Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of gingerbread filling your kitchen - without spending hours in the morning cooking! This slow cooker gingerbread steel cut oats recipe is your ticket to a magical breakfast experience that combines the comforting spices of the holiday season with the hearty nutrition of steel cut oats. Perfect for busy mornings or lazy weekends, this recipe transforms ordinary oatmeal into a decadent morning treat that will make you feel like you're enjoying dessert for breakfast - but with all the wholesome goodness your body craves.
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 5 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup molasses
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
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, molasses, ground ginger, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and salt. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended, ensuring the molasses is fully incorporated.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting. This gentle cooking method will allow the oats to develop deep, rich flavors while maintaining a creamy texture.
- Cook the oats for 6 hours, without lifting the lid. The slow, steady cooking will help the oats absorb the liquid and spices, creating a rich gingerbread-like flavor profile.
- After 6 hours, remove the lid and stir the oats. If the mixture seems too thick, you can stir in a little additional water or milk to reach your desired consistency.
- Optional: If using chopped nuts, fold them into the oats just before serving for added crunch and texture.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with additional cinnamon, a drizzle of molasses, or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or water to restore creamy consistency.
Tips
- Use a non-stick cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- For the most intense flavor, use unsulphured molasses which provides a deeper, richer taste.
- Don't peek! Keeping the slow cooker lid closed helps maintain consistent temperature and moisture.
- Customize your oats with toppings like toasted pecans, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce water slightly; for a creamier texture, add a splash of milk when serving.
- Prep the ingredients the night before and set your slow cooker in the morning for a hassle-free breakfast.
- Leftover oats can be easily reheated and remain delicious for up to 4 days when stored properly.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 7g
Fat: 5g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 0mg
