon slow cooker steel-cut oatmeal recipe

For this recipe, you'll need steel-cut oats. De Witt specifically recommends, "Use regular long-cooking steel-cut oats for this dish. Quick steel-cut oats, large flake oats, and rolled oats won't withstand the extended cooking time; they will turn too mushy."

Next, gather your ingredients: milk, heavy cream, water, apples (peeled, cored, and diced), vanilla extract, sea salt, freshly grated nutmeg, and ground cinnamon. For serving, have brown sugar and chopped pecans on hand.

"This is an easy recipe to prepare and can be tailored to suit any preference," De Witt notes, providing ideas for modifications: "You can omit the cream and increase the milk, or substitute with a non-dairy milk." Regarding toppings, she suggests, "Replace the pecans with different nuts or pumpkin seeds, add raisins or cranberries, or drizzle maple syrup instead of using brown sugar. The possibilities are limitless."

Step 1: Grease your slow cooker

Liberally coat the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray.

Step 2: Pour in the oats

Place oats into the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add the liquids

Incorporate milk, cream, and water.

Step 4: Add the fruit

Include apples.

Step 5: Stir in the seasonings

Incorporate vanilla, salt, nutmeg, and cinnamon, then mix well.

Step 6: Let the oats cook

Simmer on low heat for 7 hours.

Step 7: Garnish and serve

Garnish the oatmeal with additional cream, brown sugar, and pecans prior to serving.

Why does this oatmeal recipe use steel-cut oats?

As De Witt points out, steel-cut oats feature a tougher outer layer, allowing them to cook in liquid for several hours. In contrast, rolled oats and quick oats undergo additional processing, which makes them easier to break down. To avoid ending up with a mushy breakfast, it's essential to use steel-cut oats for this recipe.

You'll be pleased to learn that the robust structure of these oats offers more than just culinary benefits. "Steel-cut oats have a lower glycemic index compared to rolled oats," De Witt notes. "Your body takes longer to digest steel-cut oats, which helps maintain stable blood sugar levels—especially when paired with the protein and fat found in nuts. They also keep you feeling full for a longer period." Just as they require more time to cook in a slow cooker, steel-cut oats also digest more slowly. If you're in search of a breakfast recipe that will keep you satisfied until lunchtime, this is the one.

What are some slow cooker tips for the best steel-cut oatmeal?

While this recipe is simple, De Witt provides some extra tips for using a crockpot effectively. First and foremost, don’t skip the initial step of greasing your slow cooker. No matter what material your slow cooker is made of, De Witt strongly recommends using cooking spray to prevent the oats from sticking, which is crucial for easier cleanup.

When it comes to setting your slow cooker, she emphasizes the importance of having a model that automatically switches to the warm setting after the 7-hour cooking time. It would be quite disappointing to wake up to a pot of cold, congealed oats. If you prefer to eat a few hours after getting up, De Witt suggests another option: "You can also cook on high for 3 ½ hours," she advises.