A thick, creamy, and perfectly-spiced hot breakfast could not be easier than this Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal! Whether you serve it for Christmas brunch or make a big batch to reheat for busy weekday mornings, Crock Pot oatmeal is a healthy and delicious way to start your day!
Hi, friends! Are you getting ready for the holidays? I’ve obviously been busy creating all sorts of fun Christmas activities and recipes. It’s such a delicious time of year, and I’m thrilled to be bringing you one of my new favorite breakfasts today. Trust me…you’re going to LOVE this one!
Using the slow cooker to make a huge batch of oatmeal is the greatest idea I’ve had in a long time. It took me a few tries to perfect the cooking temperature and time, but now that I have it figured out…I’m hooked!
This gingerbread oatmeal is full of seasonal spices, but it’s not very sweet. I use a little bit of molasses for color and flavor, but if you like your oatmeal on the sweeter side (who doesn’t, really?!), you should definitely plan to have some warm maple syrup or brown sugar on hand for drizzling.
Best of all, this customizable base can be dressed up to suit all of the hungry tummies in your family. I like mine with a dollop of Greek yogurt for added protein, some maple syrup, and some chopped toasted pecans for healthy fat. It’s a nutritious breakfast that tastes fun, without a massive sugar high!
This Crock Pot oatmeal is a nice make-ahead option because you can cook it in advance, store it in individual portions, and reheat in the microwave throughout the week. Or, if you’re planning to feed a crowd for Christmas brunch, you can either cook the oatmeal on low overnight (your house will smell ah-mazing when you wake up) or cook it on high when you wake up. It’s practical, seasonal, healthy, and delicious!!
Slow Cooker Gingerbread Oatmeal
Prep
Cook
Total
Yield 4 -6
Ingredients
- 2 cups uncooked steel cut oats (don’t use quick-cooking or old-fashioned rolled oats because they will get too mushy)
- ½ teaspoon salt (or more, to taste)
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ginger
- 1 teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon cloves
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 8 cups water
- ¼ cup molasses (can substitute with maple syrup, but it won’t have that true “gingerbread” taste), plus more for serving
- Optional toppings: whipped cream, chopped toasted pecans, dried cranberries, raisins, Greek yogurt
Instructions
- Spray the inside of a 6-quart slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Combine all ingredients in slow cooker and stir well. Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally.
Notes
You can make this in advance, store in airtight containers, and reheat in the microwave as needed. If it seems a bit dry when you go to reheat it, just add some additional milk or water and you’ll be all set!
Looking for other delicious breakfast options? Try these favorites:
Frosted Sugar Cookie Protein Shake
This oatmeal looks SO good, Blair! I haven’t had breakfast yet, so my stomach is growling just looking at this. What a festive recipe for the season!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Raspberry Baked Brie
You need this in your life, Gayle!! 🙂
Gingerbread oatmeal?! Where has this been my whole life? I love the idea and the fact that it is made in a slow cooker!
Jen | Baked by an Introvert recently posted…Sweet Potato Coffee Cake
Yes, Jen!! It’s a THING, and it’s so good. Have fun on your trip, too!
You and all your amazing, festive holiday recipes! I think I’ll skip going to my parents house for Christmas and just come to yours!!
Chrissa – Physical Kitchness recently posted…20 Minute Cardio Elliptical Workout
Thanks, Chrissa! Come on over — we would have SO MUCH fun together (and the boys could play too!). 🙂
This looks soooo good, Blair! I am in love with the idea of Gingerbread oatmeal! I’m kind of an oat junkie – I love how versatile oatmeal is! This version is on my must-make list, for sure!
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl recently posted…Orange Cardamom & Hazelnut Muffins
Thanks, Sarah! Yes — the options are endless with oatmeal, and now that I know how to use my slow cooker I think I’ll be on a roll!
Any changes if you doubled it? Like the water quantity?
Hey, Christy! Yep, if you’re going to double the amount of oats, you will also need to double the amount of water (and all other ingredients as well). You just need to keep the proportions the same.
Hope that helps, and enjoy! 🙂