Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Wake up to the cozy aroma of autumn! This slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal transforms your morning routine into a warm hug for your taste buds. The moment you lift that lid, you’ll be greeted by tender apples and perfectly cooked steel-cut oats, all wrapped in a heavenly cinnamon embrace.
What makes this recipe truly special is how the steel-cut oats slowly absorb the flavors of fresh apple cider and warm spices overnight. The Granny Smith apples break down just enough to create pockets of natural sweetness, while maintaining their shape for the perfect texture in every bite.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 2 cups steel cut oats
- 2 cups apple cider
- 2 cups milk
- 3 cups water
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped walnuts
- Maple syrup
- Fresh milk
- Extra cinnamon
Steps
- Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, ensuring the oats are fully submerged. The liquid should cover the oats by about 1 inch to account for absorption during cooking.
- Set your slow cooker to the WARM setting – this is crucial as higher settings can cause the oats to stick or become gummy. Cook for 8-10 hours, making this perfect for overnight preparation.
- After cooking, remove the lid and stir thoroughly. The oatmeal should be creamy but still have distinct oats. If it seems too thick, add warm milk ¼ cup at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
- When reheating, add 2-3 tablespoons of milk per serving to restore creamy texture
- Microwave individual portions for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through
- Stovetop reheating: warm over medium-low heat, stirring frequently
Smart Swaps
- Replace apple cider with unsweetened apple juice to reduce sugar content
- Use almond milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free version
- Substitute coconut sugar for brown sugar for a lower glycemic option
Make It Diabetes-Friendly
- Use 1/4 cup monk fruit sweetener instead of brown sugar (reduces carbs by 12g per serving)
- Replace 1 cup of apple cider with water and add 1 teaspoon apple extract
- Add 2 tablespoons of chia seeds for extra fiber to slow sugar absorption
- Keep portions to 3/4 cup serving size (30g net carbs)
Pro Tips
- Toast the oats in a dry skillet before adding to enhance their nutty flavor
- Use a slow cooker liner for easier cleanup
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance the natural sweetness
- Layer apple pieces on top to prevent them from becoming too soft