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Slow Cooker Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Recipe for Breakfast

Wake up to warm, hearty Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal. Ready in under 10 minutes of prep, easy to customize, and full of juicy apples. Rolled oats, cinnamon and a touch of brown sugar make this a cozy, healthy breakfast that’s perfect on a cold morning.

Bowl with slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal with spoon scooping in.

I eat oats for breakfast in some form almost every day—overnight oats, baked oats, or granola. When apple season arrives, this cozy crockpot apple-cinnamon oatmeal becomes my go-to on chilly mornings.

This slow cooker apple cinnamon oatmeal is easy to make, fills the house with an irresistible aroma, and can be prepared overnight or as part of weekly meal prep.

Why We Love This Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal

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This recipe is a warm, comforting way to enjoy apples with oats. Highlights:

  • Hearty and made with wholesome ingredients to start the day right
  • Fills the house with a delicious aroma
  • Can be cooked overnight on a low/warm setting
  • Works well for meal prep
  • Easy to adapt for different diets

Curl up and enjoy—this oatmeal is a delightful reason to get out of bed.

Ingredient Notes

  • Rolled oats: Use old-fashioned rolled oats (regular or gluten-free). Avoid quick oats. Steel-cut oats need more liquid and a much longer cook time (about 7–8 hours on low with 1–2 extra cups of liquid).
  • Apples: Any firm variety works; Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp are favorites.
  • Milk: Whole milk gives the creamiest result, but almond milk or other plant milks work fine.
  • Applesauce: Unsweetened applesauce keeps control over overall sweetness—add maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.

Add-Ins And Recipe Variations

  • Add-ins: Dried cranberries, raisins, flax seeds, a spoonful of nut butter, pumpkin puree, or egg whites (for extra protein).
  • Serve with: A splash of half-and-half or cream, butter, apple butter, a drizzle of caramel, or sliced banana on top.
  • Flavor variations: Try pumpkin spice, apple pie spice, ginger, or allspice for a different warm profile.

Step-By-Step Instructions

Crockpot with rolled oats, diced apples, applesauce, cinnamon and nutmeg.

Step 1: Core and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces. Spray or grease the slow cooker, then add rolled oats, apples, applesauce, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and sea salt.

Liquid added to oats and apples in crockpot before cooking.

Step 2: Pour the milk (or a milk/water combination) over the mixture and stir to combine. Using milk yields a richer, creamier oatmeal.

Apple cinnamon oatmeal cooked in slow cooker.

Step 3: Cover and cook on the LOW setting for about 2–3 hours, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the oats are tender. Cook longer for a softer texture or a bit less for chewy oats.

Cooked oatmeal topped with pecans and cinnamon with wood spoon scooping in.

Step 4: Stir in chopped pecans or walnuts, add an extra splash of milk or a pat of butter or cream if desired, and serve. Top with a drizzle of maple or honey if you like.

Recipe Tips

  • Overnight cooking: Use the “Keep Warm” setting rather than Low for overnight cooking (about 8–10 hours) to avoid overly mushy oats. Add an extra 1/2 cup milk when cooking overnight.
  • If oatmeal seems dry: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of milk at a time until you reach the preferred consistency. You can add more just before serving.
Bowl of slow cooker oatmeal with apples, cinnamon, and chopped pecans.

Storage

Store leftover apple oatmeal in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4–6 days. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream for best texture. This oatmeal can also be frozen for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.

Other Breakfast Recipes

  • Breakfast Egg Muffins with Spinach and Zucchini
  • Banana Bread Instant Pot Steel Cut Oatmeal
  • Vegan Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Waffles
  • Apple Pie Overnight Oats
  • Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Baked Donuts
  • Apple Cinnamon Baked Donuts

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Slow Cooker Apple Oatmeal

Warm, hearty slow cooker apple oatmeal with rolled oats, cinnamon, applesauce and a touch of brown sugar—simple to prep and perfect for chilly mornings.
Bowl of apple cinnamon oatmeal topped with chopped pecans.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

  • 1 large apple or 2 small (Gala or Fuji recommended)
  • 2 cups rolled oats (regular or gluten-free)
  • 3 cups milk of choice (or use unsweetened vanilla almond milk or whole milk)
  • 1 cup water (optional; use all milk for a richer texture)
  • 2 Tbsp maple syrup or honey
  • 1–2 Tbsp brown sugar (optional, to taste)
  • 2/3 cup applesauce
  • 1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2–1 Tbsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 2–3 Tbsp chopped pecans or walnuts

Instructions

  • Core and chop the apple into bite-sized pieces. Keeping the skin on is optional.
  • Grease the slow cooker. Combine all ingredients except the nuts and stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 2–3 hours, or until the liquid is mostly absorbed and the oats are tender. Adjust time for desired texture.
  • Before serving, stir in the chopped nuts and add an optional drizzle of maple or honey and a splash of milk or cream.
  • Overnight option: For overnight cooking, add an extra 1/2 cup milk, cover, and use the “Keep Warm” setting for 8–10 hours. Add more milk when ready if it seems dry.

Notes

Storage: Keeps 4–6 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Freeze up to 3 months. Reheat with a splash of milk or cream.

If it’s too dry: Stir in 2–3 tablespoons of milk at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Nutrition

Calories: 387 kcal, Carbohydrates: 59 g, Protein: 12 g, Fat: 12 g, Fiber: 7 g, Sugar: 27 g. Nutrition info is an approximation.

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