There’s nothing better than waking up to the smell of warm, cozy oatmeal waiting for you in the kitchen! This Spiced Pear Crockpot Oatmeal is a family favorite because it’s easy, delicious, and makes the house smell like a holiday morning. Sweet, tender pears mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and creamy oats—it’s like dessert for breakfast but still healthy. Plus, it’s perfect for busy mornings since it cooks overnight! My kids love it, and I love that it fills them up with wholesome ingredients. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need
- 2 ripe pears (diced, plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 cup steel-cut oats
- 3 ½ cups water or milk (or a mix of both)
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey (optional for sweetness)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Optional toppings: chopped nuts, raisins, honey, or yogurt
Pro Tips
- Use Ripe Pears: Ripe pears are naturally sweet and juicy, which makes the oatmeal taste amazing without needing much added sugar.
- Steel-Cut Oats Are Key: They hold up perfectly in the slow cooker and give that chewy, hearty texture. Don’t swap for quick oats—they’ll turn mushy!
- Grease the Crockpot: Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or rub it with butter to prevent sticking. Trust me, this step makes clean-up way easier.
- Customize the Sweetness: Adjust the maple syrup or honey to your taste, or let everyone add their own at the table.
- Meal Prep Magic: Make extra and reheat leftovers for quick, healthy breakfasts all week!
Tools You’ll Need
- Crockpot (slow cooker)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Pears: Swap for apples or a mix of both!
- Milk: Use almond milk, oat milk, or coconut milk for a dairy-free option.
- Sweetener: Use brown sugar or agave instead of maple syrup or honey.
- Spices: Add a pinch of cloves or cardamom for extra warmth.
- Toppings: Try coconut flakes, chocolate chips, or a dollop of nut butter!
Make-Ahead Tips
- Assemble everything in the crockpot the night before, then set a timer so it starts cooking overnight.
- Store leftovers in individual containers for easy grab-and-go breakfasts during the week.
Instructions
1. Prep the Crockpot
Spray the inside of your crockpot with cooking spray or rub with butter to prevent sticking.
2. Combine Ingredients
Add diced pears, steel-cut oats, water (or milk), maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to the crockpot. Stir everything together until well mixed.
3. Cook on Low
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The oats will absorb the liquid and become soft and creamy, while the pears turn tender and sweet.
4. Serve and Garnish
Stir the oatmeal before serving to make sure everything is evenly mixed. Spoon into bowls and top with fresh pear slices, a drizzle of honey, and your favorite toppings.
Leftovers and Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk to bring back the creaminess.
Conclusion
This Spiced Pear Crockpot Oatmeal is like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect way to start your day, especially on chilly mornings. Whether it’s for a busy weekday breakfast or a cozy weekend treat, this recipe is sure to be a hit with your family. Give it a try and let me know how it turned out in the comments—I’d love to hear your thoughts or any fun twists you added! Happy cooking! 😊
