My Crockpot Steel Cut Oats with Apples is a true set-it-and-forget-it breakfast. Combine peeled apples, milk, cinnamon, steel cut oats, butter, and a splash of water in the crockpot before bed. Let it cook overnight on low, and by morning you’ll wake to a warm, apple-pie–scented breakfast with no added sugar. If you prefer it sweeter, finish each bowl with a drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar.
Healthy and yummy recipe!
– Dennis
Despite its humble appearance, this apple cinnamon steel cut oats crockpot recipe delivers on flavor and nutrition. Steel cut oats provide a hearty, slightly chewy texture and plenty of fiber, while apples and cinnamon bring natural sweetness and aroma—no added sugar needed. The result is creamy, comforting oats with a light apple-cinnamon profile that pairs well with many toppings.
Imagine waking up to the smell of warm apple crisp—whether you’re an early riser or not, that cozy scent makes mornings easier. Slow cookers and steel cut oats are an ideal combination: prepare everything at night, and in the morning you’ll have a hot, satisfying breakfast without extra steps.
🍎 Crockpot Steel Cut Oats with Apples Ingredients
Ingredients for apple cinnamon steel cut oats in the crockpot:
- 1 cup steel cut oatmeal (dry)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup water
- 2¾ cups milk, divided
- 4 cups peeled and chopped baking apples
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- Optional toppings: brown sugar, maple syrup, nuts, sliced banana, dates, etc.
Print the recipe card below for easy reference.
Choose a baking apple that holds up well to cooking—Cortlands are my favorite, but Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp also work. Chop the apples into medium pieces; smaller dice will break down more and create a saucier oatmeal.
This mild cinnamon-apple base is perfect for adding toppings. I like Medjool dates with walnuts for texture and sweetness, or banana slices with peanut butter for a budget-friendly boost. If you have extra apples, add a few fresh slices on top for crunch.
Note: oats can stick to slow cooker surfaces, especially in oval crocks. Grease the bottom and sides well with butter or another fat before adding ingredients—this helps prevent sticking and makes cleanup easier.
🍏 How to Make Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apple
Start this recipe the night before you want breakfast ready.
Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 16 pieces per medium apple. Smaller pieces break down more for a softer texture.
Grease the bottom and sides of the slow cooker with the butter, leaving the rest of the butter in the pot.
Add the apples and cinnamon to the crockpot first, then pour in the water and 2 cups of milk. Add the oats last to help reduce sticking.
Gently stir so the oats are submerged. Cover and cook on low for about nine hours overnight.
In the morning, stir in the remaining ¾ cup milk, divide into bowls, and add toppings of your choice. Serve warm and enjoy.
Watch How to Make It!
Crockpot Steel Cut Oats with Apples (Slow Cooker Recipe)
Summer Yule
Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oatmeal (dry)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup water
- 2¾ cups milk (divided)
- 4 cups baking apples (about 4 medium apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- oatmeal toppings (optional; brown sugar, maple syrup, nuts, etc.)
Instructions
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1. Start the night before. Peel, core, and chop the apples—smaller pieces yield a saucier texture.
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2. Grease the slow cooker’s bottom and sides with butter, leaving the remaining butter in the pot.
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3. Add apples and cinnamon first, then the water and 2 cups of milk. Add the oats last to reduce sticking.
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4. Stir gently so the oats are submerged. Cover and cook on low for about nine hours.
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5. In the morning, stir in the remaining ¾ cup milk, portion into bowls, and add desired toppings.
Equipment
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Peeler
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Knife
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Slow Cooker
Notes
💭 Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 1 recipe (may help support fat loss). Nutrition shown doesn’t include optional toppings. Pair these oats with a protein-rich side—Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, or eggs—to increase satiety and balance the meal.
If you need gluten-free, choose certified gluten-free steel cut oats. For a dairy-free or vegan version, use oil in place of butter and a fortified plant milk such as soy milk instead of dairy milk.
Nutrition information is for one serving.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes may not suit every person’s medical needs or preferences. Consult a registered dietitian or physician if you need personalized guidance.
The nutrition information is an estimate and will vary with brands and ingredient choices.
Nutrition
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Frequently Asked Questions
Which oats are most nutritious: steel cut, rolled, or instant?
Steel-cut, rolled, and instant oats are all whole grains made from the same oat groat with different processing. Their core nutrition is similar; the main differences are texture and cook time. Steel cut oats are chopped groats and tend to be chewier, while rolled oats are steamed and flattened, and instant oats are processed thinner for quick cooking. Steel cut oats typically have a slightly lower glycemic index, which can be useful for blood sugar management.
What spices go well in oatmeal?
The cinnamon in this apple oatmeal is mild, but you can experiment with pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, or warm vanilla. For savory oats try smoked paprika, chili powder, or cayenne. Add-ins like cocoa powder, chia seeds, coconut flakes, or peanut powder also work well. Sweeten with maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar to taste.
🥣 More Hot Oatmeal Recipes
- Air Fryer Baked Oatmeal
- Baked Protein Oatmeal (with a secret ingredient)
- Low Calorie Baked Oats
- Egg White Oatmeal
- Vegetable Oats
- Cheese Oatmeal
🧑🍳 Other Apple Recipes
- Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
- Overnight Oats with Applesauce
- Sugar Free Apple Crisp
- Apple Strawberry Smoothie
- Air Fryer Granola (No Oil)
- Dehydrated Cinnamon Apple Chips
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