This comforting slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal takes no more than 10 minutes of prep work before bed. Come morning time, your breakfast will be ready and your kitchen will be filled with the sweet aroma of apples and cinnamon!
Never underestimate the power of a great bowl of oatmeal. It sounds so simple but delivers so much comfort ... and satisfaction! I could have oatmeal every morning and never get tired of it.
I will admit that sometimes, first thing in the morning, I just can't open my eyes enough to boil a pan of water.
It seems I can always stumble into the kitchen, but things might get limited after that.
Something I can do, though ... I can open the lid of a slow cooker and scoop some fruity, creamy hot oatmeal into a bowl.
All that's left is to pull out a spoon and relax over a delicious bowl of morning breakfast.
I'm sure you've had lots of bowls of oatmeal before. Have you ever had oatmeal with apples? It's a match made in heaven. Apple pie comes to mind.
Maple syrup comes to mind with oatmeal too. I've added it in these photos because it's just pretty, but you really don't need the extra sweetener at all. Not that maple syrup is a bad thing.
I buy jugs of the stuff.
Table of Contents
Equipment Needed
- Crockpot or Slow Cooker
- Cutting Board
- Knife
- Apple Corer (Optional)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients
Fresh Apples- Chopped apples give this slow cooker oatmeal its delicious flavor.
Apple Juice- Adds sweetness and moisture to the oatmeal.
Old-Fashioned Rolled Oats- Provide bulk, texture, and nutrition. (Not quick cooking oats)
Brown Sugar- Enhances the sweetness of the oatmeal.
Ground Cinnamon- Adds a subtle warm flavor.
How To Make Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Combine. Place all of the ingredients (sliced apples, apple juice, rolled oats, organic brown sugar, and ground cinnamon) in a 3-4 quart size slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cover and cook. Cover the crockpot and set the temperature to low. Cook for 7-8 hours. If you have the chance, check on your oatmeal every once in a while to make sure it has enough liquid and is not sticking to the bottom or sides. All slow cookers are a bit different and some hold the moisture better than others.
- Stir. When the cooking time is complete, lift the lid and stir. If your oatmeal is too thick for your tastes, you can add another splash of apple juice to thin it out to your preference.
- Serve! Serve your slow cooker oatmeal piping hot. I like mine with a dab of vegan butter and an additional sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
Watch Me Make Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
Popular Substitutions & Additions
- For additional sweetness, add a few tablespoons of maple syrup.
- Steel cut oats can be used in place of old-fashioned rolled oats.
- For extra protein, add your favorite vegan protein powder to the slow cooker.
- If you don't have apple juice on hand, use water.
- Add other fruits, diced bananas, or strawberries for more flavor and color.
- For extra crunch, add chopped pecans or granola to the slow cooker.
- If you like more of a creamy texture oatmeal, use your favorite plant-based milk instead of apple juice. Almond milk, coconut milk, oat milk, or soy milk would all work in this slow cooker oatmeal.
Hints for Making Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
You can peel the apples, but you don't have to.
Cut the apples into larger slices. I like to cut them in half and then each half into thirds or fourths. So, each apple will give you six to eight slices, depending on the size of the apple.
Tree Top has an apple juice that has apple as the only ingredient.
If you like, you can use half water and half apple juice.
You can sure double the ingredients but use a larger crockpot.
Do you know something else you could do? Add a few chopped dates. Right at the beginning with everything else. Wouldn't that be good? Like I said, I could eat oatmeal every day.
This may sound crazy, but I have 4 different slow cookers. A 3 qt. one, a large one that has a removable insert for washing (love that one), an even bigger oval one, and one was a gift. It's that short flat kind with two pots for a party.
You can tell I'm hooked on crock-pots. They really do make life easier. I absolutely believe that cooking apple cinnamon oatmeal in the crockpot for your mornings is the way to go. So good!
Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal FAQs
How do I store leftover slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal?
Store leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave when ready to serve.
Can I freeze this slow-cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze cooked oatmeal for up to 3 months. To reheat, defrost overnight in the refrigerator and then warm it up in a saucepan on the stovetop. You may need to add a bit more liquid if it has become dry.
📋 Recipe
Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 apples, cored and sliced
- 2 ¼ cups apple juice
- 1 ½ cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 Tbsp brown sugar
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients (sliced apples, apple juice, rolled oats, organic brown sugar, and ground cinnamon) in a 3-4 quart size slow cooker. Stir to mix well.
- Cover the crockpot and set the temperature to low. Cook for 7-8 hours. If you are able, check it on it every once in a while to make sure it has enough liquid and is not sticking to the bottom or sides. All slow cookers are a bit different and some hold the moisture better than others.
- When the cooking time is complete, lift the lid and stir. If your oatmeal is too thick for your tastes, you can add another splash of apple juice to thin it out to your preference.
- Serve your slow cooker oatmeal piping hot. I like mine with a dab of vegan butter and an additional sprinkle of cinnamon on top!
Carol Martin
Perfect timing! Was thinking how good slow cooker oatmeal might be, and there was your email. Making it tonight - thank you!
Ginny McMeans
Fantastic Carol! Enjoy your morning breakfast!
K.C.
I love the big chunks of apples. This looks so hearty and satisfying!
Elaine @ Dishes Delish
How fun to have apple cinnamon oatmeal made in a slow cooker! That looks so delicious and easy!! I love apples in oatmeal!! BTW, my sister has 5 slow cookers, so you aren't alone! 🙂
Denisse Salinas
This looks so delicious! So warm and comforting, a lovely cozy breakfast!
Traci
I love it that we can make oatmeal in a slow cooker to begin with...and the apple cinnamon YUMMM! Great recipe...pinning!
Ginny McMeans
Hahaha Elaine! I love her!
Allison Mattina
This is a brilliant recipe! I've never thought of making oatmeal in the slow cooker. I could totally put it on the night before and not have to actually make anything in the morning!
Andi
Can leftovers be frozen?
Ginny McMeans
No, Andi, it won't freeze well.
Kristi
What is the serving size? Trying to determine if I need to double the recipe to accommodate my 13 year old son!
Ginny McMeans
Ha! You probably need to double it unless it's all for him. A serving is about 1 1/2 cups.
April
Very yummy and easy! I cooked it in my crock pot on the WARM setting overnight and it was perfect. The first time I cooked on low overnight and it burned on the bottom. I added the dates as suggested and it was wonderful! I am making it now for the third time...this time using steel cut oats. Thanks for this great and easy recipe! I triple the recipe for my family of 6.
Sarah
Would it still be good if you used water instead of apple cider?
Ginny McMeans
Well, I haven't done it but I think you can Sarah. It would be much better if you could add some kind of apple juice. If you go the water route you would probably need more brown sugar or maple syrup. I would love to know how it turns out is you make it with water.
Nikki
Could you do this with steel cut oats
Ginny McMeans
I don't believe it would wrok Nikki. Steel-cut oats takes more liquid and it may turn everything else to mush.
Kansas City Jen
I am in love with this breakfast/brunch must have. I always double or triple the recipe.
Teresa
This was such a nice and simple recipe. It was really nice to have a hot breakfast/dessert right out of the crockpot.
Tisha Millian
This recipe was GREAT!!!!
My mom and I loved it for our breakfast we are doing on weight watchers.
Cara
love love this, I take it to breakfast potlucks very frequently.
Sheri
This is awesome! Just like apple pie.