Description
This Crockpot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal is a comforting and flavorful breakfast made with old-fashioned oats, fresh apples, dried cranberries, and warm spices slow-cooked to perfection. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy mornings, this hearty oatmeal offers a natural sweetness and a cozy, fruity aroma that will make your day start right.
Ingredients
Fruit Mixture
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (or more to taste)
- 1.5 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 3 medium apples, cored and sliced into bite-sized pieces (peel if desired)
- 1 cup sweetened dried cranberries (or raisins or craisins)
- 1/4 cup butter, sliced
- Nonstick cooking spray
Oatmeal Mixture
- 2 cups old-fashioned oats (uncooked)
- 2 cups water
- 2 cups apple juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Prepare Fruit: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and ground nutmeg. Add the sliced apples and dried cranberries and toss them well to evenly coat the fruit with the spice and sugar mixture. Spray a 3-4 quart slow cooker thoroughly with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking. Transfer the fruit mixture to the crockpot and evenly dot the top with sliced butter.
- Prepare Oats: In the same mixing bowl, add the old-fashioned oats, water, apple juice, and salt. Stir the mixture thoroughly until well combined. Pour the oat mixture gently over the fruit mixture in the slow cooker, taking care not to stir so the layers remain distinct.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours. If your crockpot runs hot, cook for 5 to 6 hours and test during the daytime to ensure proper cooking. When ready, either stir the oatmeal before serving or spoon the oatmeal into bowls and top with the cooked fruit mixture. Optionally, serve with a splash of milk for added creaminess.
Notes
- Spraying the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray is essential to prevent the oatmeal from sticking.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.
- Peeling the apples is optional, as the peel softens during cooking, but unpeeled apples add extra fiber.
- Keep an eye on your slow cooker’s heat level and adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- Can use raisins or craisins instead of dried cranberries for variation.
- Best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently.