There’s something magical about waking up to the smell of warm apple cinnamon goodness filling your home, isn’t there? This Overnight Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is the ultimate make-ahead breakfast for busy mornings. It’s hearty, cozy, and tastes like dessert—but it’s healthy enough to start your day off right. The best part? You toss everything into your slow cooker before bed, and by morning, breakfast is ready to go! My kids love this because it’s like eating apple pie for breakfast, and I love it because it’s easy, wholesome, and gives us a warm start to the day. Let’s dive in!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 2 cups unsweetened almond milk (or milk of choice)
- 2 cups water
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (or maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: extra diced apples, chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, or a dollop of yogurt
Pro Tips
- Use steel-cut oats: Regular oats will get mushy overnight, so stick with steel-cut for that perfect texture.
- Grease your crockpot: Spray the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick spray or rub it with butter to prevent sticking.
- Customize the sweetness: Start with less sugar and add more in the morning, if needed.
- Prep toppings the night before: Chop apples, nuts, or anything else you want to add in the morning so it’s ready to go.
- Use a crockpot liner for easy cleanup: Totally optional, but it makes washing up a breeze!
Tools You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (4-quart or larger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
- Small knife and cutting board
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap the almond milk for regular milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
- Use honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a refined sugar-free option.
- Add a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for extra sweetness.
- Love spices? Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a little kick.
- Stir in a scoop of peanut butter or almond butter in the morning for added creaminess and protein.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Prep all your ingredients (dice apples, measure out spices, etc.) earlier in the day. Then, just toss everything in the slow cooker before bed!
Instructions
1. Grease your slow cooker
Spray the inside of your crockpot with non-stick spray or rub it with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Add all ingredients
Place the steel-cut oats, almond milk, water, diced apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and vanilla extract into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook overnight
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours. Your house will smell amazing by morning!
4. Stir and serve
In the morning, give the oatmeal a good stir. Add a splash of milk if it’s thicker than you like. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like extra diced apples, nuts, or maple syrup.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- To reheat, add a splash of milk or water and warm in the microwave or on the stove.
Wrap-Up
That’s it! This Overnight Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is the perfect way to start your day with a warm, comforting meal—without the morning hassle. Give it a try, and let me know how your family loves it! Got questions or fun variations? Drop a comment below—I’d love to hear from you! ❤️
