Overnight Steel Cut Oats In The Slow Cooker

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Waking up in the morning to a warm bowl of oatmeal is one of those things that will just always put me in a good mood. Even when its something I serve for breakfast 2-3 times a week! Overnight steel cut oats are a healthy and delicious staple in my house, and for a good reason!

While we do utilize the convenience of boxed cereal from time to time, I know the importance of breakfast and eating wholesome food, and I think you’ll love this recipe too!

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Why You’ll Love This Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats Recipe

Versatile

In this recipe, I am using apples and cinnamon as the flavor. We absolutely love mixing it up with whatever we have on hand or however creative I feel at night when I throw everything together. See below for tried and true variations of this slow cooker steel cut oats recipe!

Quick to throw together

This recipe is truly a “dump-and-go” crock pot meal. I don’t even use measuring cups for the liquid, I use the can! Why? Because it’s bedtime and it’s been a long day. And I bet you had a long day too. So feel free to use the can as your measuring cup too 😉

Healthy and Kid Approved

Even though we have these steel cut oats so often, it has yet to become boring for the kids. They love when I top their bowls with raisins, nuts, or even a splash of milk.

Ingredients for Overnight Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats

Steel Cut Oats

These are the hearty base of this recipe. Steel cut oats give that chewy, nutty texture and stick-to-your-ribs kind of fullness. They’re less processed than rolled oats, making them a wholesome option with a slower release of energy – just what we need to kick off the day!

Unsweetened Coconut Milk (or Milk of Choice)

I use coconut milk for a creamy, dairy-free option that gives a lovely hint of flavor without overpowering the oats. Plus, it’s so convenient to just grab a can! Almond milk, oat milk, or even regular milk work too, depending on what you have.

Water

We’re adding a little extra liquid to keep things smooth and prevent sticking while everything cooks slowly overnight. It helps to keep the oats light and fluffy rather than thick and clumpy.

Chopped Apples

Apples add a natural sweetness and a bit of texture that makes each bite interesting. My favorites are Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith for a little tang, but feel free to use whatever apples are on hand!

Cinnamon 

I love adding a dash of cinnamon to bring a cozy, spiced flavor to the oats. Vanilla extract, nutmeg, or even a pinch of cardamom can give it an extra bit of personality. Experimenting with these is part of the fun!

Brown Sugar (or sweetener of choice)

For a touch of sweetness, brown sugar is my usual go-to, but maple syrup or honey works wonders too. Sweeten to taste or let each person add a bit to their bowl at the table for a customized treat.

Tools You Need

Instant Pot (Optional)

I prefer to use the slow cooker setting on my instant pot than using my actual slow cooker for this recipe. I find that the slow cooker doesn’t heat as evenly as the instant pot. Plus, the instant pot has a handy “keep warm” feature that my old slow cooker doesn’t have. If you have a slow cooker like this one with the keep warm feature, that would work perfectly! Or of course your instant pot works as well 🙂

Slow Cooker

A standard 4-quart or 6-quart slow cooker works best, to prevent sticking (and have a really quick clean up!) I recommend these slow cooker bags.

Step-By-Step Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Add oats, coconut milk, water, apples, cinnamon and brown sugar to your slow cooker. 
2. Cook Overnight: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6 hours (use the keep warm feature to make sure it stays nice and hot for you when you wake up for breakfast!)
3. Serve: Stir the oats, then serve with your favorite toppings such as chopped nuts, coconuts, cream, raisins, or granola.

Are Steel Cut Oats Healthy?

Steel cut oats are a superfood I rely on, especially since I’m working on lowering my cholesterol. They’re rich in beta-glucan, a type of fiber shown to help reduce cholesterol levels, and they have a low glycemic index for steady energy. Plus, they’re packed with iron, magnesium, and B vitamins, making them a hearty, nourishing choice that’s as good for my health as it is satisfying for breakfast. Starting the day with a warm bowl of oats feels like a simple but powerful step in the right direction!

Flavor Variations

Banana Pudding

• 2 ripe bananas, mashed (add at the beginning)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp nutmeg (optional)
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (for a sweet but not too sweet banana flavor)
• Topping ideas: Sliced bananas, a sprinkle of cinnamon, crushed graham crackers, or chopped nuts for serving

Pumpkin Pie

• 1 cup canned pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice (or 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 tsp ginger, 1/4 tsp nutmeg, and 1/4 tsp cloves)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• 3–4 tbsp brown sugar (adjust to taste for a dessert-like sweetness)
• Topping ideas: Chopped pecans, a drizzle of maple syrup, or a sprinkle of cinnamon sugar for serving

Chocolate Peanut Butter

• 3 tbsp cocoa powder
• 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter (or almond butter for a different flavor)
• 1–2 tbsp maple syrup (for sweetness; optional)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Topping ideas: Sliced bananas, chocolate chips, or chopped peanuts for serving

Peaches and Cream

• 3 medium peaches, diced (use fresh or frozen)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp brown sugar (for a lightly sweet flavor)
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract (optional)
• Topping ideas: Sliced fresh peaches, a sprinkle of granola, or chopped almonds for serving

Berry Bliss

• 1 1/2 cups mixed berries (fresh or frozen; raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries work well)
• 1/2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
• 3 tbsp honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste for a light sweetness)
• Topping ideas: Fresh berries, a drizzle of honey, or a dollop of dairy-free yogurt for serving

Troubleshooting

• Burnt Edges: As mentioned above, using an instant pot or a slow cooker with a “keep warm feature will fix this. Otherwise, using a slow cooker bag will help with cleanup. Alternatively,set a timer if your slow cooker runs hot or use a programmable model to avoid overcooking.
• Too Thick or Thin: Adjust with extra liquid in the morning if the oats are too thick, or reduce initial liquid if they’re too thin.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

Freezing: Portion oats into single servings, freeze in airtight containers, and thaw in the refrigerator overnight.

Reheating: Add a splash of milk or water and microwave or heat on the stove until warmed through.

Overnight Steel Cut Oats Recipe