This Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Oatmeal recipe is made with fresh apples, cinnamon, old-fashioned rolled oats, or steel cut. If you are a fan of apple pie you are going to love this dish for breakfast.
This post contains affiliate links. Please read my full disclosure here.
Why Use a Slow Cooker
I love to use a Crockpot or pressure cooker when making something like this because it will help get the apples nice and soft, the perfect texture for oatmeal. You can make this recipe on the stove, but if you want soft apples, I recommend to cook them separate from the oatmeal first. Follow the remaining package instructions for prep.
What Type of Oats to Use
You can use old-fashioned rolled oats or steel cut oats in this recipe. You cannot use quick or Instant Oats.
What Type of Apples to Use
I like to use a combination of Gala and Honey Crisp apples. Honey Crisp are sweet, with just a little tartness, and are also crisp. Blending them with Gala makes the perfect combination.
You can use any apples. If you have favorites, go for those. I recommend using a couple of different varieties, that way you have notes of different flavors in the spread.
If you want sweet cider go for Red Delicious, Gala, or Fuji apples. You can read about The Nutrition of Apples here.
Do You Have to Peel and Core the Apples?
Peeling the apples is a matter of preference. The skin is loaded with tons of nutrients so feel free to keep them on if you wish. Remove the core and any seeds.
How to Make Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Oatmeal
Detailed measurements and full instructions can be found in the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Add oatmeal, milk, apples, cinnamon, sweetener, and vanilla to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine.
- Slow cook.
Cook Time and How Long to Cook
Rolled oats will cook faster than steel cut. For rolled oats cook for 2 hours on High or 4- 5 hours on Low.
For steel-cut oats cook for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.
Your cook time will vary based on the slow cooker you use (they all cook at different speeds!) and how you like your oatmeal. If you like it thick you will need to cook it a little longer.
Toppings and Ideas for Add-Ins
- Fresh apples
- Nuts and pecans
- Protein powder
- Honey
- Yogurt
- Bananas
- Blueberries
- Shredded Coconut
- Granola
How to Store
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge tightly covered and sealed for 3-4 days.
Freezer Tips
You can freeze oatmeal tightly covered and sealed for up to 6 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge.
More Apple Recipes
Starbucks Caramel Apple Cider
Cranberry Sauce with Apples
Sugar Free Apple Pie
Sugar Free Apple Crisp
Instant Pot Apple Sauce
Sugar-Free Apple Butter
Slow Cooker Crockpot Baked Apples
Southern Fried Apples
More Slow Cooker Crockpot Recipes
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Crisp
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chicken and Rice
Slow Cooker Crockpot Turkey Breast
Slow Cooker Crockpot Chili Mac and Cheese
Slow Cooker Crockpot White Chicken Chili
Pulled Pork Sliders
Slow Cooker Crockpot Cheeseburger Soup
Homestyle Chicken Noodle Soup
Crockpot Slow Cooker Broccoli Cheese Soup
Sweet Potato Oatmeal
If you want to use a pressure cooker check out our Instant Pot Apple Steel Cut Oats recipe.
Pair this with Fried Potatoes and Onions or Hashbrown Breakfast Casserole.
Slow Cooker Crockpot Apple Oatmeal (Steel Cut or Rolled Oats)
Ingredients
- 1 cup oatmeal Rolled oats or steel cut.
- 2 cups milk Any milk is fine. I use almond milk.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 apples Diced and cored. I used 1 gala and 1 honey crisp.
- 2 tablespoons sweetener or sugar Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- cooking oil
Instructions
- Spray the slow cooker with cooking oil to prevent sticking. Add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker.
- For rolled oats cook for 2 hours on High or 4- 5 hours on Low.For steel-cut oats cook for 3-4 hours on High or 6-8 hours on Low.Your cook time will vary based on the slow cooker you use (they all cook at different speeds!) and how you like your oatmeal. If you like it thick you will need to cook it a little longer.
- Taste repeatedly and add additional sweetener if necessary. You can thin out overly thick oatmeal with additional milk or water until it reaches your desired texture.
Sara
Monday 20th of March 2023
Another great make-ahead breakfast when I don’t have time to prepare a full meal. I used gluten free oats and almond milk to make it gluten/dairy free. I’ll add protein powder for after my morning workout when I’m traveling for the day. Thanks again, Brandi!
staysnatched
Tuesday 21st of March 2023
You're welcome!
Cara R.
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
Making it right now for tomorrow’s breakfast! What’s the best way to reheat it in the morning? TIA
staysnatched
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
On the stove. Use the microwave if you want.
Gena G.
Wednesday 5th of October 2022
Recipe was crazy easy and came out perfectly. It reheats well too. I’ve been topping mine with cinnamon granola, diced apples and a sprinkle of sugar and let me tell you - it keeps me full and fueled. Five stars, will definitely make again.
Cara R.
Tuesday 11th of October 2022
@Gena G., what’s the best way to reheat?
staysnatched
Wednesday 5th of October 2022
Love those toppings!
JoAnn
Saturday 1st of October 2022
What type of sweetener did you use?
staysnatched
Monday 3rd of October 2022
It’s linked for you in the recipe card. Click the link and it’s displayed.
A.G
Saturday 24th of September 2022
I thought I wasn’t an oatmeal person but this and the sweet potato one are really good! Very easy to make and filling.
staysnatched
Saturday 24th of September 2022
Glad to hear it!