Imagine waking up to the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and maple filling your kitchen, without spending hours at the stove. This Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Oatmeal is the breakfast miracle you've been dreaming of - creamy, perfectly sweetened, and requiring almost zero morning effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent rushing to get kids ready, or simply someone who loves a delicious, hassle-free breakfast, this recipe is about to become your new morning superhero.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 4 cups water
- 1/4 cup maple syrup
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup milk (optional)
Instructions
- Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with cooking spray or butter to prevent sticking.
- In the slow cooker, combine rolled oats, water, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, and salt. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed and evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat setting.
- Cook the oatmeal for 6-7 hours overnight or during the day, depending on your preferred cooking time. Do not stir during cooking to maintain the creamy texture.
- After cooking time is complete, gently stir the oatmeal to redistribute any settled ingredients.
- If desired, stir in milk or additional maple syrup to adjust the consistency and sweetness to your preference.
- Serve warm in individual bowls, optionally garnishing with additional cinnamon, fresh fruits, chopped nuts, or a drizzle of extra maple syrup.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat with a splash of milk before serving.
Tips
- Use rolled oats for the best texture - instant oats can become too mushy, while steel-cut oats might require longer cooking.
- Grease your slow cooker well to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Resist the urge to stir during cooking - this helps maintain the creamy consistency.
- For extra richness, consider using a mix of water and milk, or adding a splash of cream.
- Customize your oatmeal with toppings like fresh berries, sliced almonds, or a dollop of Greek yogurt.
- If you prefer a thicker consistency, reduce the water slightly; for a thinner texture, add a bit more liquid.
- The overnight cooking method is perfect for meal prep - wake up to a ready-to-eat breakfast!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 156kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 4g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 6mg