Imagine waking up to the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, without spending hours in the morning cooking. This Crock Pot Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats recipe is your secret weapon to a delicious, hassle-free breakfast that will make your taste buds dance and your family beg for seconds. Perfect for busy mornings, meal prep, or anyone craving a nutritious and indulgent start to their day, this recipe combines the hearty goodness of steel cut oats with the sweet, natural flavor of fresh apples and warm cinnamon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (optional)
- Chopped nuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients by washing and dicing the apples into small, uniform cubes.
- Grease the inside of the crock pot with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add the steel cut oats, water, diced apples, cinnamon, brown sugar, and salt to the crock pot. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the crock pot with the lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook the oatmeal for 6-7 hours overnight or during the day, without lifting the lid to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After cooking time is complete, gently stir the oatmeal to redistribute the apples and incorporate any liquid.
- If desired, stir in milk to adjust the consistency and create a creamier texture.
- Serve hot in individual bowls, topping with additional chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk before serving.
Tips
- Use fresh, crisp apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best texture and flavor.
- Grease your crock pot thoroughly to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For extra richness, consider using a mix of water and milk in your base liquid.
- Don't lift the lid during cooking - this helps maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the water slightly; for a creamier texture, add more milk when serving.
- Experiment with toppings like toasted pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of additional cinnamon.
- For meal prep, this recipe can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days and easily reheated with a splash of milk.
- If you're short on time in the morning, prep ingredients the night before and set your crock pot to cook overnight.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 5mg
