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Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe

4.8 from 24 reviews

This Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a warm, comforting breakfast made with tender apples, sweet dried cranberries, and hearty old-fashioned oats slow-cooked to perfection. Infused with cinnamon and nutmeg, this easy-to-make oatmeal is a perfect nutritious start to your day, requiring minimal hands-on prep and yielding a creamy, flavorful dish.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Fruit

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or more to taste)
  • 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 3 medium apples, cored and sliced into bite-sized pieces (peel optional)
  • 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries OR raisins OR craisins
  • ¼ cup butter, sliced

For the Crock

  • Nonstick cooking spray

For the Oats

  • 2 cups old-fashioned oats, uncooked
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups apple juice
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare Fruit: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Add the sliced apples and dried cranberries, then toss well until the fruit is fully coated with the spice and sugar mixture. Spray a 3-4 quart slow cooker generously with nonstick cooking spray, then transfer the fruit mixture into the crock. Evenly distribute the sliced butter on top of the fruit.
  2. Prepare Oats: In the same mixing bowl, add the old-fashioned oats, water, apple juice, and salt. Stir everything very well until combined, then carefully pour this oat mixture over the fruit in the slow cooker. Do not stir after pouring; layering helps with even cooking.
  3. Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 8 hours. If your slow cooker runs hot, cook for around 5 to 6 hours and check for doneness during the day. Before serving, either stir the oatmeal gently or spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with the cooked fruit mixture. Optionally, serve with a splash of milk for added creaminess.

Notes

  • Nonstick spray is crucial to prevent oatmeal from sticking to the crockpot during long cooking.
  • If you prefer a less sweet oatmeal, reduce the amount of brown sugar or adjust according to taste.
  • Peeling the apples is optional; leaving the peel adds texture and nutrients.
  • For added protein, serve with a dollop of yogurt or a sprinkle of nuts.
  • This recipe can be varied by using different dried fruits like raisins or craisins.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the slow cooker model; start checking at 5 hours if unsure.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker oatmeal, apple cinnamon oatmeal, crockpot breakfast, healthy oatmeal recipe, overnight oats