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
You can also stay connected with me:
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Google+ | Instagram | Bloglovin
Sarah @ The Gold Lining Girl -
I do love slow cooker oatmeal – you wake up and everything is ready for breakfast! Sometimes I use the steel cut. This oatmeal sounds so wonderful, Kelly! Like a dessert! The flavors you put together sound so perfectly seasonal and delicious! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Kelly -
Thanks Sarah! So glad you like it and yup this totally felt like dessert for breakfast 🙂 I love steel cut oats too. Happy Friday and hope you have a great weekend!
Dannii @ Hungry Healthy Happy -
I bet your kitchen smells amazing when you wake up to this cooking. It sounds like the perfect Autumn breakfast.Yum!
Kelly -
Thanks Dannii 🙂 Happy Friday!
Sarah@WholeandHeavenlyOven -
I LOOVE overnight, slow-cooked oatmeal! It just makes breakfast so easy-peasy simple! Also, the smell that awaits you in the kitchen the next morning is just epic. 🙂 Totally loving the gingerbread flavors and apples you packed in this gorgeous oatmeal! Pinning!
Kelly -
Thanks so much girl and for pinning! Happy Friday and hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Ashley | Spoonful of Flavor -
Oatmeal is one of my favorite ways to start the day! I love trying different flavor combinations. I love adding apple cider to my oatmeal too! I’ll have to try this recipe soon, it is perfect for a fall day!
Kelly -
Yay, for oatmeal! Thanks Ashley – happy Friday 🙂
Melanie @ Carmel Moments -
What a beautiful bowl of oatmeal Kelly! Makes me want to dive right in!