Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Introduction

I recently tried the Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal recipe, and it has quickly become one of my favorite breakfast options. The first time I made it, I set it in the slow cooker the night before, knowing that the next morning, all I’d have to do was spoon a hearty, creamy breakfast into bowls. I was a little nervous about how the combination of peanut butter and steel-cut oats would turn out, but it was absolutely delicious! The peanut butter melted beautifully into the oats, and the diced apples added the perfect amount of sweetness and crunch. The oatmeal was incredibly filling and kept me full for hours—perfect for those busy mornings when I need something quick and satisfying. My family loved it too, and it’s been on regular rotation in our kitchen ever since!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal

This recipe is the perfect blend of comfort and convenience. If you’re someone who loves the idea of setting up breakfast the night before and waking up to something warm and delicious, this slow cooker oatmeal is for you. Not only does it taste amazing, but it’s also nutritious, thanks to the combination of peanut butter, apples, and steel-cut oats. Plus, it’s customizable—add your favorite toppings, and you can make it your own every time.

Another reason you’ll love this oatmeal is its versatility. You can easily tweak it to suit your tastes by switching up the fruits, adding more protein, or playing with spices. The slow cooker does all the work while you sleep, making it perfect for busy mornings. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking for an easy meal prep option, this oatmeal will fit the bill.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty and flavorful oatmeal:

• 1 cup steel-cut oats
• 1 ½ cups almond milk (or milk of choice)
• 1 ½ cups water
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter
• 2 apples (e.g., Honeycrisp), diced
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• Pinch of salt

Optional Toppings

• Additional peanut butter
• Dried fruit
• Mixed nuts

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   In the slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats, almond milk, water, and peanut butter. Stir well until the peanut butter is fully incorporated into the mixture. The peanut butter will help create a creamy, rich texture and infuse the oatmeal with flavor.
2. Add Apples and Sweetener:
   Stir in the diced apples, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt. The apples will soften as they cook, releasing their sweetness into the oatmeal. The brown sugar will add a touch of caramel-like richness, while the pinch of salt helps balance the flavors.
3. Cook:
   Cover and cook the oatmeal on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 3.5 to 4 hours. The oats should become tender and creamy, with the apples perfectly cooked into the mixture. If you prefer a more traditional oatmeal consistency, you can adjust the cooking time as needed.
4. Serve:
   Once the oatmeal is done, spoon it into bowls. If desired, top with extra peanut butter, dried fruit, or mixed nuts for added flavor and texture. These toppings will also help make your oatmeal feel like a more decadent treat.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving Size: 1
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Sugar: 22g
• Sodium: 94mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 11g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on low)
• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

How to Serve

This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal is versatile and can be served in various ways depending on your preferences. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Top with extra peanut butter: Add a swirl of peanut butter on top for extra richness and flavor.
• Add dried fruit: Dried cranberries, raisins, or apricots make great additions to this oatmeal, adding a touch of tartness to balance the peanut butter’s richness.
• Toss in mixed nuts: A handful of chopped almonds, walnuts, or pecans will add crunch and extra protein.
• Sweeten to taste: Drizzle with honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness if you prefer your oatmeal on the sweeter side.

Additional Tips

1. Customize the Fruit: If you don’t have apples or prefer another fruit, you can swap the apples for pears, bananas, or even berries. Bananas would add extra sweetness and creaminess, while berries would give a burst of tart flavor.
2. Make It Creamier: For a creamier texture, add an extra splash of almond milk just before serving. This will loosen the oatmeal and make it even more luscious.
3. Add Protein: If you want to make this oatmeal more filling or add a protein boost, stir in a scoop of protein powder or a tablespoon of chia seeds. Both options will add nutrition without altering the flavor much.
4. Sweeten with Alternatives: Instead of brown sugar, you can use maple syrup, honey, or a sugar alternative like stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a lower-carb version.
5. Store Leftovers: Refrigerate any leftover oatmeal in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply add a splash of milk or water and microwave or reheat on the stove until warmed through.

FAQ

1. Can I use regular rolled oats instead of steel-cut oats? While steel-cut oats work best for slow cooking and give a chewy texture, you can use rolled oats in a pinch. Just adjust the cooking time to 3 to 4 hours on low, as rolled oats cook faster.
2. Can I use a different type of milk? Yes, you can use any milk of your choice, including dairy milk, soy milk, or oat milk. The recipe will work with any non-dairy or dairy milk you prefer.
3. Is this oatmeal vegan? Yes, this recipe is vegan as written, thanks to the use of almond milk and peanut butter. However, if you’re not vegan, feel free to use regular milk or add some honey as a sweetener.
4. Can I freeze this oatmeal for later? Yes, you can freeze leftover oatmeal for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. To reheat, simply add a bit of milk or water and heat it on the stove or in the microwave.
5. Can I double the recipe? Yes, you can double the recipe. Just make sure your slow cooker has enough space for the increased quantity. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly if you’re making a larger batch.
6. How can I make this oatmeal less sweet? If you want a less sweet oatmeal, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar or skip it entirely. The natural sweetness from the apples and peanut butter will still provide flavor.
7. Can I use crunchy peanut butter instead of creamy? Absolutely! Crunchy peanut butter will add a bit of extra texture to the oatmeal, which some people might enjoy.
8. How long does this oatmeal keep in the fridge? Leftover oatmeal can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just store it in an airtight container and reheat with a splash of milk or water.
9. Can I make this oatmeal on the stovetop? Yes, you can make this oatmeal on the stovetop. Just combine all the ingredients in a pot, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for about 30-40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
10. Can I add other nuts or seeds to this oatmeal? Yes, you can add other nuts like almonds, walnuts, or pistachios. Chia seeds, flaxseeds, or sunflower seeds also work well as additional toppings for texture and nutritional value.

This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal is the perfect way to enjoy a warm, filling breakfast with minimal effort. With its creamy texture, peanut butter richness, and natural sweetness from apples, it’s a satisfying start to your day. Plus, you can easily make it your own with different toppings and flavorings.

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