When the air gets cooler, breakfast should get warmer! And what better to warm you up first thing in the morning than a bowl of creamy slow-cooker pumpkin spice oatmeal?
You probably already know oats are really good for you. They are packed with satiating soluble fiber, as well as prebiotics to support digestive health. They also contain a specific type of fiber called beta-glucans, which are known to stimulate the immune system. Oats are good for so many reasons.
Steel-cut oats provide a steadier, prolonged energy source. However, you would probably agree that a 30-minute cook-time during the morning rush is totally crazy. Enter a magical machine already in your pantry closet – the slow cooker! With October upon us, I am sure you have already brushed off your low-and-slow electric gadget for easy, comfort-food weeknight dinners, so why not put it on the night shift?
Before bed, toss some steel-cut oats in with a pour of water, and you will wake up to the creamiest porridge you have ever had. Its texture is creamy reminiscing rice pudding. You won’t know if it is breakfast or dessert. Take it one step further with silky pumpkin puree and autumnal spice, and you have got a breakfast-dessert so delicious you will be bouncing out of bed. Trust me, the smell of this slow-cooker pumpkin spice oatmeal is the equivalent of a bear hug!
Slow-Cooker Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal
Ingredients
- 2 cups steel-cut oats
- 1 can pure pumpkin
- 1 medium apple, grated (no need to peel first)
- 6 cups water
- 2 cups milk
- ½ cup raisins
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Toppings: your choice of maple syrup, brown sugar, toasted nuts, granola and/or dried fruit
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients (except for toppings) in a slow cooker and cook on low power for 7-8 hours (turn on the “keep warm” function if you have it).
- Give it a really good stir and then serve with toppings as desired.
