Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal

Imagine waking up to the cozy aroma of strawberries and cream wafting through your kitchen—now that’s a morning worth getting out of bed for! This Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal is creamy, comforting, and naturally sweet, like a warm hug in a bowl. It’s the kind of breakfast that feels indulgent but is actually super wholesome, making it perfect for busy mornings or slow, snuggly weekends alike.

This oatmeal is rich and velvety from slow-cooked oats and milk, infused with the flavor of juicy strawberries and a touch of vanilla. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or just want to treat yourself to something a little special, this recipe is about to become your new favorite morning ritual. Trust me—your future self will thank you.

Why You’ll Love Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal

Effortless Breakfast: Just toss everything in the crock pot before bed and wake up to a ready-to-eat, comforting meal.

Naturally Sweet and Creamy: The strawberries infuse the oats with fruity sweetness, while milk makes it luxuriously smooth.

Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and reheat throughout the week—it’s a time-saver and still tastes amazing days later.

Kid-Friendly: Creamy, fruity, and just sweet enough to feel like a treat—kids love it too!

Customizable: Use fresh or frozen strawberries, swap in dairy-free milk, or top with nuts and seeds for extra crunch.

Ingredients in Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Steel-Cut Oats: These hearty oats hold up beautifully to slow cooking and give the oatmeal a great texture.

Milk: Adds creaminess. You can use regular milk, almond milk, coconut milk—whatever suits your taste or dietary needs.

Strawberries: Fresh or frozen, they break down as they cook, releasing sweet berry flavor into every bite.

Vanilla Extract: Adds a warm, dessert-like note that complements the strawberries perfectly.

Maple Syrup or Honey: Just a touch enhances the natural sweetness of the fruit without overwhelming it.

Pinch of Salt: Balances all the sweet flavors and brings everything together.

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Crock Pot

Lightly grease the inside of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Add Ingredients

In the crock pot, combine the steel-cut oats, milk, chopped strawberries, vanilla extract, and a drizzle of maple syrup or honey. Add a pinch of salt to bring out all the flavors.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours overnight. Your kitchen will smell heavenly by morning!

Step 4: Stir and Serve

Give it a good stir in the morning to mix the creamy oats with the softened strawberries. Spoon into bowls and serve warm with your favorite toppings!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: [Number of servings]
Calories per serving: [Calorie count per serving]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: 6–8 hours

How to Serve Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal

Top with Fresh Strawberries: For a pop of freshness and color.

Add a Dollop of Greek Yogurt or Whipped Cream: For that extra creamy finish (and a little protein boost, if you choose yogurt!).

Sprinkle on Nuts or Seeds: Sliced almonds, chia seeds, or flaxseeds give a lovely crunch.

Drizzle More Maple Syrup or Honey: If you like it a little sweeter, a light drizzle on top is perfection.

Serve with Toast or Fruit on the Side: Turn it into a full, cozy breakfast spread.

Additional Tips

• Use a Crock Pot Liner: For super easy cleanup.
• Don’t Overcook: If your slow cooker runs hot, start checking around the 6-hour mark to avoid mushy oats.
• Double the Batch: It reheats well, so go ahead and make extra for the week.
• Add Protein: Stir in a scoop of vanilla protein powder or collagen for a nutritional boost.
• Make It Vegan: Use plant-based milk and maple syrup instead of honey.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use rolled oats instead of steel-cut?
A1: Rolled oats cook much faster and tend to get mushy in the crock pot overnight. Stick with steel-cut for best texture.

Q2: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A2: Yes! No need to thaw—just toss them in frozen. They’ll cook down beautifully.

Q3: How long does it last in the fridge?
A3: Up to 5 days in an airtight container. Reheat with a splash of milk to loosen it up.

Q4: Can I freeze it?
A4: Definitely! Portion into freezer-safe containers and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Q5: What’s the best milk to use?
A5: Any milk works! Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but almond, oat, or coconut milk are great dairy-free options.

Q6: How do I make it sweeter?
A6: Add more maple syrup, honey, or a sprinkle of brown sugar either during cooking or just before serving.

Q7: Can I add other fruits?
A7: Absolutely! Blueberries, raspberries, or even banana slices pair wonderfully with strawberries.

Q8: How can I add more protein?
A8: Stir in protein powder, nut butter, or Greek yogurt to up the protein content.

Q9: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A9: Yes, as long as your oats are certified gluten-free.

Q10: What if my oatmeal is too thick in the morning?
A10: Just stir in a little more milk or water until you reach your desired consistency.

Conclusion

This Crock Pot Strawberry and Cream Oatmeal is what breakfast dreams are made of—easy, nourishing, and downright comforting. Whether you’re starting your Monday off right or enjoying a lazy Sunday morning, this sweet and creamy bowl of goodness will keep you full and happy. Go ahead, prep it tonight, and wake up to the best kind of surprise tomorrow morning.

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