Wake up to the warm, comforting aroma of Pumpkin Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal, a delightful breakfast that will make your mornings feel like a cozy fall day! Imagine indulging in a bowl of creamy, spiced oatmeal, infused with the rich flavor of pumpkin and the sweetness of maple syrup, all without the hassle of constant stirring. This easy, hands-off recipe allows you to set it and forget it, making it perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends. Whether you're a pumpkin spice lover or just looking for a nutritious way to kickstart your day, this oatmeal is sure to satisfy your cravings and keep you energized. Ready to transform your breakfast routine? Let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup pumpkin puree
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1/2 cup milk (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare your slow cooker by lightly greasing the interior with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, combine steel cut oats, water, pumpkin puree, cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup, and salt. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices and pumpkin.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting. This gentle cooking method will allow the oats to slowly absorb liquid and develop a creamy texture.
- Cook the oatmeal for 6-7 hours overnight or during the day. Avoid lifting the lid during cooking to maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Once cooking is complete, gently stir the oatmeal to redistribute any settled ingredients and achieve a smooth consistency.
- If desired, stir in milk or additional maple syrup to adjust the creaminess and sweetness to your preference.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with additional cinnamon, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
Tips
- Prep Ahead: To save time in the morning, prep your ingredients the night before. Measure out the oats, pumpkin puree, and spices, and store them in a container for easy assembly in the morning.
- Grease the Slow Cooker: Lightly greasing the interior of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter will help prevent the oatmeal from sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Don’t Lift the Lid: While it’s tempting to peek at your oatmeal, avoid lifting the lid during cooking. This helps maintain a consistent temperature and moisture level for perfectly creamy oats.
- Customize Your Sweetness: Adjust the amount of maple syrup to suit your taste. You can start with the suggested amount and add more at the end if you prefer a sweeter oatmeal.
- Add Creaminess: For an extra creamy texture, stir in some milk after cooking. You can use regular milk, almond milk, or any milk alternative you enjoy.
- Toppings Galore: Get creative with your toppings! Consider adding chopped nuts, a sprinkle of cinnamon, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup to elevate your bowl of oatmeal.
- Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to restore the creamy consistency.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 197kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 3g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 5mg
