Ingredients
- cooking spray
- 32 ounces vanilla-flavored almond milk
- 1 ½ cups water
- 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree
- 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 1 cup dried cranberries
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 ½ cups diced apple, or more to taste
- 1 cup chopped pecans
What Makes This Dish So Tasty
Warm, cozy, and perfect for busy mornings. It combines the natural sweetness of apples with the comforting flavor of cinnamon. Plus, it’s made in the slow cooker, so you can wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast without any hassle.
Practical Cooking Tips
- Use steel-cut oats for a chewy texture, but adjust cooking time if needed.
- Add the cinnamon later in cooking to keep its flavor fresh and strong.
- Stir the oatmeal before serving to mix any settled ingredients evenly.
- Add the cinnamon later in cooking to keep its flavor fresh and strong.
- Stir the oatmeal before serving to mix any settled ingredients evenly.
Directions
Giv your slow cooker a quick spray with some cooking spray to keep things from sticking. Pour in the almond milk, water, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt, then whisk everything together until it’s well combined. Toss in the oats, dried cranberries, and butter, stirring gently to mix. Set the slow cooker to low and let it cook for about 3 and a half hours. After that, stir in the diced apples and pecans, then let it cook for another 2 hours on low. Once it’s done, give it a good stir and serve warm for a cozy breakfast.
How To Plate This Dish
Top with a drizzle of maple syrup or a splash of milk for extra creaminess. Adding chopped nuts or a spoonful of yogurt can give a nice contrast in texture and flavor. Fresh fruit like sliced bananas or berries also works well.
Storage Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of milk or water to loosen the texture. This oatmeal can also be frozen for up to a month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk or any other plant-based milk if you prefer.
How do I prevent the oatmeal from sticking to the slow cooker?
Spraying the slow cooker with cooking spray before adding ingredients helps prevent sticking.
Can I add the apples and pecans at the beginning instead of halfway through?
It’s best to add apples and pecans later to keep their texture and flavor fresh.
What type of oats should I use for this recipe?
Steel-cut oats are recommended for the best texture in this slow cooker recipe.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, use a plant-based butter substitute or omit the butter to keep it vegan.
How long can I store leftovers, and how should I reheat them?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently on the stove or microwave.
Is it possible to cook this recipe on high instead of low?
Cooking on high may cook too fast and affect texture; low heat is recommended for best results.
Can I add other fruits or nuts to customize the flavor?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite fruits or nuts to suit your taste.
