These are the best crockpot steel cut oats! A plain base so the toppings are up to you. Easy to change up to have variety to your week and breakfast. I never loved oatmeal until after my first baby, T, was born. I started making baked oatmeal for him when he was little, and then I started eating it as well and now I just love all things oatmeal! Plus I added in an apple pie version and it is AMAZING.

What you need to make crockpot steel cut oats + substitutions:

Steel cut oats- Steel cut oats are definitely the only option here! No other oat will work! I love this brand.
Almond milk- You can definitely substitute with any alternative milk. Cashew, coconut, dairy, soy, whatever you like.
Water- The water to milk ratio just gives it the perfect creaminess. I’ve found mixing the two really gives the best texture. You could try substituting with only milk, but the water really adds the perfect texture.
Vanilla extract- A key to any sweet recipe in my opinion.
Sea salt- I don’t make anything without salt. It’s what helps bring the flavor out in a recipe.

Tips for making:

Make sure to spray or rub down the sides of your crockpot. You want to lather it up nicely with oil or butter so your oats won’t stick. They will most likely stick a little bit, but not too bad!
We have a classic 7 quart crockpot. We really like it and it’s just the crockpot brand, but any crockpot will do!
If you like your steel cut oats a little creamier, add an extra 1/2 cup of both milk and water. It will make them creamier, but I like mine thick! Then I add a little milk to them when I heat them for the perfect texture.
Warm them up in the morning with a little extra milk and protein powder (optional). I really love adding the protein because it gives them a cake-like texture, and obviously the benefits of protein. They’re so good! My favorite proteins are listed below in the “Notes” section on the recipe! Also, feel free to top with a little honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar!

Other recipes you may love:

Alright, let’s get to making the recipe! Enjoy!

Print Recipe

5 from 1 vote

Crockpot Steel Cut Oats

Total Time3 hrs

Course: Breakfast

Keyword: breakfast, crockpot, make ahead, meal prep, oatmeal, postpartum, steel cut oats

Servings:

Equipment

Slow Cooker

Ingredients

For the Original Version:

2 cups steel cut oats
2½-3 cups almond milk
2½-3 cups water
2 tsp vanilla extract
1/4 tsp sea salt

For the Apple Pie Version:

2 cups apple of your choice chopped
2 tbsp maple syrup or brown sugar
1 tsp sea salt

Instructions

For the Original Version:

Spray your crockpot really well with oil or rub in butter or coconut oil. You want to make sure it doesn’t stick!
Next, pour in all your ingredients and give them a good mix. If you like your oats creamier, do 3 cups water & almond milk. If you like them a little thicker, do 2½ cups water & almond milk.
Cook on the low setting for 2-3 hours until your oats are creamy and thick.
Let it cool completely and store in a container in the fridge.
They will harden up a bit in the fridge. In the morning, I would scoop out about 1 cup of oats or a little more and warm them on the stovetop!
When I warm them, I add in a little more liquid until my desired consistency and usually about 2 tbsp protein powder. I love adding protein & it gives it a cake-like consistency but you can also skip this no problem (favorite proteins listed below!)
I topped mine with fruit, nut butter, and some seeds! Feel free to top with a little honey, maple syrup, or brown sugar too!

For the Apple Pie Version:

Follow the exact same ingredients and instructions for the original version. All that is different is you add in the apple pie ingredients as well. Apples, cinnamon, and maple syrup. Cook the same and enjoy!
Note: I only did 2 tbsp maple syrup because I always love drizzling with more. If you'd like it a little sweeter, you can use ¼ cup instead.

Notes

For Storing: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-6 days!

For Freezing: Freeze in individual portions in a small freezer bag. Let thaw in the fridge overnight and heat just as you would. It works wonderfully!

For Protein Powders: I have 3 favorites! I know that’s high maintenance, but I love them all for different things!

Ritual Prenatal Protein- I love adding this one when I’m pregnant to help give baby extra nutrients. You can use the code: DADDIO20 for 20% off your 1st month!
Nuzest Protein- My favorite flavors are vanilla & chocolate. I love this one as a plant-based pea protein with super simple ingredients. You can use the code: lex for 15% off!
Clean Simple Eats- This is our favorite whey protein hands down! Thomas uses it every single day. I have a sensitive stomach and it doesn’t bother mine at all. Favorite flavors are again vanilla & chocolate because we are simple! You can use the code: DADDIO for 10% off!