This warm, cozy berry oatmeal is perfect for busy mornings. Just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you snooze a little longer!
You’ll love waking up to the sweet smell of berries mixed with hearty oats. I often add a drizzle of honey on top—it’s like a warm hug in a bowl! 🥄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Old-fashioned Rolled Oats: These oats are perfect for slow cooking as they absorb liquid and become creamy. You can use quick oats for a softer texture, but avoid instant oats, as they’ll turn mushy.
Berries: Fresh or frozen both work! If you can’t find berries, try chopped apples or bananas for a different flavor, or even dried fruits like raisins for added sweetness.
Sweeteners: I enjoy brown sugar, but maple syrup gives a nice touch too! You can adjust this based on your taste or use a sugar substitute if you’re looking for a lower-calorie option.
Milk/Water: For a creamier texture, use milk—dairy or any plant-based milk like almond or oat milk works great. Just remember, water is fine too if you want a lighter oatmeal.
How Can You Ensure Perfect Oatmeal in the Slow Cooker?
Getting the right texture with slow cooker oatmeal can be tricky, but it’s all about the timing and the right ingredients. Follow these simple steps for success:
- Combine all ingredients thoroughly—this helps them cook evenly.
- Make sure you use enough liquid; 4 cups should create a creamy consistency. Adjust if you’re using more or less oats.
- Keep an eye on the cooking time. 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high will yield soft oats. Don’t exceed the time to avoid mushiness.
- Stir the oatmeal once it’s done cooking to blend the flavors better. Mashing in some berries can add a delightful sweetness too.
With these tips, you’ll wake up to a delicious, hassle-free breakfast!
Slow Cooker Berry Oatmeal
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 2 cups old-fashioned rolled oats
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 4 cups water or milk (dairy or plant-based)
- Additional fresh berries for topping (optional)
- Honey or maple syrup for drizzling (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Slow Cooker Berry Oatmeal takes approximately 15 minutes to prep and then you’ll let it cook in the slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). So you can set it up before bed and wake up to a warm breakfast ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Slow Cooker:
Start by spraying the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray. This helps to prevent the oatmeal from sticking and makes cleanup easier!
2. Mix All Ingredients:
In the slow cooker, add the rolled oats, raspberries, blueberries, brown sugar (or maple syrup), vanilla extract, ground cinnamon, salt, and water or milk. Gently stir all the ingredients together until they’re well combined.
3. Slow Cook the Oatmeal:
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours. If you’re short on time, you can also set it to high for about 3 to 4 hours, but be careful not to overcook it!
4. Stir and Mash (Optional):
Once your oatmeal is cooked and creamy, give it a good stir to mix everything nicely. If you like, you can mash some of the berries a little to blend their flavor into the oatmeal for a sweeter taste.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
Dish out the warm oatmeal into bowls and top it with additional fresh berries. Drizzle a little honey or maple syrup on top for extra sweetness if you fancy. Enjoy your comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Berry Oatmeal!
Can I Use Other Types of Berries?
Absolutely! You can substitute with any berries you like, such as strawberries, blackberries, or mixed berry blends. Just remember that the cooking time will remain the same!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk or water to loosen the consistency before serving.
Can I Make This Recipe Vegan?
Yes! Simply use plant-based milk and substitute maple syrup for the brown sugar. The recipe will be perfectly vegan and still delicious!
What Can I Add for Extra Flavor or Nutrition?
You can mix in extras like chia seeds, flaxseeds, or protein powder for added nutrition. Nuts or nut butter can also be a tasty addition for some crunch and healthy fats!
