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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Ashley | The Recipe Rebel -
This looks amazing Kelly! What a hearty, flavorful breakfast! We love oatmeal too, but have never had anything like this.
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic -
Kelly I’ve been wanting to make oatmeal in the slow cooker for a long time now. I’ve always been worried that it’ll come out to dry. Since I am off for vacation starting tomorrow I am definitely going to give it a try.
Shikha la mode -
I’m in love with not only this recipe, but the straw as well – so cute!
Annie+@+ciaochowbambina -
I love this! Where were you a few years ago? My son is not huge on breakfast, however, he would scarf down a quick bowl of instant oatmeal as he was running out the door to (high) school. He’s going to love this! Can’t wait to make it when the kids are all home for the holidays!
Kelly -
Haha thanks Annie! My slow cooker love only started a few years ago and now it has become a life saver:)
Amy @ Fearless Homemaker -
Ooh, I’ve never thought of making oatmeal in the slow-cooker- what a brilliant idea! And this flavor combination looks and sounds SO good for fall. perfection!