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Filled with creamy oats, sweet bananas, berries, a hint of brown sugar, and spices, this Slow Cooker Oatmeal is a breakfast that my whole family enjoys. Best of all, this crave-worthy oatmeal can be made in just one hour without any stirring at all!
Oatmeal has been on repeat in my kitchen for years. And, having cooked oats just about every way possible, I can tell you that the technique definitely shapes the experience. This slow cooker oatmeal is about as simple as breakfast prep gets. I simply pour everything into the crockpot and walk away for the next hour while it does its thing. There is no stirring required and the end result is happy smiles around the breakfast table.
On the other hand, I can turn to my baked oatmeal when I want a breakfast to make ahead of time and stash in the fridge to enjoy all week long. But, no matter how I cook them, oats lead the way to satisfying breakfasts.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
While I love all of the different oatmeal recipes I’ve developed with various fruits, nuts, and flavors across a handful of methods, there’s nothing that beats the convenience of the crockpot. I simply combine the ingredients and walk away. One hour later, breakfast is ready to eat.
As much as I love a good stovetop recipe, there’s something special about the taste and texture you get when oats cook this way. The result is closer to a warm muesli cereal than what you get tending it on the stove. It brings variety to the textures, which is what makes this one of my favorite ways to cook oats.
Just made this for myself & my husband.. his comment.. “this has to be the best oatmeal ever” & I agree! 5 minutes of prep (because I had to find things), 1 hour in the crockpot … complements forever!
Ingredients and Substitutions
The Oats – I only use old-fashioned rolled oats in this recipe because they provide the perfect chewy oat texture.
The Nuts – I love the sweet nuttiness that pecans bring to this oatmeal. You can swap for any unsalted nut you prefer.
The Fruit – Fruit adds natural sweetness to the oatmeal, and I’m a huge fan of the strawberry and banana combination.
Milk – I use whole milk for the richness that it brings. But, you can use 2% or skim milk in a pinch.
Sweet Spices – I add light brown sugar for just the right amount of sweetness, and a pinch of cinnamon for warmth.
Salt – I prefer kosher salt in all of my cooking.
Notes on Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula
- Knife
- Cutting board
How to Make Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Fill That Slow Cooker: It doesn’t get much easier than this! I just add add all my ingredients to the slow cooker, give it a stir, and pop the lid on. Then, I just let it do its thing for an hour or two.
Stir It Up: If I don’t set a timer for this, I’m liable to forget. But, a stir or two as the oatmeal cooks will help make the end product creamier.
Cook Until Ready: If I want those glorious muesli textures, then I turn the oatmeal off at the one hour mark. But, if you want a more traditional oatmeal, just let it cook longer.
To Garnish or Not: This is entirely optional. But, I always toss in a handful of fresh berries and chopped pecans while serving my bowl. It lends even more fabulous textures and flavors.
Expert Tip
Good oatmeal is all about getting the right amount of liquid. And, that’s doubly important for a slow cooker oatmeal recipe like this, because slow cookers boil off less moisture than a pan on the stove. Too much liquid, and you’ll be serving oat soup. Too little, and the oats will dry out around the edges. I advise erring on the side of not enough liquid, because then you can add more as it cooks.
Start with Less Milk – If the oatmeal does not have enough liquid near the end of the cooking time, you can add another half cup of milk to achieve the desired consistency. Just give it a quick stir to incorporate it into the mix.
Wait for Add-Ins: I prefer a firmer texture for my berries and bananas. So, I often add mine after the oatmeal finishes cooking, or let half cook and reserve the other half to add at the end.
Use an Overripe Banana: If you want a sweeter oatmeal, an overripe banana will take you there without any extra syrups or sugar.
Serving Suggestions
This oatmeal really stands on its own when it comes to breakfast. So, the only thing I need to make breakfast perfect is a mug of cafe con leche. For the non-coffee drinkers, I can serve a London fog or homemade chai.
If I’m doubling this recipe for company, then I just set out some more sliced fresh fruit and nut options so everyone can make their own bowl however they like it best. And, for those with a real sweet tooth, I sometimes will add small pitchers of buttermilk syrup or peanut butter syrup. (Yes, my brother Karl loves peanut butter in his oatmeal, some people are just weird like that. But he swears by it.)
Make Ahead and Storage
Make Ahead: You can make this oatmeal up to two days ahead, but keep in mind the oats will continue to soften and thicken in storage. Just wait to add the bananas and berries until you are ready to serve.
How to Store: I wait for the oats to completely cool. They keep well in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container.
How to Reheat: Regardless of method, add about a tablespoon of water or milk per serving to thin it to the right consistency. For a single portion, I microwave it for 90 seconds, stirring halfway through. If making more than that, warm it on the stove in a small saucepan, stirring frequently.
More Oatmeal Recipes
- Blueberries and Cream Almond Oatmeal
- Peaches and Cream Oatmeal
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
- Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal
- Mixed Berry Baked Oatmeal
Frequently Asked Questions
As written, this recipe will fit into a slow cooker as small as 2 quarts. And, let me just start by saying that the best crockpot for this oatmeal is the one you have.
But, did you know that food cooks more slowly when the slow cooker is full? A larger crockpot will cook the oatmeal faster. So, I use my everyday slow cooker, this 8-Quart Crock-Pot.
Oh absolutely! If you’re not nutty for nuts, simply omit them!
In short, because you gave up eating paste back in elementary school. Quick oats break down too fast in the slow cooker and turn mushy, and then into an almost gluey texture. Old-fashioned oats hold their shape and texture the way we want.
I don’t recommend it. Steel cut oats take much longer to cook. So, you’d have to increase the liquid and cook it on low and slow for a LONG time. How long? Well, you would definitely be eating breakfast in the afternoon.
Slow Cooker Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups old fashioned rolled oats
- 2 bananas sliced thinly
- 1 cup strawberries chopped
- ½ cup pecans chopped small
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- Optional: additional sliced bananas berries and pecans for garnish
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in the crockpot. Cook on HIGH for 45 minutes to 1 hour or on LOW for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until desired consistency. I rarely remember to stir mine and it turns out fine every time. The longer it cooks, the thicker the oatmeal will be.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
{originally published 5/18/12 – recipe notes and photos updated 2/12/26}
Ooohh.. that looks so good! A nice comforting breakfast. I still have not made oatmeal in the crockpot – must fix that soon!
Summer is one of my favorite times to eat oatmeal because of all the fruit/berry mix-ins! I love that with the slow cooker, you don't have to stand over a hot stove to make it!
I have never had slow cooked oatmeal…it looks so good!
Great idea—I've always wanted to come up with a crockpot oatmeal that you can put in the pot the night before, but I guess that's asking a little too much of the crockpot…I'll try your way.
With my ongoing root canal saga (still not done; maybe next Tuesday, if the infection is gone by then), I'm eating a lot of oatmeal. This looks beautiful, although we never have an hour extra in the morning!
Totally in the season with these strawberry! Never tried slow cooked oatmeal before! A healthy breakfast to start the day indeed! YUM! 🙂
Yum, this oatmeal looks fantastic. I love the strawberry, banana, and pecan combination.
This actually sounds perfect. I love simple oatmeal myself, but could devour this one as well!
A great idea! I will give my family oatmeal in the morning. It is good for health, and also keeps you energized throughout the day.
I hope you love it!
Did anyone actually make this? All the comments are I would love to try it…..
That’s kind of funny. I hadn’t noticed that there weren’t comments on this one. I always hear from people who love it on social media. I hope you try it and love it as much as we do, Alora!
Can you use steel cut oats for this recipe?
This will not work the same way with steel-cut oats, Kira.
Can this be cooked overnight in the slow cooker.
Thank you x
It will be very overcooked if you cook it overnight, Stephanie.
Absolutely amazing. I imagine you could use any fruit or nut combination.
You bet, Elizabeth. I hope you love the oatmeal.
Absolutely delicious and so easy! I didn’t have strawberries so just added an extra banana. This was so good and just enough sweetness. Highly recommend!
I’m glad you like the oatmeal, Dana!
Thank you! I looked everywhere on how quickly I can really cook my oatmeal in a crockpot. Very informative! 🙂
Jazlyn – We love waking up to oatmeal in the crockpot.
How long if you double or triple the recipe?
I would suggest an hour or so, Jennifer. Just keep a close eye on it.
Mary, if you cook strawberries and milk for 1 or 2 hours what nutritive value would remain if this is supposed to be a healthy recipe?
The nutrition information is provided at the bottom of the recipe card. I hope you find that helpful.
What kind of milk would you use for this recipe?
Just whole milk, Danielle.
Really creamy and delicious. A nice change for breakfast.
It’s been a classic breakfast for us for quite some time, Angela. I’m glad to hear that you enjoyed the oatmeal. Happy cooking!
can leftovers be refrigerated and reheated? if so, how long will it be good refrigerated? one more thing, can you substitute unsweetened Vanilla Almond Milk instead of regular milk? Thank you !
Hi, Donna! We refrigerate and reheat this oatmeal often. It should keep for at least a few days. I haven’t tried using almond milk in this recipe before, but I’m sure it would be fine.