Slow-Cooked Apple-Cinnamon Breakfast Oats
Start your day off right with this deliciously comforting breakfast that features the delightful flavors of apple and cinnamon. Perfect for busy mornings, this overnight steel-cut oatmeal cooks gently in your slow cooker, turning into a creamy, hearty bowl of goodness without any morning hassle. The warm aroma of spiced apples wafting through your home will make it hard to wait for breakfast! Ideal for meal prep, this recipe yields plenty of servings, making for easy reheats during the week. Customize the sweetness to your taste, and enjoy a wholesome, nutritious breakfast all week long.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apple Cider
6 cups (Liquid, can add 1-2 cups of water for thinner oatmeal.)
Steel Cut Oats
2 cups (Dry)
Light Brown Sugar
2 tablespoons (Packed; increase to 1/4 cup if preferred sweeter.)
Kosher Salt
1/2 teaspoon (Granulated)
Ground Cinnamon
1 teaspoon (Ground)
Instructions
1
Prepare your slow cooker by generously coating the inside with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2
In a large bowl, combine the apple cider, steel-cut oats, light brown sugar, kosher salt, and ground cinnamon. For an enhanced flavor, mix the brown sugar with the cinnamon before adding it to the mixture.
3
Pour the mixture into the prepared slow cooker and stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
4
Cover the slow cooker and set it to low, cooking for 7-8 hours, allowing the oats to absorb the flavors and cook slowly overnight.
5
In the morning, give the oatmeal a thorough stir with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon to incorporate any ingredients that may have settled.
6
Serve the oatmeal hot, distributing it into bowls. If desired, top with additional sliced apples, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
7
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, and reheat with a splash of milk for a creamy consistency.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main flavors of this breakfast oatmeal?
The main flavors are delightful apple and warm cinnamon, created by using apple cider and ground cinnamon.
What type of oats should I use for this slow cooker recipe?
You should use steel-cut oats, as they hold their texture during the long cooking process.
How long does this recipe take to cook?
The oats cook on the low setting for 7 to 8 hours, making it perfect for overnight preparation.
How do I prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the slow cooker?
Generously coat the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray before adding any ingredients.
Can I adjust the sweetness of the oats?
Yes, you can increase the light brown sugar from 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
What is the liquid base for this oatmeal?
The base liquid is 6 cups of apple cider.
How can I make the oatmeal thinner?
You can add 1 to 2 cups of water to the mixture for a thinner oatmeal consistency.
Should I stir the oatmeal while it is cooking?
No, you should cover and let it cook undisturbed, then give it a thorough stir in the morning.
What is the best way to mix the spices?
For enhanced flavor, mix the light brown sugar with the ground cinnamon before adding it to the bowl with other ingredients.
What tools should I use to stir the oatmeal?
A rubber spatula or a wooden spoon is recommended for stirring the oatmeal.
How should I serve the apple-cinnamon oats?
Serve it hot in bowls, potentially topped with extra sliced apples, nuts, or maple syrup.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it yields multiple servings and is ideal for reheating throughout the week.
How do I store leftover oatmeal?
Store any leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to reheat the oats?
Reheat the oats with a splash of milk to restore their creamy consistency.
What kind of salt is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/2 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Can I use quick oats instead?
No, quick oats or rolled oats will become too mushy if cooked for 8 hours in a slow cooker.
What happens if I cook the oats on high?
Cooking on high is not recommended for this overnight recipe as it may burn or overcook the oats.
Do I need to peel the apples if I add fresh ones?
It is a matter of preference, but peeling them provides a softer texture in the finished dish.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
As written, the recipe is dairy-free, provided your apple cider has no dairy additives.
Can I use apple juice instead of apple cider?
Yes, apple juice can be used, though cider generally offers a deeper, more spiced flavor.
What is the serving size for this recipe?
While not specified exactly, the recipe uses 2 cups of dry oats which typically serves 6 to 8 people.
Can I add nuts to the slow cooker?
It is best to add nuts as a topping right before serving to maintain their crunch.
How much cinnamon is needed?
The recipe requires 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
Can I use dark brown sugar?
Yes, dark brown sugar can be substituted for light brown sugar for a deeper molasses flavor.
Does this recipe contain cholesterol?
Based on the ingredients list, this recipe is naturally cholesterol-free.
What should I do if the oats are too thick in the morning?
Simply stir in a little extra water or milk until you reach your desired consistency.
Can I make this recipe without sugar?
Yes, you can omit the sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute or extra maple syrup.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
It is gluten-free if you ensure your steel-cut oats are certified gluten-free.
Can I add vanilla extract?
Yes, adding a teaspoon of vanilla extract would complement the apple and cinnamon flavors well.
Is it okay to leave the oats on 'warm' after they finish cooking?
Yes, but they will continue to thicken, so you may need to add liquid before serving.