Crockpot Apple Steel-Cut Oats Recipe

Imagine waking to the warm aroma of apples and cinnamon and finding breakfast already waiting—this is exactly what you get with Slow Cooker Steel Cut Oats. Creamy, satisfying, and flavored with tender apple pieces and cozy cinnamon, this overnight crockpot oatmeal is an easy, make-ahead breakfast that’s perfect for busy mornings and meal prep.

These slow cooker steel cut oats cook gently all night while you sleep, so you only need a few minutes of prep the night before. The combination of steel cut oats’ hearty, slightly chewy texture with sweet apples and warm cinnamon creates a breakfast that feels like apple pie in a bowl—without the fuss.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Creamy, hearty steel cut oats paired with tender apple chunks and cinnamon for a comforting breakfast everyone will enjoy.
• The slow cooker does the work: prepare the ingredients the night before and wake up to a ready-to-serve meal.
• Dairy-free and gluten-free friendly when you choose an appropriate milk; made with just five main ingredients.

Recipe ingredients

This recipe relies on simple, wholesome ingredients and can be customized to your taste. The flavor is reminiscent of apple pie—sweet, spiced, and comforting.

• Steel cut oats – Made from whole oat groats and cut into pieces, steel cut oats have a firmer, chewier texture than rolled oats. Do not substitute rolled oats without adjusting liquid and cook time.
• Apples – Use baking apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Pink Lady for best texture; they hold their shape well but will soften during the long cook.
• Milk – Any dairy or non-dairy milk works. Almond milk is used here, but use your favorite alternative.
• Maple syrup – Adds natural sweetness and depth. Substitute with brown sugar or another preferred sweetener if desired.
• Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon complements the apples perfectly. Swap in other warming spices like cardamom or a chai spice blend for variation.

How to make steel cut oats in the crock pot

Once you try steel cut oats in the crockpot, you may prefer this method for its convenience and texture. Prep takes only minutes the night before, and the slow cooker finishes the dish while you sleep.

Pro tip: For your first batch, cook during the day to determine the ideal time for your slow cooker. Different appliances vary in heat and timing; longer cooking can create crispier edges or even cause sticking and burning.

• Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray or use a liner to ease cleanup and minimize sticking.
• If your slow cooker tends to cook faster, use the low setting and consider a unit with a timer so the oats switch to warm when finished.
• To avoid crispy edges, line the crock with a liner or foil—this yields a creamier consistency throughout.

1. Generously spray the inside of the slow cooker and place the diced apples in the bottom.
2. Combine the steel cut oats, milk, water, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon in a bowl and stir until mixed. Pour the mixture over the apples in the slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or until the oats are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.
4. Serve warm with additional milk if desired and top with more apple, a sprinkle of cinnamon, nuts, or other favorite toppings.

Recipe FAQs

Why are they called steel cut oats?

Steel cut oats are oat groats chopped into two or three pieces, giving them a coarser texture than rolled oats.

Can I substitute rolled oats for steel cut oats?

Rolled oats cook much faster and require less liquid, so they are not directly interchangeable without altering cooking time and liquid amounts.

Recipe notes

• Timing varies: Slow cooker models differ—test this recipe during the day so you can determine the ideal cooking time for your machine. Oats can brown or stick if cooked too long.
• Clean-up tips: Cooking spray, a slow cooker liner, or foil will help prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
• Storage: Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.

Apple Crockpot Steel Cut Oats

Servings: 6 • Prep: 10 mins • Cook: 6–8 hrs • Total: ~8 hrs 10 mins

Ingredients

• 2 medium apples, cored, peeled, and cut into 1″ cubes
• 1 cup steel cut oats
• 2 cups almond milk (or your preferred milk)
• 2 cups water
• 4 tablespoons maple syrup (or brown sugar)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

1. Spray the inside of the slow cooker and add the diced apples to the bottom.
2. Whisk together the oats, milk, water, maple syrup, and cinnamon in a large bowl. Pour over the apples.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, until the oats are tender and most liquid is absorbed.
4. Serve with extra milk and toppings like sliced apples, cinnamon, nuts, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Notes

• Cooking times depend on your slow cooker—test the recipe during daytime to find the perfect timing.
• Use cooking spray or a liner to reduce sticking; oats can get crispy at the edges if cooked too long.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days and reheat with added milk as needed.

Nutrition (per serving, estimated)

Calories: 170 kcal • Carbohydrates: 36 g • Protein: 4 g • Fat: 2 g • Fiber: 5 g • Sugar: 15 g

Equipment: 6-quart slow cooker is a good size for this recipe.

Original publication: This recipe was originally published in October 2015 and has been updated with new photos and additional recipe information.