Imagine waking up to the delightful aroma of warm, cinnamon-spiced banana bread oatmeal wafting through your home, all thanks to your trusty crock pot! This easy and wholesome recipe transforms simple ingredients into a comforting breakfast that will make your mornings feel like a cozy hug. With just 10 minutes of prep time and the magic of slow cooking, you can treat yourself and your loved ones to a deliciously creamy bowl of oatmeal that’s perfect for busy weekdays or leisurely weekends. Ready to discover how to make this scrumptious dish? Let’s dive into the recipe that will have you saying goodbye to boring breakfasts!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups almond milk
- 2 ripe bananas, mashed
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Optional toppings (sliced bananas, nuts, etc.)
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by mashing the ripe bananas thoroughly in a medium mixing bowl until smooth and creamy.
- Grease the interior of your 4-6 quart slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
- In the slow cooker, combine the rolled oats, mashed bananas, almond milk, brown sugar, vanilla extract, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk all ingredients together until well incorporated and no dry spots remain.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting. Allow the oatmeal to cook for
- 5 to 4 hours without lifting the lid, which helps maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- After cooking time is complete, gently stir the oatmeal to redistribute any settled ingredients and create a creamy consistency.
- Let the oatmeal rest uncovered for 10-15 minutes to slightly thicken and cool down to a comfortable eating temperature.
- Serve warm in individual bowls, garnishing with optional toppings like sliced fresh bananas, chopped walnuts, a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, or a drizzle of honey.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat with a splash of additional almond milk to restore creamy texture.
Tips
- Perfectly Ripe Bananas: Use very ripe bananas for the best flavor and sweetness. The more speckles on the skin, the better!
- Grease Your Slow Cooker: Don’t skip greasing the slow cooker! This will help prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: Resist the urge to peek while it’s cooking. Keeping the lid on ensures the oatmeal cooks evenly and retains moisture.
- Customize Your Oatmeal: Feel free to add your favorite mix-ins like chopped nuts, dried fruits, or even a scoop of nut butter for an extra boost of flavor and nutrition.
- Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, consider adding a bit more brown sugar or a drizzle of honey before serving.
- Leftover Magic: This oatmeal stores well in the fridge! Reheat with a splash of almond milk to bring back its creamy texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Top your oatmeal with fresh sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a handful of nuts to elevate the dish even further.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 6g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
