Let me tell you, this Cranberry Apple Crockpot Oatmeal is a game-changer for busy mornings! It’s cozy, sweet, and slightly tart with warm spices that make your house smell amazing. The best part? You dump everything into the crockpot the night before and wake up to a hot, hearty breakfast. It’s perfect for families—kids love the fruity flavors, and parents love how easy it is! Plus, it’s packed with good-for-you ingredients to keep everyone full and happy.
What You’ll Need
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- 2 cups milk (dairy or plant-based)
- 1 cup water
- 1 large apple, peeled and diced
- ½ cup dried cranberries
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (or honey/maple syrup)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, more fruit, honey, or cream
Pro Tips
- Use a Crockpot Liner: It makes cleanup a breeze, especially when the oatmeal gets sticky around the edges.
- Don’t Skip the Salt: Just a pinch balances the sweetness and brings out the flavors.
- Add Toppings Just Before Serving: Fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup adds the perfect texture and flavor boost.
- For Creamier Oatmeal: Use all milk instead of adding water.
- Double It for Meal Prep: Leftovers heat up wonderfully for easy weekday breakfasts.
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker (4-6 quart size)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Paring knife and cutting board
- Vegetable peeler (optional)
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk Alternatives: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk for a dairy-free version.
- Sweetener Swaps: Honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar work well.
- Add-ins: Toss in a handful of chopped nuts, raisins, or shredded coconut for extra texture.
- Spices: Swap nutmeg for pumpkin pie spice or add a splash of vanilla extract.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep all your ingredients (peel and dice the apple, measure everything) the night before. In the morning, just stir leftovers and heat on the stovetop or in the microwave with a splash of milk!
Instructions
1. Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or use a liner. Add oats, milk, water, diced apple, dried cranberries, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir to combine.
2. Cook Overnight
Cover the crockpot with the lid and cook on low for 6-8 hours (perfect overnight cooking).
3. Stir and Serve
In the morning, stir the oatmeal well to combine all the ingredients. Scoop into bowls and add your favorite toppings like fresh fruit, nuts, or a drizzle of honey.
Leftovers and Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Add a splash of milk or water and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring until warm.
- Freezer: Portion into freezer-safe containers, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw overnight in the fridge.
Wrap It Up
This Cranberry Apple Crockpot Oatmeal is one of those recipes you’ll want to keep in your rotation all year long. It’s so easy, so comforting, and makes mornings stress-free. Give it a try, and let me know how your family liked it! Did you add any fun toppings or make it your own? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you!
