There’s just something magical about waking up to a warm, cozy breakfast that’s already done for you. This Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings, chilly days, or when you just want to start your family’s day with something comforting and wholesome. It’s sweetened naturally with maple syrup and brown sugar, has a creamy texture, and is totally hands-off. You’ll love the simplicity, and your kids will love the flavor—trust me, this one’s a crowd-pleaser. Plus, it smells like heaven while it’s cooking!
What You’ll Need
Ingredients:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 4 cups milk (or milk alternative, like almond milk)
- 1 cup water
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Optional toppings: sliced bananas, chopped nuts, dried fruit, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup
Tools:
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Pro Tips
- Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup—oatmeal can stick a little.
- Don’t skip the vanilla extract—it adds so much flavor to the oatmeal.
- Want even creamier oatmeal? Swap half of the water for more milk.
- If your kids love fun toppings, set out a little “topping bar” with fruits, nuts, and syrups so they can make their bowls their own.
- If you’re a texture fan, stir in a handful of raisins or chopped apples at the start.
Tools Needed
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Milk alternative: Use almond, oat, or coconut milk instead of regular milk for a dairy-free option.
- Sweetener swap: Use honey or coconut sugar in place of maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Add protein: Stir in a spoonful of peanut butter or a scoop of protein powder once it’s cooked.
- Seasonal flavor: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
Make-Ahead Tips
You can prep all the dry ingredients in a bowl the night before, so all you have to do is pour them into the slow cooker in the morning with the wet ingredients.
Instructions
1. Combine Ingredients
Add the oats, milk, water, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
2. Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours (overnight) or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to keep the oats from sticking.
3. Serve
Scoop the oatmeal into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, like sliced bananas, chopped nuts, or an extra drizzle of maple syrup.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to get it creamy again. It also freezes well—just portion it into freezer-safe containers and reheat as needed.
Wrap-Up
This Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is a lifesaver for busy mornings. It’s simple, hearty, and totally customizable. I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Did your kids love it? Did you add any fun toppings? Leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out for you! 😊
