Slow Cooker Maple Cinnamon Steel-Cut Oats

Pull out your slow cooker and get ready to make an easy, healthy breakfast. These crockpot steel cut oats combine simple ingredients for a hearty Maple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal that’s filling, comforting, and simple to prepare.

I used to joke that oatmeal would be the thing that made me millions. In the first year of Fit Foodie Finds I posted more oatmeal recipes than anything else because I was obsessed with finding the best variations and convincing everyone else to love it too. I still eat oatmeal almost every morning—usually topped with a banana and a smear of nut butter. It feels like dessert for breakfast and it leaves me satisfied until lunch.

My obsession with oatmeal is what inspired me to start Fit Foodie Finds. I can’t believe FFF turned eight this past November — time really flies when you’re having fun. This particular crockpot oatmeal was inspired by a friends’ version I tasted on a trip to Toronto. The maple and cinnamon combination is warm and familiar, while vanilla adds a subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavor.

How to Make Steel Cut Oats in the Crockpot

Making steel cut oats in a slow cooker is incredibly straightforward. The method is hands-off and perfect for busy mornings or for cooking overnight so you wake up to a ready-made breakfast.

Step 1: Prepare the Crockpot

Lightly spray the inside of your slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or rub a thin layer of coconut oil or another neutral oil around the pot. This helps prevent the oats from sticking during long cooking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir briefly to combine. For this Maple Cinnamon version you’ll need steel cut oats, plain unsweetened almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla paste (or extract), cinnamon, and a pinch of sea salt. The maple syrup and vanilla give the oats their sweet, cozy flavor while the cinnamon adds warmth.

Step 3: Cook

Cover the slow cooker and set it to high for about 4 hours or low for 8 hours. If you can, stir the oats once or twice during cooking to keep them from clinging to the sides. Cooking overnight on low works well if you prefer waking up to freshly cooked oats.

More Steel Cut Oatmeal Ideas

• Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats (quick stovetop/pressure cooker version)
• Crock Pot Samoa Steel Cut Oats (coconut, chocolate, and caramel-inspired)
• Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oats (apple pieces and warming spices)
• Slow Cooker Creamy Coconut Steel Cut Oats (rich and dairy-free)
• Pumpkin Pie Slow Cooker Oatmeal (seasonal favorite with spices)

Crock-Pot Maple Cinnamon Steel Cut Oatmeal

This recipe makes a large batch that’s perfect for feeding a family, meal prep, or keeping in the fridge for several breakfasts. It uses steel cut oats for a hearty texture and almond milk for creaminess, while maple, vanilla, and cinnamon provide a cozy flavor profile.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups steel cut oats
• 6 cups plain, unsweetened almond milk
• 1/3 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

1. Spray the inside of a slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray or rub with a small amount of oil.
2. Place the steel cut oats, almond milk, maple syrup, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. If possible, stir once or twice while cooking to prevent sticking.
4. When the oats are tender and most of the liquid is absorbed, stir vigorously with a wooden spoon for 90 seconds to 2 minutes until the texture is thick and creamy.
5. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as sliced banana, fresh berries, chopped nuts, or a spoonful of nut butter.

Tips & Notes

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the texture if needed.
• Consistency: Steel cut oats thicken as they cool. Stir in additional milk or water when reheating to reach your preferred consistency.
• Flavor variations: Add a mashed banana or a handful of dried fruit before cooking for natural sweetness and extra texture.
• Stirring: Stirring occasionally during cooking helps prevent the oats from sticking to the sides and burning, especially on high.

Nutrition

Calories: 229 kcal, Carbohydrates: 30 g, Protein: 5 g, Fat: 4 g, Fiber: 4 g, Sugar: 11 g. Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximation.

Enjoy this comforting maple cinnamon crockpot oatmeal on chilly mornings or prepare it overnight for a stress-free breakfast. It’s an easy, nutritious base that welcomes many toppings and variations, and it stores well for busy weekday mornings.