Imagine waking up to the warm, irresistible aroma of cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen, without spending hours in the morning cooking. This Easy Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is your ticket to the most effortless, delicious breakfast that feels like a morning hug in a bowl. Perfect for busy mornings, meal preppers, and anyone who craves a comforting start to their day, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a creamy, dreamy breakfast that will make you forget all about those boring, bland morning meals.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- 2 apples, diced
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 cup milk
Instructions
- Prepare your ingredients by washing and dicing the apples into small, uniform cubes, ensuring they are approximately 1/2 inch in size for even cooking.
- Grease the inside of your crockpot with a light coating of butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add the rolled oats to the crockpot, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Sprinkle the diced apples over the oats, distributing them uniformly to ensure each serving will have apple pieces.
- Dust the cinnamon over the oats and apples, creating an even layer of spice throughout the mixture.
- Sprinkle the brown sugar evenly across the top of the ingredients, which will help create a caramelized sweetness during cooking.
- Carefully pour the water and milk over the ingredients, making sure to moisten all the oats without disturbing the layers.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid and set to low heat setting for 6-7 hours, which allows the oatmeal to slowly cook and develop rich flavors.
- After cooking time is complete, gently stir the oatmeal to incorporate any remaining liquid and distribute the ingredients.
- Let the oatmeal rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow it to thicken and cool slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally garnishing with additional cinnamon, a drizzle of milk, or chopped nuts for extra texture.
Tips
- Choose the right oats: Rolled oats work best for this recipe, providing the perfect texture and absorption.
- Apple selection matters: Use firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best flavor and texture.
- Prevent overcooking: If your crockpot runs hot, consider using a slow cooker liner or placing a kitchen towel under the lid to prevent drying out.
- Customize your toppings: After cooking, feel free to add extras like chopped nuts, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- Make-ahead magic: This oatmeal can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Liquid ratio is key: The 4 cups of liquid to 1 cup of oats ensures a creamy, not-too-thick consistency.Pro tip: For an even richer flavor, try toasting the oats briefly in a dry pan before adding them to the crockpot, or substitute some of the water with apple juice for an extra apple kick!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 10mg
