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- 1 cup steel cut oats - 4 cups water or unsweetened almond milk - 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon - 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg - 1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste) - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract - A pinch of salt - Chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans) - Dried cranberries - Greek yogurt When I make my Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats, I love using these ingredients. The steel cut oats give a hearty texture. They absorb flavors well and remain chewy. I prefer using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. Their tartness balances the sweet oats perfectly. Cinnamon and nutmeg add a warm spice. They make the kitchen smell amazing while cooking. For sweetness, I often choose maple syrup. Honey is a great choice too. It adds a unique flavor. A drop of vanilla extract enhances the taste. A pinch of salt brings all the flavors together. Optional toppings elevate the dish. Chopped nuts add crunch and protein. Dried cranberries add a hint of tartness. Greek yogurt adds creaminess and protein too. These toppings let you customize your bowl. Feel free to mix and match according to your taste! First, gather your fresh apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add great flavor. Dice the apples into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly. Next, measure one cup of steel cut oats. For the liquid, you can use four cups of water or unsweetened almond milk. This liquid makes the oats creamy and delicious. Now, it's time to combine everything in your slow cooker. Add the oats, diced apples, and your chosen liquid. Then sprinkle in one teaspoon of ground cinnamon, half a teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. For sweetness, add a quarter cup of maple syrup or honey. Stir well until all the ingredients mix together. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Cook for six to eight hours. The oats will become tender and creamy during this time. When the cooking time is up, stir the oats gently. This mixes in the softened apples. If you want a sweeter taste, add more maple syrup or honey. If the oats seem too thick, splash in some almond milk to adjust the consistency. Serve warm in bowls. You can top them with chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess. Enjoy your cozy bowl of apple cinnamon steel cut oats! Choose the right apples for the best taste. I recommend using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They add a nice tartness that pairs well with cinnamon. You can adjust sweetness based on your preference. Start with 1/4 cup of maple syrup or honey, then taste. Add more if you want it sweeter. Each slow cooker is different. If yours cooks hot, check the oats after 5 hours. For softer oats, you might let them cook longer. For chewier oats, start checking at 6 hours. Adjust the time based on your texture preference. There are many fun ways to serve these oats. You can top them with chopped nuts for a crunch. Dried cranberries add a burst of flavor. A dollop of Greek yogurt makes it creamy and rich. Don't forget to pair with seasonal fruits like berries or bananas for added freshness. {{image_2}} You can add many fun things to your oats. Dried fruits like raisins or cranberries boost flavor and sweetness. Try adding a handful of these fruits about halfway through cooking. For extra creaminess, stir in nut butters like almond or peanut butter. Just a scoop makes your oats rich and satisfying. If you want a dairy-free version, use plant-based milk. Almond milk works well, but you can pick any non-dairy milk you like. For sweeteners, maple syrup or agave nectar are great choices. Both are tasty and fit well in vegan diets. Want to mix up the flavor? Add spices like cardamom or ginger for a warm kick. A little cocoa powder can turn your oats into a chocolate delight. Just a tablespoon can make a big difference. Experiment with these flavors to find your favorite. To keep your apple cinnamon steel cut oats fresh, store them in the fridge. Use an airtight container to avoid drying out. These oats stay good for up to five days. After that, they may lose flavor and texture. When you reheat your oats, use a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, heat in short bursts. Stir in between to warm evenly. If using the stovetop, add a splash of water or almond milk while heating. This helps keep the oats creamy. You can freeze your oatmeal for later. Let it cool completely before packing. Use freezer-safe containers or bags. When you’re ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stove, adding a bit of liquid for the best taste. No, you should not swap them. Steel cut oats are whole oat groats that are cut into pieces. They have a chewy texture and take longer to cook. Regular oats, like rolled oats, cook faster and are softer. This recipe needs the hearty texture of steel cut oats for the best taste and feel. To make this dish gluten-free, use certified gluten-free steel cut oats. Some brands process oats in facilities with gluten grains, so check labels carefully. Gluten-free oats offer the same great taste and texture. They will work perfectly in this recipe. Yes, you can prep the night before. 1. Combine steel cut oats, water or almond milk, and spices in a bowl. 2. Let the mixture soak overnight in the fridge. This helps soften the oats. 3. In the morning, pour the mixture into your slow cooker. This makes morning cooking easier and ensures tasty oats ready when you wake up. In this post, I shared how to make a delicious slow cooker oatmeal with steel cut oats, apples, and warm spices. You learned about essential ingredients, cooking steps, and ways to customize your dish. I also discussed storage tips to keep your oats fresh and tasty. Remember, cooking is about creativity. Feel free to play with different flavors and toppings. Enjoy exploring this nutritious breakfast option!

Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats

Wake up to the delicious aroma of Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats! This easy recipe features hearty steel cut oats, sweet apples, and warm spices, all cooked to creamy perfection. In just 10 minutes of prep, you can enjoy a nutritious breakfast that serves 4-6. Top with nuts or Greek yogurt for extra delight. Click through to explore this warm and cozy recipe that will make your mornings wonderfully tasty!
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Ingredients
  

1 cup steel cut oats

4 cups water or unsweetened almond milk

2 medium apples, peeled and diced (preferably Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon nutmeg

1/4 cup maple syrup or honey (adjust to taste)

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

A pinch of salt

Optional toppings: chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans), dried cranberries, or a dollop of Greek yogurt

Instructions
 

In your slow cooker, combine steel cut oats, water (or almond milk), diced apples, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, maple syrup (or honey), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt.

    Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.

      Cover the slow cooker and set it on low heat. Cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the oats are tender and creamy.

        Once cooked, give the oats a gentle stir to blend in the softened apples.

          If desired, add more sweetener to taste, and adjust the consistency by adding a splash of almond milk if it’s too thick.

            Serve warm, topped with your choice of chopped nuts, dried cranberries, or a dollop of Greek yogurt for creaminess.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 6-8 hours | Servings: 4-6

                - Presentation Tips: Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, and a garnish of fresh apple slices for a colorful touch.