These Crockpot Steel Cut Oats are creamy with just the right amount of chewiness. Loaded with mashed banana, brown sugar, maple syrup, and more. Serve with your favorite oatmeal toppings!
What are steel cut oats?
Steel cut oats are the least processed variety of oat. They start as oat groats and are chopped into small pieces using a small steel blade—hence the name steel cut oats!
Since steel cut oats are minimally processed, they are the most nutritious option when it comes to oats. They have a delicious nutty flavor, chewy texture, and are so good in this crockpot oatmeal recipe!
Ingredients
- Oat Milk – makes the oatmeal super creamy. I use plain oat milk since the oats are already plenty sweet in other ways.
- Maple Syrup and Brown Sugar – both add warmth and sweetness while maple syrup adds a bit of extra moisture.
- Vanilla Extract – adds flavor depth and a tough of warm sweetness.
- Bananas – use very ripe bananas. If they’re not ripe enough you won’t get the same sweet flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon – adds warm spiciness.
- Salt – brings out flavor and cuts the sweetness from the other ingredients.
- Steel Cut Oats – I don’t recommend using other types of oats because they won’t hold up in the crockpot and your oatmeal will just be mush.
How to make
- Grease a crockpot generously with cooking spray, then pour in milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, mashed banana, cinnamon, and salt. Whisk until fully combined.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2.5-3 hours or until the oats are cooked to your liking then serve with toppings and enjoy!
How much liquid do you need to make steel cut oats in the crockpot?
I use a full 52 ounce carton of oat milk to make these steel cut oats. I think that amount yields the perfect creamy texture without the oatmeal turning into mush.
Can you use quick cooking steel cut oats in the slow cooker?
Nope! Quick cooking steel cut oats are already partially cooked which means they will become way overcooked in the slow cooker. Stick to regular steel cut oats!
Topping ideas for oatmeal
The great thing about oatmeal is the topping options are endless! Here are some ideas:
- Seeds. Add a sprinkle of flax, chia, or pumpkin seeds.
- Nut butter. Use your favorite! Peanut butter, almond butter, cashew butter, or even sunflower seed butter!
- Sweetener. Prefer sweeter oatmeal? Mix in additional maple syrup, brown sugar, or honey.
- Chocolate. Stir in a handful of your favorite chocolate chips.
- Dried Fruit. Try chopped dates, raisins, or dried cranberries.
- Coconut. Toss in a handful of shredded coconut. Add an extra layer of flavor by toasting it first!
- Nuts. Mix in chopped almonds, pecans, walnuts, etc.
- Fresh Fruit. Top your bowl of oatmeal off with sliced strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, banana, you name it.
- Jam. Mix in a spoonful of your favorite jam for a sweet, fruity twist.
How to store
Leftover oatmeal will last in an airtight container in the fridge for 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
To reheat, microwave or warm on the stove with a splash of oat milk.
– Jennifer
Crockpot Steel Cut Oats
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (52 fl oz) carton plain oat milk
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 large very ripe bananas mashed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 ½ cups steel cut oats
Instructions
- Grease a 6 quart crockpot generously with cooking spray, then pour in milk, maple syrup, brown sugar, vanilla, mashed bananas, cinnamon, and salt.
- Whisk until fully combined, then stir in steel cut oats.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 1/2 - 3 hours or until the oats are cooked to your liking.
- Taste and re-season, then serve plain or with additional toppings (brown sugar, maple syrup, fruit, nuts, raisins, etc.) and enjoy!
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.
Eileen