There is something soul-warming about waking up to bubbly food in the crockpot.
Especially when it means a hot, nutritious breakfast for you! And you can dish up a comforting bowl, and top it with whatever you wish…
I wanted to develop a crockpot steel cut oat recipe, since steel cut oats have that “bowl of comfort” sensation about them, which means they should be waiting for us when we need them. If you’ve never had steel cut oats, know that they are chewy, hearty, and filling. In this recipe, I wanted a tad bit of sweetness, but no concentrated sugar added – a drizzle of pure maple syrup can be added later for those people who want it! A Gala apple was the perfect answer. Do not peel the apple, only give it a rough chop. Imperfect is best. That apple’s peel has amazing insoluble fiber & nutrient benefits we can’t get anywhere else. And, thankfully, that means less work for us. So…into the crockpot goes 2 cups steel cut oats, 2 chopped Gala apples, a little salt & a teaspoon cinnamon.
Don’t forget the salt. It has its own powers. It is a flavor magnifier….and just a bit of it is needed.
Add in 4 cups of water, and 4 cups of cashew milk. Stir. Put the lid on. Turn to low. Go to bed. (I love recipe instructions that include what my sleep habits should be 🙂 ) Eight hours later, you have this:
Now, there are literally a ton of health benefits of eating oats. They practically have the power to clean your arteries. But, we’re not thinking about that before 9 am. We are thinking about this!:
I pour in a little more hot cashew milk…
And then top the bowl of steel cut oats with more fresh apple, toasted pecans (for protein and healthy fats), & another sprinkle of cinnamon.
Other favorites are:
– sliced bananas & fresh raspberries
– toasted coconut & a shave of dark chocolate
– fresh peaches, toasted pecans & a bit of raw honey
– matcha & toasted coconut
– did someone think melted peanut butter? YES! that too…
My question for you: what are your favorite oatmeal toppings? (which, by the way, Quaker is asking this very question of you for a chance to win $250,000. So…I don’t have that much to give away, but I would sure love your comments! Who knows….maybe you should enter your favorite stir-ins 🙂 )
Remember, make this a great day! It is within your power to do so 🙂
Full recipe for Crockpot Steel Cut Oats is here!
Any berry! Blueberries, raspberries, blackberries. I also like adding extra virgin coconut oil. 100% pure maple syrup is delish too! I’ve never tried cashew milk before…. I’m kinda excited! Thanks!!!
Kaylin! Adding EVCO (if we can call it that:) sounds great! That’s what I used in oat muffin cups, but I hadn’t thought of just drizzling it on oats to make them richer.
This is my favorite breakfast to freeze:
https://annessard.com/recipe/strawberry-coconut-oatmeal-muffins/
Would whole cows milk work?
Hi Julie! Someone else had that question as well. I haven’t tried it, but the first time you do, I would reduce the whole milk to 2 cups and use 6 cups water. Then to make it creamier in the morning, pour some hot milk over (I would mash berries into it to make it a “berries and cream” milk;). The only reason why I’d reduce it is for the possibility of the protein & fat in the milk scalding. Everyone’s crockpot has it’s own personality! I recently got a new one, and it cooks differently than old faithful! Let me know how that works for you.
I love dates, raisins, cranberries walnuts and cinnamon in mine. I need to find an online place to buy cashews and almonds so I can make the milk!
I’m coming around to oatmeal as an adult. As a kid, my daddy made us cream of wheat most mornings. Hot, butter, sugar and GOOD! 🙂 But now that I rarely add sugar, I do still love a little butter. And a little cinnamon.
Kacey….aw, those great morning memories. My dad would make breakfast (that was the only meal he would make;), and it was huge omelets with sweetened blueberries, powdered sugar, sour cream and cheese! (I about had a heart attack typing that out;) But as kids, we didn’t question it, and that smell even brings back memories. lol. Glad you’re getting into oatmeal…it’s so good for you!
I absolutely love to add frozen berries, they cool down the oatmeal just enough to eat it right away! Any fresh fruit or nuts is always a win for me ?