Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal

Stir together a few healthy ingredients in the crockpot, set it to cook overnight, and wake up to this nutritious Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe to share with the whole family—babies and toddlers included. (There’s an easy stovetop option too.)

I’m always looking for new ways to make easy toddler breakfasts that the whole family will eat that don’t require a lot of work in the morning. With kids who get up at vastly different times (I have two early birds and one who loves to sleep!), my own desire to drink a hot cup of coffee without reheating it over and over, and juggling who knows what else each day, I turn to breakfasts like this steel cut oats recipe.

You literally just need to stir the ingredients together (and okay, chop an apple), put the lid on the slow cooker, and turn it on to cook. In the morning, the oatmeal needs a quick stir but is otherwise ready to serve.

I’ve even been known to make this during the day, then stash it in an airtight container in the fridge for future mornings. It’s so nourishing and it tastes just sweet enough to appease the kids.

You can make this Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal Sunday night and then warm it up throughout the week for quick and healthy meals. Or see the Notes for an easy stovetop version you can make right before you want to eat it.

(You may also like my Banana Oatmeal Bars, Blueberry Banana Baked Oatmeal, and Pumpkin Oatmeal Muffins.)

Ingredients You Need

Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to have on hand to make Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats so you know what to pick up from the store or have ready.

• Steel cut oats: Look for these in the cereal aisle in your supermarket. Steel cut oats are whole oat groats so they take longer to cook than rolled or instant oats (which are cut up).
• Apple: Any variety of apple works, though we prefer firmer cooking apples like Granny Smith or Pink Lady.
• Cinnamon and vanilla: These both add nice flavor in the mix with the other ingredients.
• Milk: You can use dairy or nondairy milk.
• Applesauce: You can use homemade or store-bought applesauce to add extra flavor at the end.

Step-by-Step Instructions

The process of making this slow cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal recipe is so easy. Here’s a look at the steps involved. Scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full information.

Step 1. Chop your apple.

Step 2. Stir the apple with the rest of the ingredients in a slow cooker.

Step 3. Cover and cook on Low or High. (It’s okay if the oatmeal sits on warm for a bit.)

Step 4. Remove cover and stir. Top with additional apples, a drizzle of honey or milk, or nuts, as desired.

TIP: I like to coat the inside of the slow cooker with butter to avoid sticking.

Stovetop Steel Cut Oats

You can use the same ingredients and simmer over medium or medium-low for 25-35 minutes, stirring often (as the oats can stick to the bottom of the pan if you don’t stir regularly) or until soft. See the Notes at the bottom of the recipe for the full information.

Steel Cut Baby Oatmeal

If you use unsweetened applesauce, there’s no added sugars and the texture is nicely smooth and soft to serve as a baby oatmeal. (You may also like my Baby Cereal recipe.)

How to Store

To store Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oatmeal, put leftovers in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 5 days. The oatmeal will thicken slightly as it cools, so add a little water or milk when you heat it up and stir to create the desired consistency.

You can also stir the cold oatmeal into plain whole milk yogurt for another baby or toddler (or mama!) breakfast or snack. It’s sort of like apple overnight oats.

Best Tips for Success

• Add a little water or milk when you heat up the slow cooker Steel Cut Oats and stir to create the desired consistency.
• Use any apple you like such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Cortland, or Granny Smith.
• Use Instant Pot Applesauce and unsweetened nondairy milk if your baby is under 1.
• To make this gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free steel cut oats.
• Stir leftover cold oatmeal into plain whole milk yogurt for another baby or toddler (or mama!) breakfast or snack.

I’d love to hear if you make this recipe so please share your feedback in the comments below!

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• Coat the bowl of the slow cooker with nonstick spray or rub with butter.
• Stir together all ingredients except the applesauce and optional toppings into a 4-5 quart slow cooker.

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for about 3-4 hours. (It’s okay if the oatmeal sits on warm for a bit.)

• Remove cover and stir.

• Add optional ingredients as desired and serve warm.

• Store any leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Warm individual servings in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, adding milk or water to thin as needed. Add a little water or milk when you heat up the oatmeal and stir to create the desired consistency.
• Use any apple you like such as Pink Lady, Jonathan, Cortland, or Granny Smith.
• Use unsweetened applesauce and unsweetened nondairy milk if your baby is under 1.
• If there appears to be any separation after you take the lid off of the slow cooker, stir the oatmeal well and it should resolve the issue.
• To make this on the stovetop: Add 5 cups of water to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Add the oats, reduce to medium, and simmer for 10 minutes. Stir in the chopped apple, cinnamon, and vanilla, and simmer for another 15-20 minutes or until soft. Stir in a little applesauce and milk as desired to flavor. Stir often while cooking as the oats can stick to the bottom of the pan if you don’t stir regularly.
• Gluten-free: Use certified gluten-free steel cut oats.
• Stir leftover cold oatmeal into plain whole milk yogurt for another baby or toddler (or mama!) breakfast or snack.

Calories: 220kcal, Carbohydrates: 34g, Protein: 9g, Fat: 5g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Cholesterol: 10mg, Sodium: 39mg, Potassium: 149mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 6g, Vitamin A: 145IU, Vitamin C: 1mg, Calcium: 133mg, Iron: 2mg

This post was first published May 2020.