Oats and apples cooked overnight in the slow cooker is incredibly delicious and super easy to make. Flavored with the warm spices of gingerbread make this the perfect fall breakfast!
My favorite way to start my morning is with a bowl of oatmeal and some sort of fruit smoothie. I am usually pretty boring with my oatmeal since I don’t have that much time to get breakfast ready before the kids get up but ever since I tried making it in the slow cooker, the possibilities for flavor options are endless!
It’s so easy to toss everything in to the slow cooker the night before and wake up to a nutritious and tasty breakfast that makes you feel all warm and cozy! With breakfast taken care of, that leaves one less thing to worry about in the morning —> total winner for any busy person on the go!
You can have a ton of fun with all the different flavor combinations. This Gingerbread Apple Oatmeal made a small appearance back in October and it’s become one of my favorite ways to start the morning.
I like my oatmeal chunky with some crispy edges, but if you like it creamier, feel free to add more milk and apple cider. I usually add a little bit of milk after I scoop it into the bowl so it becomes just the right consistency. Rich with molasses and warming spices, this oatmeal reminds me of a gingerbread cookie combined with a warm slice of apple pie in oatmeal form. Especially with the crispy edges.
It’s all the flavors you love about fall and the holidays! It would even make a great breakfast if you are having overnight guests that are oatmeal lovers for the holidays too.
Warm up those chilly (and in my case snowy) mornings with a hot bowl of this healthy and delicious oatmeal that the entire family will love!
- 2 cups gluten free rolled oats can also use regular rolled oats
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup milk of your choice I used almond milk
- 2 apples peeled, cored and chopped into cubes (I used 1 Gala and 1 Granny Smith)
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon molasses
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1-14 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 slices candied ginger chopped (feel free to omit if you don't have it already and just add an extra 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger)
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
- pinch salt
- 1/3 cup toasted pecans and almonds chopped for garnish
- 2 gingersnap cookies crushed for garnish (optional)
- Spray inside of slow cooker with cooking spray.
- Stir all ingredients together in a bowl.
- Pour into slow cooker.
Cook on low 2-3 hours or high for 1-1-1/2 hours (depending on your slow cooker - mine was done at around 2-1/2 hours on low and 1-1/2 hours on high).
- Divide into bowls.
- Serve with milk and toss with chopped pecans and sliced almonds and add more sliced apples for garnish if desired. For an extra gingerbread taste, add crushed gingersnap cookies on top.
This oatmeal is slightly chunky with crispy edges. If you like a creamier oatmeal, add more milk or apple cider. I usually add milk when I serve it in the bowl so this is the right consistency for me but feel free to adjust to your liking.
Add more ground ginger and cloves as desired.
For a more pronounced ginger aroma, add 2 slices of chopped candied ginger.
Top with crushed gingersnap cookies for a stronger gingerbread flavor.
Looking for more gingerbread?
Gingerbread Cinnamon Rolls with Chocolate Chips
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Eva @ Eva Bakes -
I need to borrow your slow cooker idea and incorporate it into our lives! I never know what to eat for breakfast in the mornings, so using the slow cooker to my advantage sounds like a smart and wonderful idea. Plus, I bet it makes the house smell amazing with all those spices!
Kelly -
The slow cooker is a life saver for me these days: ) Thanks Eva, the oatmeal made the kitchen smell so yummy like gingerbread and all warm flavors of fall baking up 🙂
Isadora -
I am literally sitting down to a bowl of oatmeal right now wishing I had this awesome oatmeal instead! It looks like the perfect way to start the day, especially when it is freezing in the house and I just want to stay in bed all day 🙂
Kelly -
Thanks Izzy. It’s gotten really cold where I am too so I am all about starting the day with a warm breakfast 🙂
Amanda -
This is the perfect fall breakfast!
Kelly -
Thanks Amanda 🙂
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice -
This oatmeal looks amazing, Kelly! I love that you made it in the slow cooker. I’ve always wanted to try that! I’m sure your house smelled amazing when you woke up the next morning! This is such a wonderful flavor for this time of year, especially with the gingerbread added in. Sounds like the perfect breakfast! Pinned!
Kelly -
Thanks Gayle! It definitely smelled like fall when it was cooking up 🙂 Thanks so much for pinning girl and Happy Friday!
Jacquee @ I Sugar Coat It! -
A big, heaping bowl of warm oatmeal is my favorite way to start the day, followed by a mid-morning smoothie! You sure get creative with your slow cooker.Love it. Pinned!