Aside from prepping the ingredients for the slow cooker, this slow cooker steel-cut oats with apples and dates recipe is mostly hands-off. The slow cooker gives you a meal prep hot breakfast any day of the week!
A hearty bowl of steel-cut oatmeal will keep you full and satisfied. This crockpot oatmeal recipe includes soaking the steel-cut oats for at least 12 hours, so the oats are easier to digest. It’s a great option for those who want to add more whole grains into their day.
What ingredients do I need for slow cooker steel-cut oats with apples and dates?
We are going for a cozy flavor full of warming spice and a little sweetness. You’ll need:
- Steel-cut oats
- Water
- Tart apple
- Medjool dates
- Cinnamon
- Vanilla extract
- Salt
Optional, for topping:
- Chopped nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds
- Raisins
- Maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar
- Butter
What are steel-cut oats?
Steel-cut oats are oat seeds that are less processed than rolled oats (rolled oats are often called “old-fashioned” oats). When cooked, they have a pleasantly chewy texture. You may be able to find them in the bulk bin section of the grocery store, or look for a canister of steel-cut oats near the other types of oatmeal in your grocery store.
Can I use rolled oats or quick oats instead of steel cut?
Rolled oats and quick oats are more processed, so they cook much quicker than steel-cut oats.
Since we’re using the slow cooker and heating the oats overnight, other oats will get mushy. You’ll want to use steel-cut oats only. Plus, they have more fiber and make this oatmeal deliciously hearty!
How do I make slow cooker steel-cut oats with fruit?
This recipe needs just a few steps of prep and is mostly hands-off! You’ll love how easy it is.
- Using the basin of a crock pot, soak steel-cut oats in water for 12 hours.
- Drain oats and dump excess water.
- Add oats back and top with cooking water and other ingredients. Cook for 8-10 hours.
- Enjoy with your favorite oatmeal toppings!
Protip: Make clean-up easy!
No need to dirty an extra dish—use the slow cooker basin (room temp and turned off) to soak the oats before cooking.
If I need to soak the oats before cooking them, how do I time this recipe?
We recommend soaking the oats all day and then cooking them overnight. This way you can enjoy a hot, filling breakfast as soon as you wake up!
What can I serve alongside apple cinnamon overnight steel-cut oats?
For an everyday, delicious breakfast, we would serve these oats with a smoothie like Mixed Berry Smoothie Without Banana or a refreshing glass of homemade cold brew.
If you’re setting up a big Sunday brunch, you could add some of our favorite special breakfast dishes: Dill Pickle Deviled Eggs Recipe, Bell Pepper Eggs, or Instant Pot Coconut Yogurt.
How do I store leftovers from slow cooker steel-cut oats?
In a well-sealed container, these oats will last in the fridge for a little less than a week, or in the freezer for a few months.
To reheat— stir a tablespoon or two of milk or water into the oatmeal and heat up in the microwave for a minute or in a pan on the stovetop for a few minutes.
Looking for more easy oatmeal recipes? We’ve got you!
- Chocolate peanut butter overnight oats
- Baked pumpkin oatmeal cups
- Instant oatmeal cups you can make at home
- Banana chocolate chip overnight oats
Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apples and Dates
You’ll love this Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats with Apples and Dates for a filling breakfast that you can prepare the night before. Make your mornings easier and tastier!
Ingredients
- 1 cup steel cut oats
- 7 cups water, divided
- 1 large tart apple, cored and diced (like Granny Smith)
- 6 Medjool dates, pitted and diced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of kosher salt
- Optional toppings (chopped nuts, raisins, maple syrup, butter, or your favorite oatmeal toppings)
Instructions
- In the basin of a slow cooker, combine the steel cut oats and 4 cups of water. Close the lid and let the oats soak at room temperature for at least 12 hours.
- When soaking time is up, drain the oats, discard the soaking water, and return the oats to the slow cooker. Add in the remaining 3 cups water, plus all the remaining ingredients (except your toppings). Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Serve topped with your favorite oatmeal toppings.
Notes
- To time this right, we recommend starting to soak your oatmeal in the morning, then putting it to cook overnight—that way you'll wake up the next morning to a hot breakfast. Your house will smell amazing!
- This recipe won't work with "regular" old-fashioned oats or quick cook oats. You're looking for steel cut oats—which should be sold in a can next to all the other oatmeal in your grocery store. These are a less-processed form of the oat seed, and result in a pleasantly chewy oatmeal!
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 4 Serving Size: 1 servingAmount Per Serving: Calories: 382Total Fat: 7gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 11mgSodium: 74mgCarbohydrates: 76gFiber: 8gSugar: 39gProtein: 7g
At Wholefully, we believe that good nutrition is about much more than just the numbers on the nutrition facts panel. Please use the above information as only a small part of what helps you decide what foods are nourishing for you.
