Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of warm oatmeal, especially when it’s made in a Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal. I often think back to those chilly winter mornings when I would wake up to the smell of something sweet and hearty wafting through the house. This dish is not just about nourishment; it’s about creating memories and starting the day off right. Picture yourself curled up with a bowl of creamy oatmeal, topped with a drizzle of maple syrup and a sprinkle of crunchy nuts. It’s a simple pleasure that warms not only your belly but also your heart.

Essential Ingredients for Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

This Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal comes together with a handful of essential ingredients that work in perfect harmony. The key players include steel-cut oats for their heartiness, maple syrup for sweetness, and cinnamon to enhance the flavor. Each ingredient contributes to a warm, comforting bowl of oatmeal that’s perfect for any winter morning.

• 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil, butter, or cooking spray for greasing crockpot: This prevents the oatmeal from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
• 2 cups regular steel-cut oats, no substitution: These oats give the oatmeal a chewy texture and are packed with nutrients.
• 4 cups water: The base for cooking the oats, ensuring they soften perfectly.
• 3 cups milk, any variety: Adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon: A warm spice that gives the oatmeal its comforting flavor.
• ¼ cup maple syrup: Natural sweetness that enhances the overall taste.
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: A hint of vanilla adds depth to the flavor profile.
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
• ¼ cup brown sugar: For added sweetness and a rich flavor.
• chopped nuts, for serving: Provides a crunchy texture to complement the creamy oats.

Step by Step Guide for Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Making Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is a delightful experience, where you practically set it and forget it. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll end up with a wonderful breakfast that’s ready when you are.

1. First, grease the bottom and sides of your slow cooker insert with coconut oil, cooking spray, or butter. This step is important to prevent the oatmeal from sticking and burning.

2. Next, in the slow cooker, combine steel-cut oats, water, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt. Stir well to make sure everything is evenly mixed.

3. Now, place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on low for 6 hours if you prefer a firmer texture or for 8 hours if you like it softer. Alternatively, you can cook it on high for about 3 to 4 hours.

4. Once the cooking time is up, give the oatmeal a good stir. You’ll notice the texture change, becoming creamier and more inviting. If you find it too thick, you can add a splash more milk or water to loosen it up.

5. When ready to serve, dish up the oats into bowls. You can top them with additional maple syrup and chopped nuts for extra flavor and crunch!

6. Enjoy your warm and comforting Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal as is, or customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like berries, banana slices, or a sprinkle of flax seed.

Ways to Customize

Customizing your Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is a breeze, and it allows you to get creative! Here are some ideas to make it your own:

• Add Fruit: Consider mixing in chopped apples or bananas before cooking for natural sweetness and flavor.
• Spice It Up: Feel free to add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract for an extra flavor boost.
• Top with Yogurt: Serve your oatmeal with a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess and added protein.
• Snack Mix: Sprinkle some granola or your favorite cereal on top for added crunch.
• Nut Butters: Stir in a tablespoon of almond butter or peanut butter for a nutty flavor and creaminess.
• Chia Seeds: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds to the mix for a nutritional boost.
• Alternative Sweeteners: Try using honey or agave syrup instead of brown sugar or maple syrup for different sweetness levels.

Side Dish Ideas for Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

Serving your Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is all about creating the perfect breakfast experience. Here are some ideas for sides and accompaniments:

• Fresh Fruit: Serve with a side of seasonal fresh fruits like berries, bananas, or peaches to add a refreshing contrast.
• Nut Butter Toast: Pair with whole grain toast smothered in peanut butter or almond butter for added protein and flavor.
• Yogurt Parfait: Create a yogurt parfait by layering Greek yogurt with oats and fruit for a wholesome breakfast.
• Herbal Tea: Enjoy with a warm cup of chamomile or peppermint tea to complement the cozy flavors of oatmeal.
• Granola Bar: Serve a homemade or store-bought granola bar on the side for a quick energy boost.
• Smoothies: A refreshing fruit smoothie can balance out the warm oatmeal and provide some extra nutrients.
• Pancakes: For a hearty breakfast, serve alongside fluffy pancakes topped with maple syrup.

FAQ

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is not just a breakfast; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. The combination of hearty oats and sweet maple syrup creates a delightful experience perfect for cold mornings. So why not give it a try? I promise it’ll become a staple in your morning routine, bringing joy and comfort to your day!

Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal

The ultimate comfort food, Slow Cooker Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal is creamy, sweet, and easy to prepare. Perfect for chilly mornings, this dish combines hearty oats with rich maple syrup and warm spices. It's a delicious way to start your day, and you'll want to make it again and again!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 6 hours hrs

Total Time 6 hours hrs 5 minutes mins

Servings: 8 servings

Course: Breakfast

Cuisine: American

Calories: 215

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 teaspoon melted coconut oil for greasing crockpot
• 2 cups regular steel-cut oats no substitution
• 4 cups water
• 3 cups milk any variety
• 2 teaspoons cinnamon
• ¼ cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• chopped nuts for serving

Equipment

• Slow Cooker

Method

 

1. Grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker insert using coconut oil, cooking spray, or butter.
2. Combine the steel-cut oats, water, milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and salt together in the slow cooker.
3. Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook for 6 hours on low for a firm texture and 8 hours on low for a softer texture. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
4. To serve, dish up oats and top with additional maple syrup and chopped nuts if desired.

Notes

• Tip 1: You MUST use steel-cut oats for this slow cooker oatmeal.
• Tip 2: Quick-cooking steel-cut oats, regular or quick-cooking oats will not work.
• Tip 3: Add in up to ¼ cup flax seed or wheat germ to the slow cooker before cooking oatmeal for added fiber.
• Tip 4: If your slow cooker burns the bottom of the oats, just don't stir the burnt bottom into the remaining oatmeal.
• Tip 5: Store cooled leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for 4-5 days.

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Meet Stella Ross

I’m Stella, and I believe that even a busy Tuesday night deserves a special meal. I love taking simple pantry ingredients and turning them into something that feels like a hug in a bowl. I hope this recipe brings a little bit of coziness to your kitchen today!"