Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal has become one of my favorite go-to breakfast options, especially during the cooler months when I want something warm, comforting, and filling. The best part? It’s a “set it and forget it” meal, meaning I can prepare it the night before, let the slow cooker do the work, and wake up to a delicious breakfast without any hassle. My family absolutely loves it, especially my kids, who devour it every time it’s on the menu. The combination of creamy peanut butter, sweet apples, and hearty steel-cut oats is both nutritious and satisfying, providing a wholesome start to the day. Plus, it’s so easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you add extra toppings or switch up the fruits, this oatmeal never gets old. It’s the perfect meal for busy mornings, lazy weekends, or even meal prepping for the week.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal

There are so many reasons why this Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal is an ideal breakfast choice. Here are just a few:

1. Convenient: This oatmeal recipe is made in a slow cooker, which means you can prepare it the night before or set it up in the morning while you’re getting ready. It cooks while you sleep or take care of other tasks.
2. Filling and Nutritious: Steel-cut oats are a great source of fiber and keep you full longer. Combined with the protein-packed peanut butter and the natural sweetness of apples, this oatmeal makes for a balanced and satisfying meal.
3. Customizable: The recipe can be easily adapted to suit your preferences. You can swap out the apples for pears, bananas, or berries, and adjust the sweetness with maple syrup or honey. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon or a scoop of protein powder for extra nutrients.
4. Comforting and Hearty: The combination of peanut butter and steel-cut oats gives this oatmeal a creamy, hearty texture that’s perfect for cooler mornings.
5. Family-Friendly: This oatmeal is a hit with both adults and kids, making it a perfect breakfast for the whole family. The peanut butter adds a rich, satisfying flavor that everyone loves, and the diced apples add just the right amount of sweetness.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious and hearty Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal:

• 1 cup steel-cut oats: Steel-cut oats are ideal for slow cooking because they retain their texture and don’t become mushy. They are packed with fiber, which makes this oatmeal extra filling.
• 1 ½ cups almond milk: Almond milk is used to make the oatmeal creamy and dairy-free, but you can swap it with any milk of your choice, including regular milk, oat milk, or coconut milk.
• 1 ½ cups water: Water is used to help cook the oats and create the perfect consistency. You can adjust the ratio of water and almond milk if you prefer a thicker or thinner oatmeal.
• 2 tablespoons peanut butter: Peanut butter adds flavor and creaminess to the oatmeal, making it extra satisfying.
• 2 apples (e.g., Honeycrisp), diced: Apples are a natural sweetener and add a fruity, crisp texture to the oatmeal. Honeycrisp apples work particularly well because they are both sweet and tart, but you can use any variety you like.
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness to the oatmeal, but you can adjust the amount or substitute with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
• Pinch of salt: A pinch of salt helps balance the sweetness and enhance the overall flavor.

Optional Toppings:

• Additional peanut butter
• Dried fruit (raisins, cranberries, or apricots)
• Mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or pecans)

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to prepare your Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: In the bowl of your slow cooker, combine the steel-cut oats, almond milk, water, and peanut butter. Stir the mixture until the peanut butter is fully incorporated and everything is well combined.
2. Add Apples and Sweetener: Stir in the diced apples, brown sugar, and a pinch of salt.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours, or on high for 3.5 to 4 hours, until the oats are tender and creamy.
4. Serve: Once the oatmeal is finished cooking, spoon it into bowls. Top with your choice of optional toppings like extra peanut butter, dried fruit, or mixed nuts for added texture and flavor.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here are the nutrition facts per serving:

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: 394 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 58g
  • Fiber: 8g
  • Sugars: 22g
• Protein: 11g
• Sodium: 130mg
• Cholesterol: 0mg

This oatmeal provides a good balance of healthy fats, protein, and fiber, making it a filling and nutritious breakfast option that will keep you full throughout the morning.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (or 3.5 to 4 hours on high)
• Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes

The preparation for this oatmeal is quick and easy. The slow cooker does all the hard work, so you don’t have to spend much time in the kitchen.

How to Serve

Once the oatmeal is ready, here are a few ways to serve it:

• Classic Serving: Spoon the oatmeal into bowls and enjoy as is for a hearty, satisfying breakfast.
• Add Extra Peanut Butter: For more peanut butter flavor, top the oatmeal with an additional spoonful of peanut butter.
• Dried Fruit: Add dried fruit like raisins, cranberries, or apricots for a sweet, chewy contrast.
• Mixed Nuts: Sprinkle mixed nuts such as almonds, walnuts, or pecans for added crunch and healthy fats.
• Maple Syrup: Drizzle a little maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

Additional Tips

Here are five tips to make your Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal even better:

1. Customizations: Swap the apples for pears, bananas, or berries for a fruity twist. You can also add a sprinkle of cinnamon for extra warmth and flavor.
2. Creamier Oatmeal: Stir in a splash of almond milk just before serving if you prefer a looser, creamier consistency.
3. Make It Your Own: Add a scoop of protein powder or chia seeds to boost the nutritional value of your oatmeal.
4. Meal Prep: Double or triple the recipe to make a big batch of oatmeal for several days. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to refresh the texture.
5. Sweetener Alternatives: Adjust the sweetness by using maple syrup, honey, or stevia instead of brown sugar.

FAQ Section

1. Can I use quick oats instead of steel-cut oats?
While you can use quick oats, steel-cut oats work best in a slow cooker because they hold their texture and don’t become mushy. Quick oats may turn out too soft.

2. Can I make this oatmeal without peanut butter?
Yes, you can skip the peanut butter and add a scoop of almond butter or sunflower seed butter for a different flavor.

3. Can I cook this oatmeal on the stove instead?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop by following the same instructions but reducing the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.

4. Can I use regular milk instead of almond milk?
Yes, feel free to use any milk you prefer, including dairy milk or oat milk.

5. Can I freeze leftover oatmeal?
Yes, you can freeze leftover oatmeal. Store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 1 month. Reheat with a little milk to refresh the texture.

6. Can I add other fruits?
Yes, you can add any fruits you like, such as berries, peaches, or bananas. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time slightly if you add softer fruits.

7. Can I use a slow cooker with a higher cooking temperature?
If your slow cooker runs hot, you may want to reduce the cooking time slightly or cook on low for a shorter time to avoid overcooking the oats.

8. How do I make this oatmeal sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter oatmeal, add extra maple syrup or honey just before serving.

9. Can I use a different type of nut butter?
Yes, you can use almond butter, cashew butter, or sunflower seed butter as a substitute for peanut butter.

10. How can I add more protein to this oatmeal?
To add more protein, stir in a scoop of protein powder or top with additional nuts or seeds.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Oatmeal is the perfect breakfast for anyone looking for a hearty, nutritious meal that’s easy to prepare. The combination of steel-cut oats, creamy peanut butter, and sweet apples makes this oatmeal both satisfying and delicious

. It’s customizable, so you can add your favorite toppings and fruits to suit your tastes. Plus, it’s a “set it and forget it” meal that takes minimal effort, making it perfect for busy mornings. Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick, comforting breakfast, this oatmeal is sure to become a staple in your morning routine.

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