Category: steel cut oats

Why I Love This Recipe

• Effortless Mornings: There’s nothing better than a slow cooker recipe! Simply toss everything in before bed, and wake up to the smell of pumpkin spice perfection. This is one of my favorite low-effort breakfasts.
• Packed with Fall Flavor: This recipe is similar to my Slow Cooker Oatmeal recipe, but packed with fall flavors like pumpkin puree, warm spices, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s the ultimate autumn breakfast.
• Healthy and Filling: Oats, pumpkin, and just the right amount of sweetness make this a healthy start to your day. Plus, you can customize with more nutritious toppings!
• Kid-Friendly: This slow cooker oatmeal is like having pumpkin pie for breakfast… but healthy! Your kids will be obsessed just like mine.
• Pumpkin Perfection: We love all things pumpkin especially during the fall. If we’re not making this recipe we’re making Pumpkin Pear Bread, Flourless Pumpkin Chocolate Muffins or these adorable Pumpkin Pie Pop Tarts.

The Ingredients

• Steel-cut oats: For slow cooker oatmeal, I recommend using steel cut-oats as they are the heartiest oats and perfect for slow cooking.
• Milk of choice and Water: A combination of water and your milk of choice creates the perfect texture for this oatmeal. Store-bought or homemade almond milk or oat milk all work great here for extra creaminess. 
• Pumpkin puree: Adds richness and that irresistible pumpkin flavor. It’s simple to use canned from the store, or you can make your own pumpkin puree!
• Pumpkin pie spice: If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice, use a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to bring out all the fall vibes.
• Maple Syrup (optional): You can add maple syrup to taste before cooking or let everyone customize their bowl by drizzling as much or as little as they want it on top after.

How to Make Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker

Step 1: Place all the ingredients in the crock pot and stir to combine.

Step 2: Cover and cook on low for 4-8 hours (note that the cooking time can vary depending on your crock pot. Crock pots without non-stick surfaces tend to get hotter, so you’ll want to stick closer to a 5 hour cooking time).

Tips and Tricks

• Overnight Oats Made Easy: This is a great make ahead breakfast. Set the slow cooker to low before you go to bed, and by morning, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal waiting for everyone.
• Type of Oats: Use steel cut oats for this recipe. They hold up better than rolled oats when it comes to slow cooking.
• The Cook Time: Keep in mind that the cooking time can vary depending on your crock pot. Crock pots without non-stick surfaces tend to get hotter, so you’ll want to stick closer to a 5 hour cooking time.
• Custom Toppings: Stir in some dried cranberries, raisins, chopped apples, walnuts, or pecans, or a handful of chocolate chips right before serving for an extra treat.
• Storing Leftovers: If you have any leftover oatmeal (although it’s so good, you might not!), store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk to loosen it up.